Characterization of indoor and outdoor concentrations and local sources of black carbon in residential neighborhoods of New York State

In the United States, community air quality observation networks are limited in characterizing the diverse group of air pollutants e.g., black carbon that affect exposure across regional to neighborhood scales. The New York State (NYS) Capital Region is a metropolitan area (population more than 1 million inhabitants), where Albany and Saratoga counties have been experiencing declining air quality grades in the recent years. While the Hudson Valley region is an industrial hub and is known for several air quality issues e.g., residential wood smoke pollution and industrial emissions. This study aims to understand the spatiotemporal variability of climate forcing agents such as black carbon in residential neighborhoods in NYS Capital Region and Hudson Valley Region. The study used relatively low-cost technologies to measure indoor and outdoor concentrations of black carbon, in at least 60 homes during the winter and spring seasons over the period November 2021-May 2023. Data on meteorological parameters e.g., outdoor wind speed and wind direction, relative humidity, temperature, as well as questionnaire-based housing characteristics, and daily activities were also collected for each home. Results showed significantly higher black carbon concentrations outdoors (backyards) than indoors (living room), suggesting an influence of potential local sources. Significant variations in indoor concentrations were also observed among neighborhoods depending on the location of homes. The findings of this study can provide an improved understanding of community-specific air quality problems, raise awareness and empower communities to take actions and/or inform policy makers to improve indoor and outdoor air quality across residential neighborhoods.