Determinants of Indoor NO 2 and PM 2.5 Concentration in Senior Housing with Gas Stoves

Nitrogen dioxide (NO ) and particulate matter of 2.5 microns (PM ) are air pollutants that impact health, especially among vulnerable populations with respiratory disease. This study identifies factors influencing indoor NO and PM in low-income households of older adults with asthma who use gas stoves in Lowell, Massachusetts. Environmental sampling was conducted in 73 homes, measuring NO , PM , fractional stove-use, temperature, and humidity for 5-7 days. Participants were recruited between December 2020 and July 2022. Questionnaires were used to collect data on factors influencing indoor NO and PM concentrations. Daily outdoor NO and PM concentrations were obtained from a United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) monitoring station. Paired -tests were conducted between indoor and outdoor NO and PM concentrations, and linear regression was used to evaluate factors influencing indoor NO and PM concentrations. The average indoor concentration for NO and PM were 21.8 (GSD = 2.1) ppb and 16.2 (GSD = 2.7) µg/m , respectively. Indoor NO and PM concentrations exceeded outdoor concentrations significantly. In multiple regression models, season and pilot light stove use significantly predicted indoor NO . Season and air freshener use for 6-7 days/week significantly predicted indoor PM . Season-influenced higher indoor concentrations are likely due to reduced ventilation in colder months in the Northeast U.S.