Liikuntatilojen sisäilman ja sisäympäristön laatu ja mahdolliset vaikutukset työntekijöiden hyvinvointiin ja terveyteen (LIIKU) - Työsuojelurahaston hanke 200068 Loppuraportti

The aim of the LIIKU project was to study the measured and perceived quality of the indoor environment of Finnish indoor sports facilities. The concentrations of chemical and particulate exposures measured in the 14 studied sports facilities in no case exceeded the national action limits. The rate of occupancy had a significant impact on the microbial concentrations measured from airborne particles in indoor sports facilities. The study revealed clear differences in bacterial and fungal levels between different sports facilities, but also great variation between different spaces within individual buildings, likely driven by type and use of the indoor spaces, in addition to occupancy. About half of the sports halls met the current acoustic regulations. Some of the spaces that did not meet the regulations, can, however, still be of high quality from the users' point of view in terms of acoustic properties. For some halls, measures to improve acoustics, such as sound-absorbing materials, were recommended. The modelling of indoor conditions and ventilation in one sports hall and the simulation of different temperature setpoints showed that a moderate lowering of the temperature setpoints could reduce energy consumption without impairing the thermal comfort of athletes. In the operation, maintenance and automation control of the ventilation systems of sports halls, deficiencies were found that may affect the operation of ventilation.

Volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions from flooring materials used in indoor sports facilities were investigated in micro chambers and significant differences were found. The use of low-emitting materials is recommended to reduce the total number of VOCs and overall exposure to those in sports facilities. Also, a new combination adsorbent material used in air sampling was tested against traditional adsorbents. As a result, VOCs were not detected better with the new adsorbent than with the adsorbent used in standard methods.

The most common indoor environment -related complaints perceived by employees of sports facilities were similar to those previously reported from other public buildings: noise, stuffy and poor air, insufficient ventilation, and detectable dust or dirt. Regarding usability, special attention should be paid to acoustics and sound insulation, the presence of sufficient amounts and good usability of storage facilities, and the overall appearance and cleanliness of the premises.

The study was conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic's restrictions on gatherings, so the results are applicable to conditions in the buildings without or with limited number of occupants. Further examinations are recommended to clarify the conditions during normal or high occupancy.