CONCENTRATIONS OF TOTAL SUSPENDED PARTICULATES, FINE PARTICLES AND THEIR ANIONIC COMPOUNDS IN AMBIENT AIR AND INDOOR AIR

This study has investigated the relationship between total suspended p articulates (TSP) and fine particles (FP) and their anionic compounds (sulphate, nitrate) in ambient and indoor air. 24-hour averages of TSP , FP and anionic compound outdoor concentrations were measured over a one year period in Zurich. Additionally, eight indoor environments (re sidences and offices in rural and urban areas) were chosen to measure indoor and outdoor concentrations of FP, anions and NO2 over a three m onth period. FP and TSP outdoor concentrations showed a good correlati on. About 60 to 80% of TSP could be attributed to the FP fraction. Amb ient levels of sulphate exceeded the levels of nitrate. Indoor levels of FP showed a good correlation with outdoor levels. FP concentrations in a room with heavy smoking and a gas-stove were considerably higher than ambient levels. Indoor levels of nitrate were usually very low w ith the exception of a room with heavy smoking and a gas stove. Indoor levels of sulphate often were slightly higher than outdoor levels.