Abstract:
The objective of this research was to study indoor air quality of Klang Hospital during rainy season (August, 2009) and dry season (February, 2010). The rooms were classified by activities and ventilation systems. PM10 and PM2.5 were measured and bacteria were also investigated using impactor method contained with Tryptic Soy Agar (TSA) and Blood Agar (BA) for identifying total bacteria and hemolytic bacteria, respectively, in accordance with NIOSH Method #0801. Air exchange rate was measured by Tracer technique (CO2) and indoor air quality; temperature, humidity, wind velocity and population density were also measured. The results revealed that the PM10 and PM2.5 concentrations in naturally ventilated-rooms were significantly higher than air conditioning rooms at 95% confidence limit (p= 0.010 and p=0.030) because the naturally ventilated-rooms were affected by outside air. and also found that total bacteria in split type air conditioning room were significantly higher than in the naturally ventilated- room and central air conditioning room significantly at 95% confidence limit (p=0.001) When considering activities, highest PM10 and PM2.5 concentrations were found in laundry room with the average value of 48.5±37.5 and 18.6±6.4 µg/m3 respectively. Total bacteria, β-hemolysis and α-hemolysis bacteria were found in the Out-Patient Department with the average value of 1,337±880, 33±18 and 16±14 CFU/m3. On the other hand, the highest γ-hemolysis was found in utilities department (kitchen) with value of 121 CFU/m3. In addition, there was a correlation between PM10 concentration, total bacteria and hemolysis bacteria in split-type air conditioning room.