Elements in fine particulate matter (PM₂.₅) from indoor air during household stoves coal combustion at Xuanwei, China

Abstract

The characteristics of elements in fine particulate matter (PM2.5) emitted during indoor coal combustion in Xuanwei were investigated. Lead (Pb) emissions were high among the trace elements at all sampling locations. The average Pb concentrations in “Laibin” samples were ∼ 1.5 time higher than “non-Laibin” samples and were statistically significantly difference (paired t test). Concentration ratios normalized to total suspended particles for the elements were also characterized and compared between the two types of locations. Element ratio (Se/S) values were different with another study, suggesting possible different composition characteristics of the samples in Xuanwei compared with other regions in China. These findings provide information about concentrations of elements in different types of coal samples emission during household coal combustion. There is a need to address the health effects of environmentally relevant doses of elements in fine particulate matter, considering life-long exposure of people in indoor dwellings.