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May 16, 2026Open Access

A comprehensive assessment of indoor air quality and thermal comfort in chain stores: a case study from Iran

Key Points

This study aims to assess indoor air quality and thermal comfort in chain stores across different seasons.
Evaluated airborne bacteria and fungi levels during different seasons in chain stores.
Measured noise levels and proposed an Indoor Air Quality Index (IAQI) for assessment.
Conducted continuous monitoring to establish air quality effects.
Airborne bacteria levels ranged from 312 to 1,007 CFU/m³, dominated by Rhodococcus and Micrococcus.
Airborne fungi levels ranged from 639 to 1,332 CFU/m³, mainly represented by Aspergillus and Penicillium.
Noise levels exceeded acceptable standards in all assessed stores across all seasons.

Abstract

. For other parameters, levels remained within acceptable limits; however, noise levels in all seasons and stores exceeded standards. Airborne bacteria (312-1,007 CFU/m³), dominated by Rhodococcus and Micrococcus, and airborne fungi (639-1,332 CFU/m³), mainly represented by Aspergillus and Penicillium, were detected. Overall, most stores exhibited intermediate biological contamination levels across all seasons. The proposed IAQI for all seasons and stores, with some allowance for variability, falls into class D, corresponding to an intermediate/acceptable indoor air quality level. In conclusion, the air quality in studied stores does not pose an immediate concern for customers and visitors, continuous monitoring and the implementation of ventilation equipment are recommended to ensure the well-being of store personnel.

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Islamic Azad University, Tehran

University of Zanjan

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