A Critical Review of Indoor Air Quality in Hot and Humid Climate

Air quality has been one of the main environmental performance indicators both inside and outside buildings. This study aims to investigate possible factors that lead to increased pollutant concentrations in hot and humid climate and develop a holistic approach of indoor air quality control. To better understand the sources of air pollutants and measures for controlling the pollutants in hot and humid climate, it is essential to conduct a systematic review of the start-of-the-art of research into indoor air pollutants. The indoor air quality problems in hot and humid climate have been systematically reviewed and analyzed from over 40 relevant articles. Four main types of indoor pollutant are identified including particulate matter, bio aerosols, gaseous pollutants and VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds). The review is conducted according to 10 topics: (1) types of pollutant, (2) size range of each pollutant, (3) concentration of pollutants, (4) initial sources of pollutants, (5) health and environmental effects from each type of pollutant, (6) relationship between pollutant concentration and different existing environments, (7) experimental process to evaluate pollutant concentration, (8) equipment or instrumentation to monitor pollutants, (9) latest international standards of indoor pollutant concentration, (10) criteria of international air quality standards. The findings of this systematic review will be presented along with the limitation of existing methods and recommendations for further research into indoor air quality in hot and humid climate.