Airborne Particulates Assessment in KL Sentral, Malaysia: Symptoms Associated with Sick Building Syndrome and Perceptions on Indoor Air Quality among Malaysian

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Abstract:

Since most of our time were spent indoors, Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) is very important to our health and comfort. A study on IAQ and specifically on airborne particulates are the best means to identify and reduce the negative effects of airborne particulates in the building to the occupants of building. The previous studies concentrated mainly on medical incidents that can usually be traced back and officially verified cases such as asthmatic and acute respiratory infection. Unfortunately, other medical complaints such as eye, nose or throat irritation, headaches, fatigue, dizziness, difficulty in concentration and nausea (odour) cases have not been studied. The study of air pollution here is very important in order to obtain the knowledge about the level of air quality especially airborne particulates that may affect the human health. It is done by focusing on 100 respondents who were occupants of building or public users. The primary data obtained in October to December 2010. From the survey conducted, there are 47 (56%) of the total respondents experienced health problems due to SBS and BRI in their office building for examples eye, nose or throat irritation, headaches, dry skin and humidifier fever meanwhile, their perceptions on Indoor Air Quality within selected office buildings (i.e. SSM, KTMB and MRCB, KL Sentral) found that there are 50% of respondents thought that air quality in their building is in good condition. Hence, the level of awareness on the importance of healthy IAQ in office buildings among the occupants also needs to be improved.

Keywords:

Indoor Air Quality (IAQ), Particulates, Sick building syndrome, Human health.