An assessment of air quality in an enclosed multi-storey carpark
Very little research has been done regarding the levels of exhaust pollutants found
within enclosed car parking buildings in New Zealand and throughout the world. However,
the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research Ltd (NIWA), released results
in 2002 from research on the health effects of motor vehicle emissions, which estimated
that 400 premature deaths occur each year due to motor vehicle emissions within
New Zealand. The health effects of motor vehicle emissions and ambient air pollution
are known but due to the nature of enclosed car parks it is anticipated that these
health risks will be amplified.
Research was undertaken from October 2004 to January 2005 to assess the air quality
within an enclosed multi-storey carpark. The carpark that was chosen is the busiest
enclosed multi-storey carpark in the Auckland region, based upon the number of
cars that visit the site daily. The carpark has two levels and provides parking
for a large retail shopping mall and supermarket. Carbon monoxide, nitrogen
oxides and nitrogen dioxide levels were monitored at four sites within the car
park, two on each level, over the three month period.
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