Abstract
Shopping malls in Hong Kong are usually located near major roads. Indoor air quality (IAQ) in these buildings is subject to infiltration of outdoor traffic-related pollutants, such as PM10, PM2.5, CO, and NO2. Furthermore, the existence of indoor sources and building geometry added to the complexity of variations in IAQ. To understand outdoor infiltration and spatial heterogeneity of these pollutants, we conducted fixed and cruise indoor sampling, together with simultaneous outdoor measurements, in a typical mall in Hong Kong. The cruise sampling was conducted indoors on a predesigned route and repeated 15 times. Outdoor infiltration was quantified based on regression analysis between indoor and outdoor sampling. Results showed that 75% of PM2.5, 53% of PM10, and 59% of NO2 were infiltrated into the mall during opening hours. Elevated PM2.5 and CO were observed during the dinner period, suggesting an impact from cooking. Substantial spatial variations were observed for PM10, PM2.5, and NO2, particularly at locations near entrances and restaurants. Measures are needed to reduce pollution intrusion from building openings and cooking-related sources to improve air quality in the selected mall. Fixed and cruise sampling methods used in this study provide insights on sensor deployment for future air quality monitoring in buildings.
Highlights
Shopping malls are one of the important activity nodes in which people spend their time
This study addressed the knowledge gaps of outdoor infiltration and spatial heterogeneity for particles and gases in shopping malls by a comprehensive indoor and outdoor air quality evaluation
Regression analysis on simultaneous indoor and outdoor measurements suggests that 75% of PM2.5, 53% of PM10, and 59% of NO2 were infiltrated into the mall during opening hours
Summary
Shopping malls are one of the important activity nodes in which people spend their time. Exposure to nitrogen dioxide (NO2 ) may increase susceptibility to infection and increase the risk of having pulmonary disease [12,13] Understanding variability in these pollutants and contribution from outdoor infiltration is critical for identifying key factors affecting indoor air quality in shopping malls and developing strategies to protect public health. We conducted simultaneous indoor and outdoor measurements of PM10 , PM2.5 , CO, and NO2 at fixed locations together with cruise samplings along predesigned routes at a shopping mall adjacent to a major road in Hong Kong, with aims to (1) examine the indoor abundance of traffic-related air pollutants, (2) quantify the impact of outdoor air pollution on indoor air quality, and (3) examine the spatial heterogeneity of air pollutants
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