A study on indoor air quality in Maltese churches

Abstract

As part of its cultural heritage, Malta can boast a significant number of churches some of which dating back to medieval times and contain invaluable religious works of art. These religious places are still actively used for the purpose of church service, or mass as it is commonly referred to. Such activities can involve a large number of persons who are grouped in a confined environment. Considering the number of individuals, the amount of heat, water vapour and carbon dioxide generated by the bodies can significantly impact the indoor air quality inside the church. This raises questions as to the ability of natural ventilation to cope with the required exchange in air to keep a healthy environment. Even though this situation has persisted for a very long time, extensive literature review has not reviled any report on the matter. For this reason, this project is meant to measure and analyse basic air quality parameters inside churches especially during the church service. The measurements included the temperature, relative humidity and carbon dioxide concentrations. The information was used to assess the thermal comfort of the people in the church and the infiltration rates. The outcome was used to determine if the rate of usage of the church is adequate and if the number of participants in the church service is sustainable. The results was also used to determine if such a massive presence of persons in the church can impact negatively the religious works of art present, such as paintings.