On the study of the indoor environment in private residences

Epidemiological research has shown that exposure to particulate matter has been linked to adverse health effects. The present study aims at reporting the initial findings of an experimental campaign that was held in private residences in Athens with different degree of urbanization and environmental conditions. Measurements include particulate matter concentrations (TSP, PM10, PM2.5, PM1) and Ultrafine Particles (UFP). The experimental campaign was performed for more than one month in a typical urban apartment and a suburban detached house under normally occupied conditions. First results indicate that PM concentrations at the urban area significantly exceeded those of the suburban case under all operating and environmental conditions. In many cases where thresholds exist, particulate matter concentrations in the apartment exceeded the limit values. Occupants’ presence and indoor activities such as smoking, cooking cleaning etc. influenced the diurnal variation of particle concentrations. For certain particle sizes, indoor concentrations during the night where the indoor pollutant sources stopped functioning, the concentrations decreased. Power spectrum analysis was used to identify periodicities and trends of particulate matter concentrations. Spectral density comparison was also performed for particles of different size ranges as well as for particles of the same size in the studied residences. This is a preliminary study on the indoor environment in private residences in which process of initial data is presented. However measurements are ongoing and several additional parameters are being recorded.

On the study of the indoor environment in private residences.

Dorizas, P.V., Assimakopoulos, M.N., Santamouris, M. (2013)

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