Size Distribution of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Indoor Airborne Particulates

Abstract

A survey of the particle-size distribution of 17 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in indoor and outdoor air was performed in 20 homes in several Japanese cities. Highest PAH concentrations were found in the fine-parti cle fraction (smaller than 2.5 μm in diameter). The pro portion of indoor PAH concentrations in fine particles was found to be higher than that of outdoors. For 4-ring PAHs, indoor sources elevated the indoor PAH concen trations in the 2.5- to 10-μm and >10-μm fractions, whereas the indoor PAH concentrations in particles smaller than 2.5 μm were comparable with or lower than the outdoor concentrations. In contrast, for PAHs with more than 5 rings, the indoor concentrations were deter mined essentially by outdoor concentrations. The in door/outdoor benzo[a]pyrene concentration ratio varied considerably in homes with smokers because the resi dents opened the windows of the room in which smok ing took place.

Keywords

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons Size distribution Indoor pollution PM2.5

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