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Dubai Municipality to assess quality of indoor air in public buildings

The study aims at measuring indoor pollution levels, identifying sources of pollution.

In an attempt to ensure optimum level of indoor air quality for youngsters and the sick, the Dubai Municipality has started assessment of the quality of indoor air in 70 public buildings in Dubai.

The Public Health and Safety Department of Dubai Municipality on Wednesday announced the department has started the study in educational institutions, universities, schools, nurseries, kindergartens and health care centres in different parts of the emirate.

The Director of the Department Redha Hassan Salman told Khaleej Times that the study would be completed in October next year.

“The project ‘study of indoor air quality’ includes the study and application of best international standards concerning the quality of the internal environment, which goes in harmony with the local reality in the Emirate of Dubai, in order to maintain a healthy city following the highest international standards and with environment free of pollutants,” he said in a statement.

“The study focuses on the largest segments of society affected, from children (of all ages), to the sick and the elderly people. These groups are the most affected groups in society with poor indoor air quality,” he said.

Sultan Essa Al Suwaidi, Head of Public Safety Section said studies by several heath care organisations had shown that levels of indoor pollutants may be even higher than outdoor levels as most people spend as much as 90 percent of their time indoors.

Saad Ibrahim Hashim, Principal Health inspection officer and head of the study said: “The study aims at measuring indoor pollution levels, identifying sources of pollution and finally to recommend procedures to reduce the level of indoor pollutants.”

sajila@khaleejtimes.com