Effects of architectural and behavioural factors on indoor air quality in residential apartments

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the impact of interior design criteria and occupants’ lifestyle on the indoor air quality, and the preference and satisfaction from IAQ, within residential units in Çankaya, Ankara, Turkey. Objective measurements (total VOC, CO and CO2) are recorded in the living room space through visits to the houses of 20 people using specialized measuring devices. In addition, cross-ventilation and finishing materials are also observed and noted for further discussion. Information of the user’s lifestyle and daily activities (cooking, cleaning and smoking) are collected through questionnaires. The results show that cross-ventilation is correlated with less total VOC readings, as well as less sickness frequency and allergies within the members of the household. Moreover, using open windows as a ventilation method in the kitchen and using non-chemical cleaning agents are found to be correlated to less pollutants’ concentration in the indoor environment.