Indoor air quality in Montréal area day-care centres, Canada

Indoor air quality (IAQ) has been understudied in day-care centres (DCCs), even though it can affect the respiratory health of children. This study was undertaken to assess IAQ in a randomly selected sample of 21 DCCs having space for at least 40 children in Montréal, Canada, and to determine associations between building characteristics and IAQ. Questionnaires on building characteristics and operation of the DCC were administered to managers. Temperature, relative humidity, and concentrations of carbon dioxide (CO2), formaldehyde and volatile organic compounds were measured in January and February 2008 in rooms attended by children aged between 18 and 60 months. Most DCCs (81%) had a mechanical ventilation system. Over 85% of the DCCs had a mean CO2 concentration higher than 1000 ppm, the value generally targeted for comfort in buildings. Mean CO2 concentrations were significantly lower in DCCs having a floor space meeting the provincial standards. The mean (standard deviation–SD) formaldehyde concentration was 22.9 (8.2) μg/m3, with all participating DCCs being within Health Canada's Residential IAQ Guideline of 50 μg/m3. The presence of a mechanical ventilation system and a large surface of play area per child were significantly associated with lower CO2 levels, explaining 44% of the variance in indoor CO2 concentrations. The presence of a mechanical ventilation system was also associated with significantly lower formaldehyde and acetaldehyde levels. Moreover, 68% of the variance in indoor acetaldehyde concentrations was explained by CO2 levels, indicating that CO2 was a better proxy of ventilation than the presence of a ventilation system, as this latter variable did not imply that the ventilation system was running or functioning adequately. These results demonstrate the need for on-going efforts to ensure sufficient floor space and adequate ventilation in DCCs to maintain good IAQ.

► We assess indoor air quality in day-care centres (DCCs) in Montréal.
► We evaluate associations between indoor air quality and building characteristics.
► Most DCCs had CO2 levels higher than the value targeted for comfort in buildings.
► The mechanical ventilation system reduced formaldehyde and acetaldehyde levels.
► Large surface of play area and a mechanical ventilation system reduced CO2 levels.