Indoor Air Quality in an Auto Repair Shop: A Case Study ^†

The aim of the paper was to conduct an indoor air quality (IAQ) assessment in an auto repair shop, measuring CO₂ and CO concentrations. Carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide concentrations were measured for a week. Two Testo 435-4 gauges were located at head height of an adult person (ca. 170 cm above the floor) in a room. The CO₂ concentration was measured with an IAQ probe, which measures dew point temperature, psychrometer temperature and absolute pressure in indoor air. The second gauge was connected to a CO probe. Measurements were taken every 5 min and were averaged across an hour. Uncertainties were estimated using square-root combinations of fixed errors and random errors at a 0.05 level of statistical significance. The measurements were conducted from 17 November to 23 November 2018. The following graphs were plotted for carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide: hourly averaged concentration and 8 h averaged concentration. The results were discussed and compared to Polish, foreign and international standards and recommendations. It was found that the auto shop was in danger of negligence according to Polish law as well as nonfulfillment of healthy recommendations. An exhaust extraction system should be installed.