Characterization of Indoor Air Quality in the Cities of Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Abstract

Levels of several gas- and particle-phase substances present in indoor air in nonindustrial office workplaces and in restaurants was acquired during the Southeastern Brazil lndoor Air Quality Study (SEBIAQS) carried out in the summer of 1993. Simultaneous indoor and outdoor samples collected in 12 sites in the cities of Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro and in a rural area were analyzed for inhalable particulate matter (IPM dp < 15 µm), inhalable volatilizable particulate organic carbon, black (soot) carbon, trace metals, UV-RSP (d_(50) < 3.5 µm) as a marker for environmental tobacco smoke (ETS), formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, carbon monoxide, and nicotine. Indoor levels were generally higher. Alcohol-fueled vehicle emissions contributed to indoor acetaldehyde. The major sources of trace elements indoors and outdoors were respectively soil dust and combustion, resuspension, and vehicles. Dry deposition indoors was observed for S (mainly sulfate), AI, Fe, and Mn.