INDOOR NITROGEN-DIOXIDE IN HOMES ALONG TRUNK ROADS WITH HEAVY TRAFFIC

Objectives-To assess the distribution of indoor nitrogen dioxide (NO2) concentrations in homes located in differing environments, and to inv estigate the influence of factors such as automobile exhaust on the in door environment. Methods The concentrations of indoor NO2 over 24 hou rs were measured in both the heating and non-heating periods in homes of pupils from nine elementary schools in Chiba, Japan. Information on factors that could influence indoor environments was collected by que stionnaire. Results-Indoor NO2 concentrations during the heating perio d were higher in homes with unvented heaters than in homes with vented heaters, although the concentrations varied greatly among homes prima rily because of the type of heating device used. During the non-heatin g period, indoor NO2 concentrations were significantly higher in homes adjacent to trunk roads than in homes located in other areas. Multipl e regression analysis showed that indoor NO2 concentrations were assoc iated with atmospheric NO2 in homes with vented heaters during the hea ting period, and in homes in areas other than on the roadside during t he non-heating period. In areas other than the roadside, cigarette smo king in indoor environments also significantly contributed to indoor N O2. The average concentrations of indoor NO2 in the homes of pupils at tending each school were significantly related to the atmospheric NO2 in areas other than the roadside. Howe;er, the relation between indoor and atmospheric NO2 concentrations was not significant in roadside ar eas. Conclusions-These findings suggest that indoor NO2 concentrations are related to the atmospheric NO2 and type of heating appliances, an d are also affected by automobile exhaust in homes located in roadside areas.