Assessments on the Effect of Ventilation System Associated with Children Respiratory Symptoms in Child Care Centers

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to report the findings of indoor air quality study at childcare centers in Malaysia. Modified American Thoracic Society and the Division of Lung Diseases (ATS-DLD-78) questionnaire was used to gather information from parents regarding their children’s respiratory symptoms. IAQ parameters were measured for air temperature, humidity, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, respirable particles (PM2.5), bacteria, fungi and air change rate. CCC characteristics were collected via inspection and interviews. Multivariable analysis on respiratory symptoms showed significantly high risk among those attending ACMV CCCs. Significant symptom was persistent cough AOR: 3.20 (CI: 1.03; 9.96)] and productive cough with phlegm) AOR: 5.56 (2.21; 14.20). The amount of ventilation rates determine in this study was 2.3±1.6L/s/person and the air exchange rate for ACMV CCCs at children breathing zone was 5.1 ACH.