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

Azli Abd Razak; Abdul Malik Zainol Abidin; Hamidi Saidin; Rafiza Shaharudin; Mohd Faizal Mohamad; Muhad Rozi Mat Nawi

Authors

Azli Abd Razak Universiti Teknologi MARA, Institute for Medical Research Ministry of Health, Malaysia
Abdul Malik Zainol Abidin Universiti Teknologi MARA, Institute for Medical Research Ministry of Health, Malaysia
Hamidi Saidin Universiti Teknologi MARA, Institute for Medical Research Ministry of Health, Malaysia
Rafiza Shaharudin Universiti Teknologi MARA, Institute for Medical Research Ministry of Health, Malaysia
Mohd Faizal Mohamad Universiti Teknologi MARA, Institute for Medical Research Ministry of Health, Malaysia
Muhad Rozi Mat Nawi Universiti Teknologi MARA, Institute for Medical Research Ministry of Health, Malaysia

Keywords:

Indoor air quality, respiratory symptom, ventilation rate, air exchange rate

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.