The objective of this study is to analyze the indoor air quality of multi-use facilities using an IoT-based monitoring and control system. Thise study aims to identify effective management strategies and propose policy improvements. This research focused on 50 multi-use facilities, including daycare centers, medical centers, and libraries. Data on PM10, PM2.5, CO2, temperature, and humidity were collected 24 hours a day from June 2019 to April 2020. The analysis included variations in indoor air quality by season, hour, and day of the week (including both weekdays and weekends). Additionally, ways to utilize IoT monitoring systems using big data were propsed. The reliability analysis of the IoT monitoring network showed an accuracy of 81.0% for PM10 and 76.1% for PM2.5. Indoor air quality varied significantly by season, with higher particulate matter levels in winter and spring, and slightly higher levels on weekends compared to weekdays. There was a positive correlation found between outdoor and indoor pollutant levels. Indoor air quality management in multi-use facilities requires season-specific strategies, particularly during the winter and spring. Furhtermore, enhanced management is necessary during weekends due to higher pollutant levels.

Passengers on public buses operating in the metropolitan area are exposed to the closed indoor air for minutes to hours. The indoor air quality of buses is mostly controlled through ceiling-mounted ventilation and filtration devices. A simulation study using a commercial code was conducted for fluid flow analysis to evaluate the potential effectiveness of an air purifier that can be inserted into bus windows to supply clean air from the outside to the inside. As a result of field measurements, the average CO2 concentration inside the bus during morning and evening rush hours ranged from 2,106±309 ppm to 3,308 ± 255 ppm depending on the number of passengers on board. This exceeded the Guideline for Public Transportation. The optimal installation position of an air purifier appeared to be the front side of the bus. In fact, even a low diffusing flow velocity of 0.5m/s was effective enough to maintain a low concentration of CO2 throughout the indoor space. Based on numerical analysis predictions with 45 passengers on board, the maximum CO2 concentration in the breathing zone was 2,203 ppm with the operation of an air purifier.

Vulnerable populations in healthcare facilities are more sensitive to exposure to indoor air pollutants, and therefore are more affected by such pollutants than the general population. This was the underlying reason why studies of indoor air pollutant concentration distribution and health risk assessment have been conducted targeting facilities, such as daycare centers, medical facilities, elderly care facilities, and postnatal care centers. However, previous studies have mainly focused on daycare and medical facilities for their research, and relatively speaking, studies conducted on the other venues are lacking. Therefore, this study aims to present the current status of indoor air quality and perform a health risk assessment in regard to Formaldehyde exposure at postnatal care centers and elderly care facilities. Here, the study focused on facilities that had undergone pollution level inspections from January 2017 to December 2021. A total of 81 postnatal care centers and 48 elderly care facilities were selected as the subject of the study. Then, the study utilized concentrations of five elements (CO2, HCHO, PM10, PM2.5, TBC) to determine the status of indoor air quality of both postnatal care centers and elderly care facilities. For health risk assessment, HCHO concentration was used. The investigation demonstrated that the yearly average concentration of the five elements stood within the indoor air quality maintenance standards, and the ratio of PM2.5 to PM10 in the two types of facilities was distributed as high as about 70%. In addition, the study showed that HCHO and TBC demonstrated a positive correlation when the relationship between indoor temperature and humidity with the five elements was examined. The health risk assessment showed that the cancer risk level of postnatal care center users stood below 10-6, below the level that is perceived as an acceptable risk. The cancer risk of workers from both postnatal care centers and elderly care facilities and elderly care facility users exceeded the acceptable risk level of 10-6, but was shown to be below 10-4, the maximum acceptable risk.

Fungi are organisms that must be monitored and controlled in order to preserve valuable paper records. They reduce the quality of paper records by degradation and/or discoloration. As an effort to understand fungal contamination in the National Archives of Korea, the concentration of fungi in the indoor air of the unsterilized record rooms has been reported. However, what species are present in the facilities is not much known. In the present study, we examined the fungi isolated from the National Archives of Korea and found among them that there are fungal species which are newly documented in Korea. They were identified based on morphological properties and nucleotide sequences analysis of the polymerase chain reaction-amplified the internal transcribed spacer region of rDNA, calmodulin gene, and beta-tubulin gene. We report Cladosporium parahalotolerans, Cladosporium subuliforme, Ochroconis mirabilis, Penicillium angulare, and Penicillium fundyense as new instances of fungal species in Korea. Among these five species, P. angulare is known to able to produce cellulase and O. mirabilis as an opportunistic pathogen of human and animals.

