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VOL. 7, ISSUE 4 (2025)
Atmospheric conditions, indoor air quality, and material deterioration: Implications for human safety in Edjeba, Warri-South LGA, Nigeria
Authors
Adeyemi, Oyeyemi, Ariyo, Abdulhamiid Olatunji
Abstract
This study evaluated the impact of building
age on indoor air quality by assessing particulate matter (PM 0.3–PM 10),
gaseous pollutants (CO₂, CO, H₂S, formaldehyde, TVOCs, combustible gases), and
microclimatic parameters (temperature, relative humidity, and moisture content
of building materials and furniture). Buildings were stratified into five age
categories: <1 year, 1–5 years, 6–10 years, 11–15 years, and >15 years.
Measurements were conducted using standard air quality monitoring equipment,
and data were expressed as mean ± SEM. Statistical differences were determined
at p<0.05. Results indicated that PM 0.3 concentrations peaked in
>15-year-old buildings (e.g., 42.3 µg/m³), whereas PM 0.5 and PM 1.0 levels
were highest in 6–10-year-old structures (30.2 µg/m³ and 27.8 µg/m³,
respectively). PM 10 was undetectable across all categories. Gaseous pollutant
analysis revealed that carbon monoxide (CO) concentrations were significantly
elevated in buildings aged 6–10 years (488.42 ± 1.40 ppm) and 11–15 years
(486.77 ± 2.51 ppm), surpassing the <1-year category (476.38 ± 6.14 ppm).
Combustible gases (EX) followed a similar trend, with peak levels in
6–10-year-old buildings (15.88 ± 0.69 ppm). Microclimatic data showed a progressive
decline in indoor temperature with building age, from 29.08 ± 0.17°C in
<1-year buildings to 24.44 ± 0.31°C in >15-year-old structures. Relative
humidity was highest in >15-year-old buildings (72.53 ± 1.89%), while
furniture moisture content peaked at 44.94 ± 0.61% in the 6–10-year category.
Oxygen concentration was notably reduced in >15-year-old buildings (14.7 ±
0.43 ppm), highlighting ventilation inefficiencies. These findings emphasise
that mid-aged buildings (6–15 years) are particularly prone to pollutant
accumulation due to structural ageing and ventilation degradation. Regular air
quality monitoring, refurbishment of ventilation systems, and moisture
management strategies are recommended to safeguard indoor environmental quality
across the building lifespan.
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Pages:181-187
How to cite this article:
Adeyemi, Oyeyemi, Ariyo, Abdulhamiid Olatunji "Atmospheric conditions, indoor air quality, and material deterioration: Implications for human safety in Edjeba, Warri-South LGA, Nigeria". International Journal of Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Vol 7, Issue 4, 2025, Pages 181-187
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