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. 2016 Dec 14;13(12):1240.
doi: 10.3390/ijerph13121240.

Evaluation of Indoor Air Quality Screening Strategies: A Step-Wise Approach for IAQ Screening

Ling-Tim Wong  1 , Kwok-Wai Mui  2 , Tsz-Wun Tsang  3
Affiliations

Evaluation of Indoor Air Quality Screening Strategies: A Step-Wise Approach for IAQ Screening

Ling-Tim Wong et al. Int J Environ Res Public Health. .

Abstract

Conducting a full indoor air quality (IAQ) assessment in air-conditioned offices requires large-scale material and manpower resources. However, an IAQ index can be adopted as a handy screening tool to identify any premises (with poor IAQ) that need more comprehensive IAQ assessments to prioritize IAQ improvements. This study proposes a step-wise IAQ screening protocol to facilitate its cost-effective management among building owners and managers. The effectiveness of three IAQ indices, namely θ₁ (with one parameter: CO₂), θ₂ (with two parameters: CO₂ and respirable suspended particulates, RSP) and θ₃ (with three parameters: CO₂, RSP, and total volatile organic compounds, TVOC) are evaluated. Compared in a pairwise manner with respect to the minimum satisfaction levels as stated in the IAQ Certification Scheme by the Hong Kong Environmental Protection Department, the results show that a screening test with more surrogate IAQ parameters is good at identifying both lower and higher risk groups for unsatisfactory IAQ, and thus offers higher resolution. Through the sensitivity and specificity for identifying IAQ problems, the effectiveness of alternative IAQ screening methods with different monitoring parameters is also reported.

Keywords: air-conditioned office; assessment; indoor air quality; screening.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Screening and decision-making process for indoor air quality (IAQ) management.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Results of pre- and post-test probabilities (with corresponding verbal probability expressions) under different screening levels. Lr: Likelihood ratio.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Full test unsatisfactory rate versus post-test failure probability.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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