Indoor Air Quality Levels of Some Criteria Pollutants in University Hostels in Nigeria

Indoor air quality (IAQ) has been a matter of public concern especially in residential buildings in Nigeria. Poor IAQ can profoundly impact the health, comfort and productivity of building occupants. This study investigated the IAQ of five hostels in Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO) Nigeria. A list of key criteria pollutants measured was nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulphur dioxide (SO2), carbon monoxide (CO) and particulate matters (PM). The result of the study indicated that only seven cases of NO2 (e.g., three in hostel A and four in hostel B) were reported to exceed the Indoor Air Quality Guidelines and standards [e.g., National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS)/USEPA value of 0.05ppm]. Also, none of the readings for SO2, CO and PM exceeded the guideline level of 0.14ppm, 9ppm and 150µg/m3 respectively. The levels of indoor pollutants found in the hostels could result from the indoor use of combustion devices such as use of gas and kerosene stoves, high occupant density and air infiltration from outdoor air.