Distribution of airborne bacteria in the entire regions of South Korea was investigated and analyzed by region and type of multi-use facilities. At first, 10 public facilities were selected including general restaurant, retail store, public transport, retail market, apartment house, underground parking lot, financial institution, business facility, educational institution, and public toilet, which are located at the regions such as Seoul, Busan, Daejeon, Gwangju, Gyeonggi, Jeju, and Gangwon. The regional distribution of the floating bacteria was identified that Micrococcus sp. was highly prevalent in Seoul (21.5 percent). In Daejeon, Bacillus sp. was highly prevalent (12.4 percent). In Busan, Micrococcus sp. was highly prevalent (22.8 percent). In Gwangju, Bacillus sp. was 9.35%. In Gyeonggi, Micrococcus sp. was 13.7%, and in Gwangju and Jeju, Micrococcus sp. was 11.2 percent and 92%. All in all, Micrococcus sp. and Bacillus sp. were highly detected throughout the entire region and multi-use facilities. Next, whether or not these airborne bacteria could influence the health of people was examined using HaCat human skin cell line which is human epithermal Karatinocytes related to allergic dermatitis. Among these isolated microorganisms, the HaCat cell proliferation was decreased by Arthrobacter sp., Bacillus sp., Brachybacterium sp., Brevundimonas sp., Kocuria sp., Mammaliicoccus sp., Norcardia sp., Prestia sp., Phychrobacillus sp., and Rhodococcus sp., while it was affected by the other bacteria. Therefore, these results have suggested that the airborne floating bacteria could be considered as the marker for the environmental risk management against atopic dermatitis, and it is needed for controlling the bacteria number that suppressed the proliferation of HaCat cells.

This study measured the suspended fungal concentration in indoor multiple facilities nationwide. The regions were selected as representative cities by region: Seoul, Gyeonggi (Incheon), Gangwon, Gwangju, Daejeon, and Busan. A total of 2028 regional comparisons, including department stores, schools, public toilets, libraries, and banks, subway, sports facilities and comparative analysis were conducted for each multi-use facility industry. Among the nationwide, Among the regions, the average concentration of floating mold in indoor multi-use facilities was the lowest in Busan at 394.67 CFU/m3, followed by Gyeonggi and Incheon 487.90 CFU/m3, Seoul 542.84 CFU/m3, Daejeon 809.30 CFU/m3, Gangwon 1,145.22 CFU/m3, Gwangju was 1,371.10 CFU/m3 in the order. Busan was the lowest, and Gangwon was the highest. The reason that Busan, which has a high average temperature and population density, shows a lower mold concentration than Gangwon, is that floating mold in the indoor air is not affected by the external atmospheric environment, population density, and number of facility users. Although it cannot be said that there is no influence of the atmospheric environment, it was found that the indoor environment has different characteristics from the outdoor environment. The importance of air quality management has been confirmed, and further, it is necessary to subdivide the management standards by region and multi-use facilities, and the management standards need to be converted to maintenance rather than recommendations.

