The Influences of Ambient Particle Composition and Size on Particle Infiltration in Los Angeles, CA, Residences

Abstract

Particle infiltration is a key determinant of the indoor concentrations of ambient particles. Few studies have examined the influence of particle composition on infiltration, particularly in areas with high concentrations of volatile particles, such as ammonium nitrate (NH₄NO₃). A comprehensive indoor monitoring study was conducted in 17 Los Angeles–area homes. As part of this study, indoor/outdoor concentration ratios during overnight (nonindoor source) periods were used to estimate the fraction of ambient particles remaining airborne indoors, or the particle infiltration factor (F_INF), for fine particles (PM_2.5), its nonvolatile (i.e., black carbon [BC]) and volatile (i.e., nitrate [NO₃ ⁻]) components, and particle sizes ranging between 0.02 and 10 μm. F_INF was highest for BC (median = 0.84) and lowest for NO₃ ⁻ (median = 0.18). The low F_INF for NO₃ ⁻ was likely because of volatilization of NO₃ ⁻ particles once indoors, in addition to depositional losses upon building entry. The F_INF for PM_2.5 (median = 0.48) fell between those for BC and NO₃ ⁻, reflecting the contributions of both particle components to PM_2.5. F_INF varied with particle size, air-exchange rate, and outdoor NO₃ ⁻ concentrations. The F_INF for particles between 0.7 and 2 μm in size was considerably lower during periods of high as compared with low outdoor NO₃ ⁻ concentrations, suggesting that outdoor NO₃ ⁻ particles were of this size. This study demonstrates that infiltration of PM_2.5 varies by particle component and is lowest for volatile species, such as NH₄NO₃. Our results suggest that volatile particle components may influence the ability for outdoor PM concentrations to represent indoor and, thus, personal exposures to particles of ambient origin, because volatilization of these particles causes the composition of PM_2.5 to differ indoors and outdoors. Consequently, particle composition likely influences observed epidemiologic relationships based on outdoor PM concentrations, especially in areas with high concentrations of NH₄NO₃ and other volatile particles.