Abstract
This study was conducted in a kindergarten classroom in the Ayancik district of Sinop province, Türkiye, and examined indoor air quality under five scenarios. The measured parameters included formaldehyde, TVOC (total volatile organic compounds), PM10 and PM2.5 (particulates), humidity, temperature, airflow velocity, and illumination level. The study found that using wood and plastic materials, such as toys, tables, and chairs, significantly influenced the indoor air quality in the kindergarten environment. Wood materials reduced formaldehyde, TVOC, and particulate matter (PM) levels. Formaldehyde levels ranged from 0.03 to 0.22 ppm, TVOC values from 0.001 to 0.003 mg/m³, PM10 levels from 16 to 52 µg/m³, and PM2.5 levels from 15 to 46 µg/m³. In Scenario 5, the lowest levels of formaldehyde and TVOC were recorded. These findings offer important insights for improving air quality in kindergartens and provide a foundation for future research. Careful selection of toys, design elements, and materials in kindergarten classrooms is critical for protecting children’s health and promoting development. Prioritizing high-quality indoor air in these environments is essential for enhancing children’s learning, health, and overall well-being.
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Effects of Wooden and Plastic Toys on Indoor Air Quality in Kindergartens
Recep Aykan 
,a Kazım Onur Demirarslan ,b,* and Elif Işik Demirarslan c
This study was conducted in a kindergarten classroom in the Ayancik district of Sinop province, Türkiye, and examined indoor air quality under five scenarios. The measured parameters included formaldehyde, TVOC (total volatile organic compounds), PM10 and PM2.5 (particulates), humidity, temperature, airflow velocity, and illumination level. The study found that using wood and plastic materials, such as toys, tables, and chairs, significantly influenced the indoor air quality in the kindergarten environment. Wood materials reduced formaldehyde, TVOC, and particulate matter (PM) levels. Formaldehyde levels ranged from 0.03 to 0.22 ppm, TVOC values from 0.001 to 0.003 mg/m³, PM10 levels from 16 to 52 µg/m³, and PM2.5 levels from 15 to 46 µg/m³. In Scenario 5, the lowest levels of formaldehyde and TVOC were recorded. These findings offer important insights for improving air quality in kindergartens and provide a foundation for future research. Careful selection of toys, design elements, and materials in kindergarten classrooms is critical for protecting children’s health and promoting development. Prioritizing high-quality indoor air in these environments is essential for enhancing children’s learning, health, and overall well-being.
DOI: 10.15376/biores.20.1.1088-1109
Keywords: Indoor air quality; Wood and plastic effect; Kindergarten health
Contact information: a: Department of Forestry, Forestry and Forest Products Program, Ayancık Vocational School, Sinop University, Sinop, Türkiye; b: Department of Environmental Engineering, Artvin Çoruh University, Faculty of Engineering, Artvin, Türkiye; c: Department of Occupational Health and Safety, Faculty of Health Sciences, Artvin Çoruh University, Artvin, Türkiye;
* Corresponding author: onurdemirarslan@artvin.edu.tr