Exposure to traffic related pollution in buildings – a risk factor approach

Abstract

TPS 901: Indoor air pollution, Exhibition Hall, Ground floor, August 28, 2019, 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM Air pollution is a growing concern among the general public. Air quality is not only an issue outdoors. The local outdoor air quality also affects the air quality indoors, where we spend about 90% of our time. In buildings close to busy roads indoor particle concentrations can reach high levels, which is a risk for the health of the occupants. Poor air quality mainly affects young children, since their lungs are still developing. Moreover, the health of vulnerable elderly is affected. In order to improve their living environment understanding of the exposure risk in kindergartens, schools and nursing homes near busy roads is required. We developed a methodology to estimate the risk of exposure to traffic related pollution in buildings. Based on literature survey and practical experience we defined risk factors for exposure to traffic related pollution indoors. These risk factors can be grouped in the following six themes: a)situation and outdoor sources, e.g. traffic intensity, congestion, urban canyon, urban canopy, other sources. b)exposure paths - outdoor spaces, e.g. distance from the road, type of use. c)exposure paths - building envelope, e.g. air tightness. d)exposure paths - ventilation, e.g. filter quality, location of the outdoor air inlet. e)maintenance, e.g. frequency of filter changes. f)use, e.g. use of the ventilation system, airing, awareness of the outdoor air quality. The risk factor approach has been used to investigate the risk of exposure to traffic related pollution in 61 kindergartens, schools and nursing homes in the region of The Hague that are situated at a location with a high intensity traffic. The results were used to give protective measures, including simple improvements focussed on user behaviour or maintenance, as well as more complex technical interventions.