• Asian Journal of Atmospheric Environment
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• v.2 no.1
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• pp.68-74
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• 2008

We briefly show the results of indoor and personal $PM_{2.5}$ measurements in an epidemiologic study designed to evaluate the health risks of ambient $PM_{2.5}$ in Japan and the relationship between indoor and outdoor PM concentrations. The impact of indoor and outdoor PM pollution on health is described based on one morbidity study. The results of other studies on indoor $PM_{2.5}$ measurements are also described.

• Asian Journal of Atmospheric Environment
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• v.9 no.1
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• pp.31-38
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• 2015

Due to the heightened ambient $PM_{2.5}$ levels, the whole citizen of Japan, especially dwellers in Fukuoka Prefecture, start to make attention to the particulate matter (PM) of indoor environments. This study was aimed to thoroughly estimate the characteristics of indoor PM collected in five Japanese homes located in Fukuoka Prefecture. Simultaneous indoor measurements of PM were intensively made at five homes using filter-pack samplers, particle counters, and $PM_{2.5}$ monitors for a day in springtime, 2012. Major ionic and carbonaceous components were also analyzed. The time series fluctuation of PM number concentration was gradually decreased by 6 AM and then it was rapidly increased by 8 AM in all indoor sites. The maximum level of $PM_{2.5}$ was measured at the morning time (8 AM-9 AM) when the resident's behavior was fast and strenuous. The Indoor/Out-door (I/O) ratio for the giant PM larger than $5.0{\mu}m$ was 1.16. It was possible to identify PM types and estimate the resident's behavior through the comparison the theoretically calculated and the measured retention times for several types of PM in an indoor site. The theoretically reconstructed mass concentration of $PM_{2.0-0.3}$ suggested that the portion of $PM_{2.5}$ in indoor was quietly occupied by $PM_{0.3}$ or the PM inherently originated from indoor environment.

• Journal of the Architectural Institute of Korea Structure & Construction
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• v.36 no.2
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• pp.155-163
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• 2020

Indoor airborne particles are consisted of outdoor- and indoor-generated particles, which can be characterized by their compositions, generation features and toxicity. The identification of source contribution of indoor and outdoor origin to indoor particles is important to understand PM_2.5 transport in a building as well as its impact on occupant health. The objective of this study is to investigate seasonal source contribution to indoor PM_2.5 concentration depending on airtightness of apartment units. To evaluate the source contribution, particle transport including penetration, generation, exfiltration in an apartment housing unit was simulated by using CONTAM with particle and airflow simulation parameters obtained from field measurements. The result showed that the outdoor source contribution to indoor air was relatively dominant in the leaky housing unit during spring (77.2%) and winter (73.9%), and the indoor source was dominant in the airtight housing unit during summer (60.3%) and fall (60.7%). These results indicate the seasonal health risk of indoor PM_2.5 can be varied according to airtightness of apartment units.

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
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• v.34 no.2
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• pp.137-147
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• 2008

This study evaluated the effects of the human activity and outdoor air on concentrations of size-selective particulate matters (PM) by conducting a realtime measurement in classrooms and on roofs at 4 elementary schools, 3 middle schools and 3 high schools in Incheon City. PM concentrations featured repetitive pattern of increasing during break time (including lunch hours) and cleaning time while decreasing during class hours. This trend was more prominent with inhalable PM and PM10 than fine PMs (PM2.5, PM1.0). The indoor/outdoor (I/O) ratio of inhalable PM and PM10 exceeded 1 while that of fine PMs was close to or below 1. The PM2.5 (out)/PM10 (out) ratio stood at 0.59 (${\pm}0.16$) and the PM2.5 (in)/PM10 (in) ratio was 0.29 (${\pm}0.09$), suggesting that occupant activity had a greater effect upon coarse particles (PM10-PM2.5) than upon fine particles (PM2.5, PM1.0). The correlations between the indoor and the outdoor PM concentrations showed a stronger positive correlation for fine particles than that of coarse particles. The linear regression analysis of PM concentrations indoor and outdoor indicated a higher determinant coefficient ($r^2>0.9$), and consistency for fine particles than in case of coarse particles. In conclusion, the results of this study suggest that the indoor coarse particle concentration is more attributed to occupant activity and the indoor fine particle concentration is more influenced by outdoor air pollution.

