A recent study conducted by our team in Oxford, UK, has shed light on how everyday household activities can significantly influence indoor air quality. The research, titled “Impacts of Daily Household Activities on Indoor Particulate and NO2 Concentrations,” examined variations in indoor air pollutants, specifically nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and particulate matter (PM), during the COVID-19 lockdown period.
Key Findings:
- The study found that gas cooking was the main source of indoor particulate pollution. PM levels varied among rooms, with the highest concentrations observed in poorly ventilated spaces like the upstairs study room.
- Indoor NO2 levels, particularly in the kitchen, consistently surpassed outdoor levels and exceeded the World Health Organization (WHO) limits. NO2 is a respiratory irritant linked to asthma and other respiratory conditions.
- The study highlighted the challenges of maintaining good indoor air quality in well-insulated homes with poor ventilation.
Research Details: Over a 15-week period, researchers used 10 air quality sensors to measure real-time pollutant concentrations at 10-second intervals in various rooms of a suburban household. This comprehensive monitoring approach allowed the team to identify pollution-prone areas and assess the impact of residents’ activities on indoor air quality.
Indoor sources, such as cooking, were found to dominate both PM and NO2 levels. The study also revealed that indoor PM concentrations were not significantly influenced by outdoor air quality, emphasizing the importance of managing indoor sources.
Implications: These findings underscore the need for targeted interventions to improve indoor air quality in typical UK suburban homes. Recommendations include:
- Implementing effective ventilation strategies to reduce indoor pollutant levels.
- Educating occupants on behaviour changes that can improve air quality, such as using electric appliances instead of gas for cooking.
The research highlights the importance of considering indoor air pollution in public health strategies, especially as people spend a significant amount of time indoors. By addressing indoor pollutant sources and improving ventilation, we can promote healthier living environments.
For more detailed information, you can access the full paper here.