Penetration of outdoor particles and NO₂ into the building

Particles and NO₂ measurements have been conducted at five floors including to underground parking lot within the building. The measurements of PM₁₀, PM_2.5 and NO₂ were performed starting from early in the morning by ß-radiation absorption, a mini vol portable sampler and NA-621, respectively. All measurements for this study was performed at natural ventilation as the basic research which was for the assessment of pollutants penetration. The aims of this study were to assess the penetration of outdoor pollutants inside each floor within the building which is located heavy traffic area. The trends of PM₁₀ on the 2^nd and 5^th floor were similar to outdoor PM₁₀ concentrations except those on the 8^th floor due to the natural ventilation. The average PM_2.5 concentrations in all sampling locations relatively low. A long term investigation is needed to evaluate the effect of other indoor sources on PM_2.5 in the building. Nitrogen dioxide levels in the underground parking lot compared to the outdoor relatively high. Nitrogen dioxide readily penetrated into the underground parking lot. In addition to the auto exhaust emissions also rising NO₂ concentrations contributed in the underground parking lot. This study can be useful to assess the penetration within the building from outdoor air. A long term investigation over all floors is needed to evaluate the effect of penetration from outdoor air on indoor in the building.