| Abstract
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This study assesses the indoor air quality (IAQ) in the buildings of King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM), Dhahran, Saudi Arabia. Subjectively, an IAQ self-administered questionnaire was randomly distributed. Collected responses came from occupants of 38 locations in different settings of the Campus. Questionnaire participants' answers to the questions were analyzed using the 80% satisfaction criteria. According to this criteria, the absolute majority of KFUPM buildings occupants are satisfied with the IAQ status of their locations. Later, the locations were categorized into: office, industrial workplace, and residential. Residents are the most satisfied category of occupants while the occupants of industrial workplaces express a higher dissatisfaction rate. In addition to the 38 questionnaire participating locations, 9 locations expected to exhibit high pollutant concentrations were scheduled for 4 quantitative IAQ measurement sessions, i.e., summer-day, summer-night, winter-day, and winter-night. The concentrations of five indoor air contaminants, i.e., formaldehyde (HCHO), carbon-dioxide (CO2), carbon-monoxide (CO), sulfur-dioxide (SO2), and total hydrocarbons, in addition to air temperature and relative humidity were measured and reported during each session. This was accomplished using the Bruel & Kjaer Multi-gas Monitor Type 1302. Quantitative analysis shows that 56% of the highest concentrations recording of all contaminants had developed during the summer-day measurement in the respective locations. 54% of the lowest concentrations reported for each location were detected during the winter-night sessions. Day concentrations were always higher than night concentrations. Locations categorized as industrial workplaces exhibited higher contaminants' concentrations than those under offices and residences. Recommendations about the treatment and prevention of indoor air contamination hazards for each affected location were drawn. More recommendations were added and can be generalized for all locations. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)
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