Air curtains, blowing air streams across a doorway, were installed in trial trains on subway line 7 in 2021 and they have been operated with dust collectors to improve the air quality of subway trains. In this study, we investigated the effects of air curtains on the indoor air quality in the trial subway trains. The concentrations of PM2.5 and carbon dioxide in the four selected cabins were measured in the morning hours (e.g., 7:30–11:30 am including the morning rush hour). The measurements were conducted on February 26, March 31, April 30, and May 14, 2021 and air curtain (AC)s and dust collector (DC)s in the four cabins were operated differently on those measuring days. All devices were turned off in the control cabin and only ACs, only DCs, and both the ACs and DCs were turned on in the other three cabins, respectively. The 4-h-averaged PM2.5 concentrations in the cabins, where only ACs and only DCs are turned on, are lower than in the control cabin by 18% and 26%, respectively. In addition, the joint operation of ACs and DCs can decrease the PM2.5 concentration by up to 42%. The time series of PM2.5 concentrations, measured on April 30, illustrate again that ACs block the intrusion of outside particulate matters. The 4-h-averaged carbon dioxide concentrations in the four cabins do not show monotonic differences between the cabins because of the generation of carbon dioxides inside the cabins. When the weights of individual cars and thus the numbers of passengers are similar between the cabins, the carbon dioxide concentrations in the ACs-operated cabins are higher than in the control cabin. This indicates that ACs can block the outward emission of carbon dioxides and maybe other indoor air pollutants as well.

Fungi have been known as an irritant or causal agent of asthma. Thus, information on their concentration and diversity in indoor air of asthmatic patient’s houses is valuable for the management of these micro-organisms. The present study was performed to investigate fungal concentration and diversity in indoor air of resident spaces in two adult patient’s houses in winter. Air samples were collected in February of 2018 from living rooms and bedrooms of two asthma patients’ houses located in two different places in Incheon city using an impaction method. The average concentrations of airborne fungi did not exceed the 500 CFU/m3 level which is recommended by the Enforcement Managements of the Indoor Air Quality, Ministry of Environment, Korea. A total of four genera and 23 species were identified based on morphological and molecular methods. Aspergillus and Penicillium were two major genera. Aspergillus pseudoglaucus and Penicillium citrinum were commonly found between the two patient’s houses. Among the identified fungi, three species, Aspergillus venenatus, Penicillium jamesonlandense, and Penicillium salami were found to be unrecorded species in Korea. The morphological and molecular characteristics of these three unrecorded species were described. Since these species produce spores well and a lot, they are considered to be a species that needs management. This study provides basic information on the fungi for indoor air quality management in the living spaces of asthma patients in winter in Korea.

Indoor air quality management is essential for a healthy life. However, it is difficult to perceive, detect, and monitor the level of indoor air pollution and this means that it is possible to be exposed to more pollution indoors than outdoors. In this study, in order to derive effective indoor air quality management measures, public perceptions and behavioral characteristics regarding indoor particulate matter and air quality management methods were investigated through a survey of 1,000 people. Based on the survey, it was found that most of the respondents had a negative perception of the indoor air quality of their residence, and natural ventilation was the most used method for indoor air quality management. Although the frequency of use of air quality management devices such as air purifiers and mechanical ventilation systems was relatively low, their effect regarding air quality management was positively perceived. In particular, the results of survey indicated that respondents of families which included members with fragile health engaged in more active behavior regarding in indoor air quality management than those respondents whose family members had no health issues and that the former have used air quality management devices more frequently. Therefore, it is necessary to develop proper guidelines to encourage more people to actively participate in improving indoor air quality.

In this study, indoor air quality indices (IAQI-C and IAQI-E) were developed for child care centers and elderly care centers based on health effects, and compared to the air quality index (CAI) for outdoor atmosphere. In addition, composite indices that integrate individual indices for each pollutant were developed to quickly and conveniently recognize the current air quality. Among all data, 71.2% and 35.6% belonged to the grades 'Good' and 'Moderate' for child care centers and elderly care centers, respectively. This assessment is more stringent than the CAI's criteria.

