The Po River Delta (North Italy) indoor epidemiological study: Home characteristics, indoor pollutants, and subjects' daily activity pattern

A total of 140 homes in the Po River Delta area of North Italy (near Venice) were monitored during summer and winter to measure the concentration of nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and respirable suspended particulate matter (RSP, < 2.5 mu m). In this paper, the findings on home characteristics, daily activity pattern of occupants, and residential indoor air quality are described. Our study confirms that people spend the greater part of their daily lives indoors (84%), especially at home (64%). The concentration of monitored pollutants was greater in winter than in summer. The highest levels of NO2 were found in the kitchens. Significantly higher indoor NO2 levels were found in the houses with gas-furnace heating and/or with gas water heater located inside the home. RSP was significantly higher in homes where tobacco smoking took place, and was significantly related to the number of cigarettes smoked. A significant relationship between NO2 indoor concentrations and RSP values in both seasons was found.