Distribution and Exposure Levels to Particulate Matter in Gyms Located in Shopping Malls

Abstract

Suitable indoor air quality is of utmost importance in places where physical activities are performed in order to maximize the related health benefits. This study evaluated the exposure to different particulate matter (PM) fractions and characterized thermal comfort parameters in three fitness centers (FCs) located in shopping malls. PM was continuously (n = 216,000) monitored for 34 days in three FCs situated in urban-background and urban-traffic zones of Porto Metropolitan Area, Portugal. Human occupancy and the respective activities increase indoor PM in all FCs; when occupied PM levels were 1.3–10 times higher than when places were without people. PM0.3–2.5 composed the majority of indoor PM (46–64%), but outdoor infiltrations lead to a higher proportion of coarse fractions (~54% of the total PM). Finally, PM10 means exceeded the Portuguese protection threshold, whereas comfort parameters were generally within the indicated guidelines. Elevated levels of PM10 in studied environments may promote possible risks for the respective occupants, both professionals, and exercisers.