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Measurements taken by the Martingrove Free Press have revealed
unusually high concentrations of carbon dioxide (CO2) in
various areas within Martingrove C.I.
High C02 readings indicate inadequate ventilation, which,
according to the Environmental Protection Agency, an American
governmental organization, can cause:
- Drowsiness, headaches, sore eyes, and nausea
- Increased incidence of airborne infection
- Decreased academic performance
- Increased rates of absenteeism
While the measurements in many parts of the building were
within acceptable ranges, several locations showed CO2 concentrations
well above 1000 parts per million (ppm), the American Society
of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning Engineers
(ASHRAE) standard. This included classrooms 114, 117, 173
and 245. Other areas of particularly poor air quality included
the boys' change room and the hallway between rooms 145
and 174.
In several instances, windows in the adjacent hallways
were open, allowing even more fresh air to circulate. Since
this is often not feasible in the winter months, the indoor
air quality at Martingrove could potentially deteriorate
as the year progresses.
Carbon dioxide, a by-product of human respiration, is an
excellent indicator of the amount of fresh air being circulated
in a room; in order to keep CO2 levels low, fresh air must
be circulated to dilute the CO2 released by the occupants.
Outdoors, the CO2 concentration is approximately 350ppm.
Indoors, however, it can reach 600ppm without any complaints
from the occupants. Between 600ppm and 800ppm, complaints
become more frequent, especially in warmer weather. From
800ppm to 1000ppm, complaints are even more persistent.
Above 1000ppm, complaints are widespread.
The ASHRAE recommends in Standard 62 that each person in
an indoor office or conference room receive 10 litres of
outside air per second per person. This is based on the
goal of keeping CO2 levels below 1000ppm. The TDSB follows
ASHRAE standard 62 when constructing new schools.
"For existing buildings," says TDSB employee
Vladin Strashun, "It is a bit more complicated; most
probably do not conform to existing [building] codes, but
there is no legal requirement that we know of requiring
an upgrade." However, the impact of poor indoor air
quality on staff and students is irrespective of the age
of the school.
The measurements were made with a TSI 8551 QTRAK IAQ monitor
rented from Levitt Safety. Levitt Safety provides air monitoring
equipment to firms such as the Industrial Accident Prevention
Association. Temperature, relative humidity, CO2 concentration,
and carbon monoxide (CO) were all measured. All samples
were taken between 12:00PM and 1:45PM on Friday, October
4th.
Miscellaneous Statistics:
Lowest measured CO2 concentration: 692 (Library)
Highest measured CO2 concentration: 1153 (Rm. 245)
Number of locations tested: 28
View the statistics for more
information.
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