ORIGINAL RESEARCH
The Variability of Indoor Air Pollutants in the Office and Their Impact on the Workers’ Health
 
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1
Interdisciplinary School of Doctoral Studies, “Aurel Vlaicu” University, Romania, 2 Elena Drăgoi, Arad 310330, Romania
 
2
Institute of Interdisciplinary Research; Faculty of Food Engineering, Tourism and Environmental Protection, Aurel Vlaicu University of Arad, Elena Drăgoi St., no. 2, 310330 Arad, Romania
 
3
2ndDepartment of Internal Medicine, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 8 Victor Babes St., 400012, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
 
 
Submission date: 2023-12-05
 
 
Final revision date: 2024-03-01
 
 
Acceptance date: 2024-03-24
 
 
Online publication date: 2024-06-20
 
 
Publication date: 2025-01-02
 
 
Corresponding author
Lucian Copolovici   

Natural and Technical Science, Aurel Vlaicu University from Arad, 2 Elena Dragoi, 310330, Arad, Romania
 
 
Pol. J. Environ. Stud. 2025;34(1):835-849
 
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ABSTRACT
This study examines the dynamics of indoor air quality in an office environment within a metropolis, with a specific focus on particulate matter (PM), formaldehyde, and total volatile organic compounds (TVOCs). The levels of PM concentrations stay constant at a value of 13.9±2.9 μg/m3 for PM2.5 throughout working hours, with a significant impact on human activities. The formaldehyde concentration inside increases thrice during 8 hours, from 9±5 μg/m3 to 27±14 μg/m3, primarily from furniture and electronics. The total volatile organic compounds (TVOCs) levels significantly increase from 0.050±0.044 μg/m3 at 8.00 to 0.14±0.11 μg/m3 at 15.00, which can be attributed to indoor contaminants such as plastics and consumer items. PM concentrations exhibit seasonal fluctuations, with higher levels observed during colder months (37±5 μg/m3 for PM2.5 in December and 8±1 μg/m3 for PM2.5 in August in the office, mainly due to outdoor contribution. Analysis of settled dust indicates a varied composition, suggesting the presence of both building materials and human activity. Employees exhibit symptoms consistent with Sick Building Syndrome, with a higher prevalence among females. The results emphasize the significance of dealing with variations in indoor air quality and identifying the causes that affect the health of occupants and the well-being of the workplace.
CONFLICT OF INTEREST
The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper.
eISSN:2083-5906
ISSN:1230-1485
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