High concentrations of PM2.5 were generated in new apartments before moving in, and PM2.5 reduction efficiencies using air cleaners and ventilation systems were evaluated. The experimental results for different air cleaner capacities showed that the PM2.5 reduction efficiencies for 46.2 m2, 66 m2, and 105.6 m2 areas were 81.7%, 92.9%, and 92.5%, respectively. Thus, the larger the air cleaning application area, the higher the PM2.5 reduction efficiency. However, there was no difference in the efficiency of overcapacity air cleaners above a certain capacity. The efficiencies of air cleaners located at the living room center, interior wall, and edge were 81.7%, 79.2%, and 75.8%, respectively. There was, therefore, no significant difference in the PM2.5 reduction efficiencies of air cleaners in different locations. Furthermore, the PM2.5 reduction efficiencies at distances of 1 m, 2 m, and 3 m were 81.7%, 81.3%, and 81.7%, respectively. Therefore, there was also no significant difference in efficiency with distance. The PM2.5 concentration decreases rapidly during natural ventilation. Therefore, when the indoor PM2.5 is higher than the outdoor PM2.5, the air cleaner should be used after natural ventilation. The efficiency of PM2.5 reduction using an air supply-type ventilation system in apartments was 35%, which is not high. The simultaneous operation of the ventilation system and kitchen range hood was effective, showing a PM2.5 reduction efficiency of 69.1%. However, a water sprayer was not effective, showing a PM2.5 reduction efficiency of 24.3%. The results of this study suggest that PM2.5 reduction performance should be standardized by evaluating the efficiency of different ventilation systems. Effective usage and maintenance standards for ventilation systems need to be disseminated, and ventilation systems and air cleaners should be used effectively.

This study was performed to evaluate the odor occurrence of offensive leather odor in a district in Gyeonggi-do, where Jeil industrial complex is located, and its residential district, by using olfactory field frequency measurement (Gird Method). In addition, we measured the composite odor. The target points were 9 spots in Jeil industrial complex and 12 spots in the residential district, and we conducted the measurements 13 times each spot. As a result, odor occurrence in descending order was investigated as follows, leather industry > drug industry > food industry. Moreover, odor exposure of the industrial complex exceeded the industrial zone standard of 0.15 (=German odor standard) in all 9 spots (average 0.78). In addition, odor exposure of the residential district exceeded the residential zone standard of 0.10 (=German odor standard) in 12 spots (average 0.78). All the composite odors were below 20 (industrial zone standard). However, as the odor intensity of the sampling site and the lab analysis data showed a large deviation, we found that much supplementation is needed of the odor analysis techniques in the equipment measurement methods.

This study was conducted to investigate the actual condition of fine particles (PM2.5) pollution and to verify the necessity of managing PM2.5 in the indoor environment of public use facilities in Gyeonggi-do. As a result, it was found that PM2.5 concentrations measured for 24 hours ranged from 15.9 to 113.5 μg/m3 and averaged 42.5 μg/ m3, and for 6 hours, ranged from 20.4 to 167.1 μg/m3 and averaged 65.6 μg/m3. Average concentration was highest in subway stations, followed by nursery schools and indoor parking lots. 49 of the 55 sites investigated exceeded the 24hr-PM2.5 standard specified in WHO guidelines (25 μg/m3). The ratio of PM2.5 to PM10 was 70.2% for 24hr and 70.7% for 6hr on average. This means that PM2.5 tends to account for a large proportion of the total particulate pollution in the indoor environment, and that it is essential to control fine particulate matter in order to reduce total particulate matter in the indoor environment. In addition, it was found that the time to be sampled and total sampling time are one of important factors which affect PM2.5 concentration in indoor air quality; therefore, I think that it is necessary to concretely specify the time to be sampled and maximum range of total sampling time in the test method of PM2.5. Recently, regulations on PM2.5 in indoor environments have been strengthened in other countries due to its high risk to human health; however, there is currently no enforceable regulation in Korea. Given that PM2.5 is more harmful to human health than PM10, it is urgently necessary to establish proper policies and regulations to control PM2.5 in indoor environments.