COMPARATIVE STUDY OF INDOOR AIR QUALITY IN SHOPPING MALL HAIR SALON AND STAND-ALONE HAIR SALON

Abstract

Studies have shown that products used in hair salons contain chemical pollutants which can jeopardize the health of those exposed to them. This is alarming particularly for hair salons that are inside shopping malls – the contaminants, if not controlled, can spread to the central spaces of the mall and affect many occupants. Hence, this study investigates if confining the hair salon can minimize the spread of contaminants and ensure the safety of everyone in the mall. Field experiments were carried out in two types of hair salons, one in a shopping mall (Salon A) and one in an enclosed shophouse (Salon B). Multiple sets of objective data were collected through measuring thermal comfort and indoor air quality (IAQ) parameters. The data was then examined in contrast to SS 554:2016 to assess the IAQ. Comparison was also made between the values taken in two hair salons to analyze if the condition of Salon B is more effective in preventing the spread of contaminants. The results found that on average, all parameters taken in Salon A satisfied the standard requirement, while two taken in Salon B did not. Furthermore, the values in Salon A and the surroundings were relatively stable, whereas the values measured inside Salon B were significantly higher than the outdoor values. Hence Salon B is shown to be more effective in minimizing the spread of contaminants and it would be ideal for Salon A to be isolated. In order to simulate the enclosed environment of Salon B in Salon A, the use of local exhaust ventilation system was recommended.