Monitoring of PM2.5 in residential buildings in northern Spain

Abstract

Indoor Air Quality concern is greatly increasing in buildings area due to its impact in user’s health in the long term. Thus, it is important to get all possible real data in order to be prepared to develop new healthier strategies in buildings. There are up to 14 parameters to completely describe air quality [1]. Nowadays, carbon dioxide (CO2) is the most used parameter in indoor air quality studies as a reference, mainly for measuring flow rates in buildings [2]. However, it is not really harmful until its concentration exceeds 5.000 ppm in 8-hours periods or 15.000 ppm in 15-minutes periods [3]. Particulate matter is also a spread-used parameter in air quality monitoring. They are produced by vehicles, wood burning or cigarettes, so it is common to be over the comfort limit in apartments situated in large cities. Main types of this particles are PM10 and PM2,5 according with their particle size and their harmful effects on humans depends on it achieving deep penetration in our respiratory system, causing several respiratory diseases. Because of this potential damage, they have been studied and monitored by many cities around the world but, mostly, outdoors. It is necessary to study indoor spaces where concentration can be up to five times higher than outdoors [4]. In this work, 11 apartments were monitored focusing on PM2,5 levels both in main bedroom and living rooms. All of those are ubicated in northern Spain and are main residences of their occupants. More than 50.000 measurements have been gathered and processed. Furthermore, occupants were asked about their habits such as smoking or heating system importance for them and about previous diseases. The results show how activities as smoking can produce levels of PM2,5 concentration above regulation limits, favouring unhealthy environments and producing diseases in the long term. This can be worse if the apartment is situated in a city near to traffic. Monitoring IAQ is an essential activity to keep healthy indoor spaces. With this knowledge, new strategies and habits will be able in the future. It has a direct impact not only in health but also in economy.