Environmental monitoring and evaluation of the indoor environment in the Baroque Library Hall of the National Library (Czech Republic). Indoor air quality assessment of the Baroque Library Hall.

Abstract

Concentrations of NO2, O3, SO2, acetic and formic acids, HNO3 and NH3 were measured inside and outside a historical building, the Baroque Library Hall (BLH) in the National Library in Prague (Czech Republic). The relationship between indoor and outdoor (I/O) concentration was investigated to assess the infiltration of outdoor generated pollutants. Outdoor and indoor pollution sources were determined and, infiltration of ammonium nitrate and a shift of the equilibrium to the gas phase were the reason for the high concentration of ammonia measured inside the BLH. A significant seasonal variation was observed and interpreted as a consequence of different infiltration regime associated with indoor-outdoor temperature differences, which in addition drives dilution processes of indoor generated pollutants. Based on the indoor air quality assessment performed in the BLH with regard to human and material exposure, there is reason for concern about material preservation and in particular paper at the BLH.