본 연구에서는 보육시설 실내공기에서 분리된 식중독 균 주의 독소 유전자 분포와 항생제 내성을 분석하여 보육시설 실내공기에 의한 식중독 발생을 사전 예방하고 식중독 발생 시 적절한 치료를 위한 기초자료를 제공하고자 하였다. 어린이집 실내공기에서 분리된 Staphylococcus aureus 16주, Bacillus cereus 37주를 실험대상으로 하였다. S. aureus와 B. cereus 독소 유전자는 PCR 방법으로 검출하였다. 항생제 감수성 실험은 Clinical and Laboratory Standard Institute의 디스크 확산법에 따라 실험하였다. S. aureus 16 균주 중 11 균주(68.6%)에서 seg와 sei 독소 유전자가 검출되었다. B. cereus 37 균주 모두에서 nheA와 nheB 독소 유전자가 검출되었다. B. cereus 독소 유전자 패턴은 총 12개로 나타났으며 nheA-nheB-nheC 독소 유전 자가 가장 중요한 패턴으로 나타났다. S. aureus 16 균주의 항생제 감수성실험 결과 ampicillin과 penicillin 항생제 에 93.8%, 87.5% 내성을 나타내었으나 methicillin resistance Staphylococcus aureus와 vacomycin resistance Staphylococcus aureus는 검출되지 않았다. B. cereus 37 균주의 항생제 감수성 실험 결과 ampicillin과 penicillin 항생제에 100% 내성을 나타냈었다. 이러한 결과를 종합하여 볼 때 보육시 설 실내공기에 오염된 S. aureus와 B. cereus에 의한 식중독을 발생을 예방하기 위하여 주기적인 환기와 공기 질 관리가 필요한 것으로 판단되었다.

This study was conducted to help manage total floating bacteria and fungi in the indoor air by studying the characteristics of total floating bacteria and fungi according to the indoor CO2 concentration of daycare centers. The sampling and analysis of samples was based on the indoor air quality process test method, and the result analysis was conducted using the SPSS statistical program to perform correlation and regression analysis. Correlation and regression results show that CO2 and total airborne bacteria showed positive relationships, but airborne mold did not show relevance. In addition, in order to identify factors affecting airborne mold, correlation analysis and regression analysis were performed regarding total airborne bacteria, PM10, PM2.5, HCHO, outdoor mold, I/O ratio, indoor temperature/ humidity, area per classroom and volume. The results showed that the factors affecting airborne mold were I/O ratio, outdoor airborne mold, and total airborne bacteria. Research results show that CO2 and total airborne bacteria can be reduced and controlled by natural ventilation, and in the case of airborne mold, mechanical forced ventilation such as hoods will be necessary due to the introduction of outdoor airborne mold. In addition, it is necessary to consider I/O ratio criteria in order to confirm effective indoor mold contamination, taking into account the effect of outdoor mold inflow.

National concerns about air pollution are growing. The importance of indoor air quality is emerging because people live in an indoor environment more than 90% of the day. In particular, the indoor air quality of schools needs to be managed as teenagers are vulnerable to environmental pollution. The government has designated the School Health Act in order to manage indoor air quality in schools. Air purifiers have been operated to improve indoor air quality in the classroom since 2018. In this study, we performed on-site evaluations in some classrooms, and then we proposed a plan for improving the air quality in the classroom. In this study, PM10, PM2.5, and CO2 in classrooms in Chungnam were measured to analyze the effect of air cleaner supply. A portable aerosol spectrometer (PAS, model 1.109, Grimm) and CO2 meter (TES 1370, TES) were used as measuring instruments. Schools A and B exceeded the recommended standards, while school C met the standards. The ratio of PM10, PM2.5 in classrooms A and B was 0.58 and 0.5, respectively. Correlation analysis was performed between indoor and outdoor pollutants to analyze the effects of particulate pollutants present in each classroom. First, the measured concentration of fine particles was classified according to/on the basis of factors that affect/influence the internal environment of the classroom. Then, fine dust concentrations measured at the same time as AQMS were classified with regard to the external factors. The gradients for each classroom were 1.57, 1.63, and 1.54, although there were differences in concentration, but they were relatively similar. It is necessary to develop and disseminate customized air purifiers considering the activity of the occupants of classrooms. It is important to consider the areas in which s tudents breathe when installing air purifiers in the classroom. In addition, follow-up management of air purifiers is an essential element. For efficient operation and management of indoor air quality, it is necessary to develop and disseminate standard manuals for air purifiers. It is proposed that an environmental manager should be deployed in schools to manage environmental issues. Standardization of air purifiers, management guidelines for standard manuals, and field support for environmental sheriffs should be established on a legal basis.

