DLSU Senior High School Research Congress Conference Proceedings
Document Type
Poster Presentation
Research Advisor (Last Name, First Name, Middle Initial)
Rempillo, Ofelia T.
Abstract/Executive Summary
As urbanization rates rose, air pollution has become an increasing concern in our society, leading to poor air quality and several cases of respiratory diseases and illnesses. Adequate air quality levels were needed in indoor environments such as schools, as people spend the majority of their time indoors. Thus, this study aimed to assess the ambient air quality in the vicinity of the DLSU campuses in Manila and Laguna by determining the current level of Particulate Matter less than 2.5 microns (PM2.5) while also evaluating indoor air quality at two different locations in the Manila campus by measuring PM2.5 and carbon dioxide (CO₂) levels. This study analyzed the relationship between indoor and outdoor air quality and whether air quality control measures taken post-COVID-19 pandemic were sufficient to decrease indoor air pollution. Results of the study showed that ambient PM2.5 in the Manila campus was higher compared to Laguna, most likely due to greater traffic emissions. Indoor PM2.5 showed no correlation with ambient PM2.5 levels, indicating that the PM2.5 was likely coming from indoor sources. Levels of CO₂ were found to be higher in the classroom as compared to the laboratory setting due to the greater number of students present. Levels of CO₂ and PM2.5 were shown to be within the safe levels, except for a few instances above the WHO air quality guideline.
Keywords
air pollutants; ambient air quality; indoor air quality; pollutant measurements; respiratory health