The environmental measurements at Linnala school revealed the dust disadvantages of fiber sources

During the summer and autumn of 2017, the Linnala school buildings were inspected for ventilation systems and room conditions were measured (air temperature, relative humidity, carbon dioxide content and pressure differences). Inspections and investigations were carried out by Sisäilmatalo Kärki Oy.

In the condition measurements on the side of the stone school, class 131 emerged from the premises, the ventilation of which was slightly overpressured during the measurement period. The carbon dioxide concentrations of the same category temporarily rose above the action limit.

In addition, it has been quite warm at the time of measurement in almost all of the facilities examined. Based on the above-mentioned facts and the researcher's recommendation, the ventilation is adjusted and the air volume is slightly increased. The replacement interval of iv filters is also made more frequent than recommended.

Some debris and sources of fibers were found in the ventilation machines, which causes coarse wool dust to spread indoors.

- The fiber findings support the symptoms experienced by users. Wool fibers especially cause eye irritation and upper respiratory tract symptoms. The high temperatures in the classrooms, on the other hand, increase the drying of the indoor air and are perceived as unpleasant, says Arja Kujala, head of welfare services.

The removal of fiber sources from IV machines will be carried out during the Christmas holidays, after which the ventilation adjustments will be checked. Otherwise, the cleaning measures have mostly already been completed.

On the side of the wooden school, no significant deficiencies affecting the conditions were observed.

During the environmental measurements, there has been concern about, for example, the effect of window ventilation on the results of the measurements. During the measurements, the premises operate as normal. Experts know how to evaluate the results, taking into account window ventilation and, for example, keeping intermediate doors open.

At Linnala school, there is now an extensive fitness survey being conducted by Raksystems Insinööritoimisto Oy, RTA Kari Hassinen. This study aims to find out other possible sources of indoor air pollution. The samples taken so far are being analyzed in the laboratory. The results of these samples will be available around December.

More information

Head of welfare services Arja Kujala, tel. 020 617 2227, arja.kujalaimatra.fi (arja[dot]kujala[at]imatra[dot]fi)

More detailed investigations can be found from property manager Jyri Honkasalo on 05 2352857, jyri.honkasaloimatran-yh.fi (jyri[dot]honkasalo[at]imatran-yh[dot]fi) (reachable only on Monday during office hours)