Air Quality in Fitness Centers: The Impact of Ventilation Restrictions-A Case Study

Abstract

To stay healthy, people frequent sports facilities. This work aimed to evaluate air pollution and comfort parameters in a fitness club in the post lockdown period (due to the COVID-19 pandemic), focusing on particulate material (PM10, PM2.5) and gaseous pollutants (total volatile organic compounds-TVOCs, carbon dioxide-CO2, and carbon monoxide CO). Sampling was carried out for 10 consecutive days in October 2020 in one fitness center (Oporto, Portugal). The results showed that indoor PM10 ranged from 1.4 to 122.5 µg/m3 and PM2.5 was between 0.8 and 25 µg/m3; the overall levels were in accordance with the current legislation. TVOC means were 0.39 mg/m3 when not occupied and 0.43 mg/m3 when exercising subjects were present, thus also fulfilling the limit 0.6 mg/m3). Average CO2 was 1400 mg/m3 with temporal maxima (2660-2894 mg/m3) exceeding the protection threshold. Finally, temperature and relative humidity exceeded the recommended comfort levels, especially during group activity classes. (c) 2022, Universidade do Porto - Faculdade de Engenharia. All rights reserved.