Indoor Air Quality Under Restricted Ventilation and Occupancy Scenarios with Focus on Particulate Matter: A Case Study of Fitness Centre

Abstract

Objective: This work assessed particulate matter (PM 1, PM 2.5, PM 5 and PM 10 ) and thermal comfort parameters (temperature, relative humidity) in indoor air of fitness centre, under restricted ventilation and occupancy scenarios. Background: Exercising on regular basis provides countless health benefits, which might be countered if done in environments with poor air. Methods: PM was continuously (24 h) monitored for two weeks in one fitness club situated Oporto Metropolitan Area, Portugal. Various indoor spaces (body building and cardio fitness areas, studios) were assessed. Results: Across all spaces, PM 10 ranged 13298 gm-3, (mean 56 gm-3 ) exceeding Portuguese limit of 50 gm-3. PM 5 (4196 gm-3; 42 gm-3 ) were highly correlated with PM 10 (|rs| = 0.937), whereas PM 2.5 (3.849 gm-3; 14 gm-3 ) and PM 1 (1.626 gm-3; 7.5 gm-3 ) accounted for, respectively, 25% and 15% of PM 10. Finally, relative humidity was well below the indicated guideline range. Conclusions: The obtained results suggest possible inhalation risks and discomforts for the occupants of the respective fitness centre. Reasonable measures should be used to regulate indoor air quality, even under restricted conditions, in order to ensure safe and comfortable environments. (c) 2022, The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.