IN-24-C011 - Clearing the Air: A Case Study Exploring Indoor Air Quality in a Higher Education Construction Lab

The construction industry generates a substantial amount of dust, which leads to a notable release of airborne particulate matter (PM2.5), with direct consequences for the environment and the health of individuals near construction sites. In educational settings, construction degree programs replicate the job site environment in a laboratory space, encountering similar limitations as an indoor construction site. This study aims to identify and examine the challenges of maintaining good indoor air quality (IAQ) in indoor construction environments. A case study approach is adopted in the study, for the construction lab of a public university's construction management program, which provides students with hands-on learning opportunities that are an essential part of the program's curriculum. This lab accommodates a wide range of activities that generate dust and airborne contaminants, from building, cutting lumber, sanding, and soldering activities. The particular obstacles encountered by construction activities in upholding IAQ make them a perfect target for this research. This case study tracks levels of various air pollutants, focusing primarily on PM2.5 and total volatile organic compounds (TVOCs), over a specific timeframe with two indoor air quality monitors. Further analysis investigates the connection between these measurements and different lab activities and occupancy patterns. The findings emphasize the need to reconsider and improve the design of educational facilities, especially those that incorporate hands-on training, such as construction labs. By sharing important insights, this study aids to elevate health and safety standards for students and faculty involved in hands-on learning in construction programs. Finally, the study recommends several actions to enhance IAQ in the construction lab by integrating IAQ considerations into the curriculum, educating aspiring construction professionals about the importance of air quality in the industry.