Indoor Air Quality Response to Wildfire Smoke: A Case Study in Chicago
摘要
Wildfires are increasingly significant sources of air pollution, impacting both outdoor and indoor environments. This study examines the effect of wildfire smoke on indoor air quality in Chicago during the 2023 wildfire season using PM2.5 data from PurpleAir sensors across various neighborhoods. Results showed that over 50% of the days in 2023 were affected by smoke, and the PM2.5 concentrations peaked in June and July. Indoor PM2.5 levels were strongly correlated with outdoor smoke density, especially in areas like the Near South Side, which showed the highest median indoor PM2.5 concentrations under heavy smoke conditions. In contrast, Edgewater exhibited lower and more stable indoor levels. Residential buildings had lower infiltration rates than office buildings. The likelihood of indoor PM2.5 levels exceeding the World Health Organization’s guideline of 15 µg m−3 increased significantly, from 0.5% on smoke-free days to nearly 24% during heavy smoke events. These findings highlight the critical role of building-specific factors such as ventilation systems and filtration efficiency in shaping indoor air quality during wildfire events. Disparities between communities emphasize the need for tailored public health interventions and building improvements to mitigate indoor PM2.5 exposure. As the frequency and intensity of wildfires are projected to increase with climate change, proactive measures are required to enhance the resilience of urban environments to air pollution. Future research should refine the understanding of indoor-outdoor air pollution dynamics under varying building types and environmental conditions to inform public health policies and building standards.