• Korean Journal of Remote Sensing
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• v.36 no.6_3
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• pp.1691-1710
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• 2020

We measured PM2.5 and PM10 (particulate matter less than 2.5 ㎛ and 10 ㎛ in diameter, respectively) simultaneously at 16 locations around an elementary school and classrooms in Busan and Pyeongtaek, South Korea. In this study, we compared the results of this field intensive with those in the literature (144 cases of 30 studies), focusing on I/O (Indoor/Outdoor) ratios. We also reviewed the results of previous studies, categorizing them into related sub-categories for indoor-activities, seasons, building-uses, and the surrounding environment. We conclude that indoor PM10 is affected more by indoor-sources (e.g., physical activities) than PM2.5 in the absence of combustion sources like smoking and cooking. Additionally, PM10 and PM2.5 likely have different indoor-outdoor infiltration efficiencies. Conclusively, PM10 in classrooms can be more sensitively affected by both indoor activities and ambient concentrations, and mechanical ventilation can be more efficient in reducing PM concentrations than natural ventilation.

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
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• v.50 no.1
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• pp.16-24
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• 2024

Background: Indoor PM_2.5 concentrations in residential houses can be affected by various factors depending on the season. This is because not only do the climate characteristics depend on the season, but the activity patterns of occupants are also different. Objectives: The purpose of this study is to compare factors affecting indoor PM_2.5 concentrations in apartments and detached houses in Daegu according to seasonal changes. Methods: This study included 20 households in Daegu, South Korea. The study was conducted during the summer (from July 10 to August 10, 2023) and the autumn (from September 11 to October 9, 2023). A sensor-based instrument for PM_2.5 levels was installed in the living room of each residence, and measurements were taken continuously for 24 hours at intervals of one minute during the measurement period. Based on the air quality monitoring system data in Daegu, outdoor PM_2.5 concentrations were estimated using ordinary kriging (OK) in Python. In addition, the indoor activities of the occupants were investigated using a time-activity pattern diary. The affecting factors of indoor PM_2.5 concentration were analyzed using multiple regression analysis. Results: Indoor and outdoor PM_2.5 concentrations of the residences during summer were 15.27±11.09 ㎍/m³ and 11.52±7.56 ㎍/m³, respectively. Indoor and outdoor PM_2.5 concentrations during autumn were 13.82±9.61 ㎍/m³ and 9.57±5.50 ㎍/m³, respectively. The PM_2.5 concentrations were higher in summer compared to autumn both indoors and outdoors. The primary factor affecting indoor PM_2.5 concentration in summer was occupant activity. On the other hand, during the autumn season, the primary affecting factor was outdoor PM_2.5 concentration. Conclusions: Indoor PM_2.5 concentration in residential houses is affected by occupant activity such as the inflow of outdoor PM_2.5 concentration, cooking, and cleaning, as found in previous studies. However, it was revealed that there were differences depending on the season.

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
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• v.41 no.2
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• pp.126-132
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• 2015

Objectives: The Korean government implemented a smoke-free regulation for pubs with a net indoor area of ${\geq}100m^2$ on January 1, 2014. The purpose of this study was to determine the indoor levels of concentrations of particulate matter smaller than $2.5{\mu}m$ ($PM_{2.5}$) in implemented and non-implemented pubs in Seoul and Changwon. Methods: $PM_{2.5}$ concentrations in fifty-two $100-150m^2$ (implemented) and fifty-seven < $100m^2$ (non-implemented) pubs were measured. A real-time aerosol monitor was used to measure $PM_{2.5}$ concentrations. Field technicians recorded characteristics of the pubs including net indoor area, indoor volume and presence of smoking rooms and counted the number of burning cigarettes, patrons and vents. Results: Differences between indoor and outdoor $PM_{2.5}$ concentrations in $100-150m^2$ and < $100m^2$ pubs were not significantly different in each city. Smoking was observed in 33% of $100-150m^2$ pubs and 51% of < $100m^2$ pubs. Average differences between indoor and outdoor $PM_{2.5}$ concentrations in the $100-150m^2$ and < $100m^2$ pubs were $79.2{\mu}g/m^3$ and $155.6{\mu}g/m^3$, respectively. When smokers were not observed, differences between indoor and outdoor $PM_{2.5}$ concentrations ware $12.4{\mu}g/m^3$ in $100-150m^2$ pubs and $24.5{\mu}g/m^3$ in < $100m^2$ pubs. Conclusion: Although the regulation was implemented only in ${\geq}100m^2$ pubs, a higher difference between indoor and outdoor $PM_{2.5}$ concentrations was observed in implemented and non-implemented pubs with smokers. Strict implementation of the regulation in all pubs is needed for better indoor air quality.