This study aimed to assess the pollution level in 13 crowded subway stations in an effort to understand the spatial and seasonal factors of Indoor Air Quality. The main measured items were particulate pollutants such as PM10 and PM2.5 and gaseous pollutants such as CO2, HCHO, Rn, TVOC, BTEX, and Styrene at concourses and platforms in the summer and winter periods. The influence of the draught created by the movement of the train was classified into lateral and island platforms, and the concentrations of PM by location (entrance, middle, and end) were statistically compared and analyzed. As a result, the concentrations of PM were confirmed high in the order of Platform > Concourse > Ambient air. In particular, in the case of platform PM10, the frequency exceeding the standard value (100 μg/m3) was 38.5% and the maximum concentration was 196.2 μg/m3. All gaseous pollutants were at lower levels than the standard, and the factors affecting CO2 and Rn were identified as the number of users and geological characteristics, respectively. The principal component analysis (PCA) demonstrated that PM was found to be a major indicator of the air quality management of subway stations. In particular, the concentrations at entrance and end areas in the lateral platform were about 1.4 times higher with regard to PM10 than in the middle area, and about 1.9 times higher with regard to PM2.5 due to the effect created by the draught produced by the movement of the train. Therefore, in order to manage PM in the platform area, a specialized management plan for places with particularly high PM concentration within the platform area is required. In addition, it is necessary to evaluate the effect created by the draught produced by train movement when selecting locations for measuring indoor air quality.

In this study, the effect of improving indoor air quality according to the installation of plants was evaluated in classrooms where students spend much time. The purpose was to prepare sustainable and eco-friendly measures to improve the indoor air quality of school classrooms. A middle school in Bucheon was selected as an experiment subject, and IAQ monitoring equipment based on IoT was installed to monitor indoor air quality. After measuring the basic background concentration, plants and air purifiers were installed and the effects of improving indoor air quality using plants and air purifiers were evaluated based on the collected big data. As a result of evaluating the effects of indoor air quality improvement on the installation of plants and air purifiers, the reduction rates of PM10 and PM2.5 in descending order were plant- and air purifier- installed classes, air purifier-installed classes, and plant-installed classes. CO2 levels were reduced in the classrooms with only plants, and increased in two classrooms with air purifiers. The increase in CO2 concentration in the classrooms with plants and air purifiers was lower than in those with only air purifiers.

In this paper, we conducted a survey to reveal the general perception of parents toward outdoor air quality, particulate matter (PM), and indoor air quality (IAQ) at schools where their children attend. A total of 1,030 parents participated in this survey, where the age of their children ranged between 7 years to over 19 years of age. Each participant was either a member of a non-governmental organization (NGO) with a keen interest in air quality or an ordinary public panel member with less interest. The result of the survey indicated that the participants had a negative perception of air quality, and parents believed that the outdoor and indoor air is extremely polluted. The participants pointed out that they believe that the main reason for the pollution is due to particulate matter (PM) and school classrooms are the location where their children are exposed to PM the most. Based on our study, the majority of the participants prefer a mechanical ventilation system to reduce indoor air pollutants in schools. Our study should be referred to by school officials in order to maintain IAQ and as a way of addressing the concerns of parents who want to protect their children’s health.

Mold is one of the harmful biological pollutants in the indoor environment. To investigate how the contamination degree of mold existing in the indoor environment differs according to the characteristics of the house, the concentration of mold in the indoor air was investigated for the houses damaged by leakage or flooding. As a result of a survey of 20 houses located in Gyeonggi-do and Chungcheong-do, the concentration of mold in indoor air surprisingly exceeded more than two times the recommended indoor air quality standard of 500 CFU/m3 in all the houses investigated. The fungal concentration was high in houses with condensation and mold odors. As for the housing type, the pollution degree was higher in detached houses than in row houses. As for the type of water damage, mold contamination was higher in the leaky houses than in the flooded houses. The degree of mold concentration was 1,237 CFU/ m3 in the leaky houses. In terms of housing age, pollution was very high in houses over 20 years old. The occurrence of these measured mold concentrations was correlated at a significant level with respect to the properties of the house. This study shows that in the case of water damaged houses, careful management of mold contamination is required.