Development to Raise standards for Environmental health, Safety and Indoor air quality Management of Childhood development centers in Phuket province

Abstract

     This survey research aimed to evaluate the management standards for environmental health, safety, and indoor air quality of early childhood development centers in Phuket Province. Data were collected by using standard assessment forms from 31 child development centers and 10 child development centers assessing indoor air quality, as well as surveying factors affecting indoor air quality and a sample confidential questionnaire for building occupants related to indoor air quality among 84 mentor teachers and officers. Analyzed quantitative and qualitative data collected in 2023. The study found that most early childhood development centers have environmental health and safety management in accordance with standards. Except for the fire protection system, where it was found that the majority, 96.8 percent, did not pass the standard criteria, and problems were found in some childhood development centers regarding the risks of playgrounds. The results of measuring the air quality inside the buildings, which are closed rooms with split type air conditioning systems and no ventilation systems, found that the air quality inside the 10 childhood development centers buildings did not pass the standards. More than half of them did not pass the standard criteria in parameters such as temperature, carbon dioxide, and particles less than 10 microns in size, and all childhood development centers had total bacteria in the air that exceeded the standard, with the highest detected 11 times higher than the standard. Regarding health problems, 22.6 percent of teachers, mentors, and staff experienced symptoms. Related to indoor air quality while working. The symptoms found include a stuffy nose, dry throat, cough, headache, dizziness, eye irritation, and an itchy skin rash. The outcome will be different for each individual.