Indoor and Outdoor Air Quality Correlation in Hospitals of Al-Qadisiyah Governorate, Iraq

Abstract

People spend the vast majority of their time inside buildings, including hospitals. In the Al-Qadisiyah Governorate, seven distinct locations were chosen to assess the air quality inside and outside of hospitals. The quality of the air both indoors and outside was analyzed, examining PM1.0, PM2.5, and PM10 levels, as well as HCHO, TVOC, CO2, temperature, and relative humidity. According to the results of the measurements that were carried out, the concentrations of PM2.5 and PM10 both inside and outside were found to be greater than the threshold limits that are specified by WHO for international standards. Moreover, the levels of formaldehyde were found to be higher than those recommended by the WHO at every site of the hospitals, with the exception of Al Hussein and the hospitals for women and children. During the spring, a strong positive association between indoor and outdoor particulate matter, total volatile organic compounds, and formaldehyde was detected. This correlation indicates that there may be serious health effects for healthcare staff and patients who are exposed to the inside settings of hospitals.