Abstract
A survey of the particle-size distribution of 17 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in indoor and outdoor air was performed in 20 homes in several Japanese cities. Highest PAH concentrations were found in the fine-parti cle fraction (smaller than 2.5 μm in diameter). The pro portion of indoor PAH concentrations in fine particles was found to be higher than that of outdoors. For 4-ring PAHs, indoor sources elevated the indoor PAH concen trations in the 2.5- to 10-μm and >10-μm fractions, whereas the indoor PAH concentrations in particles smaller than 2.5 μm were comparable with or lower than the outdoor concentrations. In contrast, for PAHs with more than 5 rings, the indoor concentrations were deter mined essentially by outdoor concentrations. The in door/outdoor benzo[ a]pyrene concentration ratio varied considerably in homes with smokers because the resi dents opened the windows of the room in which smok ing took place.
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