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
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• v.42 no.2
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• pp.118-125
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• 2016

Objectives: The traditional type of residence in used in Mongolia, called a ger, is an important residential form and applies coal combustion for cooking and heating. The combustion of coal in ger is the major source of indoor air pollution. The purposes of this study were to measure indoor air pollution in ger and determine the effect of cooking and heating activities. Methods: Indoor temperature, relative humidity, particulate matter less than $2.5{\mu}m$ ($PM_{2.5}$) and black carbon (BC) were continuously measured for 24 hours in eight ger. The measurements were conducted in January or February 2015. Heavy metals in $PM_{2.5}$ filter samples were analyzed by ICP-MS. Results: Average indoor temperature and relative humidity were $19.6{\pm}4.6^{\circ}C$ and $21.4{\pm}5.2%$, respectively. The average indoor $PM_{2.5}$ concentration in the eight ger was $119.8{\mu}g/m^3$ and ranged from 69.4 to $202.7{\mu}g/m^3$. The peak concentrations of $PM_{2.5}$ and BC during cooking and heating periods were several times higher than the 24- hour average concentration. Conclusion: The major contributor to indoor $PM_{2.5}$ and BC concentrations in the ger was coal combustion for cooking and heating.

• Korean Journal of Remote Sensing
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• v.36 no.6_3
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• pp.1721-1732
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• 2020

Elementary school students spend a lot of time in a school and are more exposed to indoor air pollution. Also the students are physically growing and have a relatively high respiratory rate per unit weight compared to adults, so it is known that there is a high sensitivity to indoor air pollution. Therefore, indoor air quality in a school is becoming an important factor for the student's health. In this study, a correlation analysis using levels of indoor and outdoor Particulate Matter (PM) measured from five elementary schools in Seoul was performed to evaluate the effect of outdoor PM on indoor PM. PM ratio and indoor/outdoor (I/O) ratio were also analyzed to investigate the actual condition of indoor air quality and effect of outdoor PM on indoor PM. As a result, the correlation between indoor and outdoor PM in elementary school was more significant in PM2.5 and PM1 than PM10. In the case of I/O ratio, the I/O ratio of PM10 was higher than that of 1 in four elementary schools except SD (BB:2.21, NS: 1.67, IS: 1.73, SI: 1.17). This indicates that the activity of students has a great effect on the concentration of indoor PM10.

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
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• v.48 no.6
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• pp.291-297
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• 2022

Background: PM_2.5 and black carbon (BC) can be generated from cooking and from vehicle operation. Street vendors may be exposed to PM_2.5 and BC due to their proximity both to roads and to cooking activities. Objectives: The objectives of this study were to evaluate the PM_2.5 and BC concentrations in cooking stalls and to determine the effects of cooking activity and of types of cooking. Methods: Indoor and outdoor PM_2.5 and BC concentrations, temperature, and relative humidity were measured in 32 stalls in April and May 2022. Behavioral factors such as the presence of cooking activity and types of cooking were observed. Student's T-test was performed using the difference of indoor and outdoor PM_2.5 and BC concentrations to compare the effects of cooking activity and to compare types of cooking. Results: One-hour averages of the difference in indoor and outdoor PM_2.5 concentrations for cooking stalls and non-cooking stalls were 9.7±15.7 ㎍/m³ (n=22) and -0.5±0.4 ㎍/m³ (n=10), respectively. The difference in indoor and outdoor PM_2.5 concentrations in cooking stalls was significantly higher than in non-cooking stalls (p<0.05). The indoor PM_2.5 concentration for stalls for Chinese pancakes and teokbokki exceeded the standards for indoor air quality in South Korea (50 ㎍/m³ ). The indoor PM_2.5 concentration for Korean pancake stalls exceeded the standards for outdoor air quality in South Korea (35 ㎍/m³ for 24 hours). Conclusions: The PM_2.5 concentrations in stalls with cooking activity was significantly higher than those in stalls without cooking activity. Some stalls with certain types of foods exceeded standards for indoor and outdoor air quality in South Korea. Better management of indoor air quality in stalls with cooking activities is necessary.