A summary of environmental investigations carried out from 1992 to 2002 in Italian schools in operation by the ISPESL is provided in this article. After having identified the potential sources of exposure, bulk and air samplings were performed in the suspected contaminated areas. The samplings were then collected on membrane filters. Their analysis was made by phase contrast optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy.
Air sample data were collected during asbestos abatement of two buildings using area and personal sampling methods. Abatement involved removal of pipe insulation from crawl spaces. The two sampling methods were compared to determine if there was a relationship between them. A relationship was observed between area and personal airborne samples in building 2 as determined by correlation and regression but is most likely due to chance. One major outlier was detected for both area and personal measurement sample data sets in building 2.
Considers points including: ventilation and money, the best ways to control indoor air pollution, how much air is enough for ventilation, how far pollutants affect people, notes on asbestos and risks, industrial hygiene and "sick buildings", indoor air pollution vs outdoor air pollution.
Discusses the need for and current state of standards for indoor air quality, and the various organisations responsible for setting them in the USA. Particular reference to ASHRAE standard 62-1981 and 62-1974.
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