Ambient Air Quality in China: The Impact of Particulate and Gaseous Pollutants on IAQ

Abstract

China faces serious air quality challenges in both outdoor and indoor environments due to particularly high levels of air pollution where maximum values greatly exceed current air quality standards. Ambient air pollution significantly increases both morbidity and mortality in the general population and there is strong support of the link between pollutant exposure and the risk of mortality. Removal of irritating and noxious gases and foul odors along with respirable particulate matter are major requirements for any air cleaning system to protect people and assure good indoor air quality. Enhanced air cleaning devices are available that combine leading-edge air cleaning technologies to effectively remove common air pollutants including PM10, PM2.5, formaldehyde, O3, SO2, NO2, and volatile organic compounds. A discussion of the results of air quality investigations in Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou and the results of testing performed on air cleaning devices employing integrated air cleaning technologies will be presented.