Investigation of indoor air quality at residential homes in Hong Kong - Case study

Shun Cheng Lee, Wai Ming Li, Chio Hang Ao

Research output: Journal article publicationJournal articleAcademic researchpeer-review

239 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Indoor air quality (IAQ) has been a matter of public concern in Hong Kong. Recently, the Hong Kong Government has recognized the potential risk and problems related to indoor air pollution, and it is striving to establish IAQ objectives for different types of indoor environments. This study attempts to provide more information about the present IAQ of local resident flats. Air pollutants measured in this study included carbon dioxide (CO2), respirable suspended particulate matter (PM10), formaldehyde (HCHO), volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and airborne bacteria. The results of this study indicate that the 8-h average concentrations of CO2and PM10in the domestic kitchens investigated were 14% and 67% higher than those measured in the living rooms. The indoor air pollution caused by PM10was more serious in domestic kitchens than in living rooms as almost all of the kitchens investigated had higher indoor levels of PM10. The majority of the domestic living rooms and kitchens studied had average concentrations of airborne bacteria higher than 500CFU/m3. The mean total bacteria count recorded in kitchens was greater than that obtained in living rooms by 23%. In homes where occupants smoke, the negative impact of benzene, toluene and m, p-xylene on the IAQ was greatly enhanced. The use of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) stove has more significant impact on indoor VOCs than the use of cooking stoves with natural gas as cooking fuel.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)225-237
Number of pages13
JournalAtmospheric Environment
Volume36
Issue number2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jan 2002

Keywords

  • Home
  • Hong Kong
  • Indoor air quality
  • Suspended particulate matter (PM ) 10
  • Total bacteria count (TBC)
  • Volatile organic compounds (VOCs)

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Environmental Science
  • Atmospheric Science

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Investigation of indoor air quality at residential homes in Hong Kong - Case study'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this