Distribution of environmental pollutants in apartment corridors and differences in pollutant exposure risks among residents of different heights

Abstract

Pollution exposure in public areas of apartment buildings has not yet been clarified. Focusing on apartment buildings, this study monitored and analyzed environmental pollutants on both sides of the corridors at different floors and heights from August to September 2023. It was found that at a distance of 9.4 m from the window, the concentration of most environmental pollutants is relatively lower across all floors (except for ozone). Specifically, these pollutants are below average levels: PM: 8.9% (14th floor) to 16.8% (1st floor), noise: 1.4% (14th floor) to 3.3% (1st floor), and TVOC: -7.1% (14th floor) to 30% (1st floor). In contrast, the ozone concentration is above average level, ranging from 47.0% (14th floor) to 84.7% (1st floor). Additionally, the research confirmed that the pollution levels on the side with open window were generally higher than on the side without open window. Monitoring of environmental pollutions at four different heights in the corridor showed that PM and TVOC pollution were more serious at heights of 0.6 m and 1.8 m, and ozone pollution was more serious at a height of 1.4 m. Specifically, these pollutants are above average levels: PM: 5.0% (14th floor) to 8.6% (1st floor), TVOC: 10.0% (14th floor) to 10.5% (1st floor), ozone: 91.5% (14th floor) to 100.3% (1st floor). This pattern of pollution distribution remained consistent across different floor levels. This study provides crucial references for improving the environmental quality of public areas in apartment buildings. The vertical distribution of different pollutants offers valuable insights for enhancing the environmental quality of other types of public spaces and advancing urban planning standards, which is of great significance for improving the health of urban residents.