Modeling the Reduction of Vapor Phase Emissions from Surface Soils Due to Soil Matrix Effects: Porosity/Tortuosity Concepts

ABSTRACT

A major route for transport of volatile organic compounds within porous media is vapor phase diffusion. The diffusion rate through a porous medium is less than that through free-air due to the decreased cross-sectional area available for gas movement and the increased path length due to pore tortuosity. Numerous empirical expressions have been published that relate the diffusion coefficient in porous media to the diffusion coefficient in free-air (unobstructed gas phase). Published measurements of relative diffusivity and air-filled porosity were combined into a database. Empirical expressions available in the literature, including the popular Millington-Quirk equation, were evaluated along with a fourth-degree polynomial expression developed by the authors to determine the best type of equation to predict relative diffusivity as a function of air-filled porosity over the domain of values for porosity ranging from 0.071 to 1 for different types of materials. Mean square deviations were used as the statistical test to compare equations. The polynomial expression developed in this project produced a significantly different effective diffusion coefficient (1.3 x 10^-6 m²/sec) compared to values of 9.2 x 10^-6 m²/sec and 3.1 x 10^-6 m²/ sec predicted by forms of the Millington-Quirk equation for a specific case.     

Numerical technique for estimating equilibrium concentrations from initial concentrations when using the freundlich adsorption equation

Abstract

The Freundlich equation, X/m = K C_e ^N, is frequently used to express the partitioning of pesticides between solid (soil, sediment) and aqueous phases. When designing adsorption‐desorption experiments, it would be useful to be able to estimate the equilibrium concentration, C_e, in terms of the initial concentration, C_o, if reasonable estimates of K and N can be made. Because of the usual non‐integer nature of N, only a numerical solution of the Freundlich equation is possible for C_e in terms of C_o. A simple computer program is presented which produces almost an exact solution for the value of C_e.     

Lightweight aggregate obtained from municipal solid waste incineration bottom ash sludge (MSWI-BAS) and its characteristics affected by single factor of sintering mechanism

ABSTRACT

To solve the disposal problem of municipal solid waste incineration bottom ash sludge (MSWI-BAS), using it as the main raw material to prepare lightweight aggregates (LWA) for resource utilization. Sintering is an important process to achieve the desired microstructure and material properties. This paper investigates the characteristics of LWA affected by single factor of sintering mechanism (sintering temperature, heating rate and soaking time). Results show that sintering temperature increased from 1130°C to 1160°C caused high-density microstructure materials gradually formed in LWA, leading to particle strength increased from 0.1 MPa to 3.64 MPa, particle density showed an overall upward trend, reaching a maximum of 916 Kg/m³ at 1160°C, and 1 h water absorption reduced from 68% to 25%. The heating rate of 15 K/min was beneficial to the formation of dense phase structure which could increase the particle strength, and the water absorption rate reached the lowest at this time, while the particle density was less affected by heating rate. When soaking time extended from 5 min to 20 min, particle strength and compressive density were gradually increased, and 1 h water absorption showed an overall downward trend, indicating that a longer soaking time was not conducive to the retention of pores. This study demonstrates that the utilization of MSWI-BAS to make high-performance LWA is feasible, along with the preferable environmental and economic benefits.

Implications: MSWI-BAS were selected to produce lightweight aggregate (LWA), so that the sludge disposal problem is reduced. The effects of sintering temperature, heating rate and soaking time on the characteristics of LWA were investigated. Compact glass structures are formed at 1150°C and 1160°C which greatly improve the strength. The heating rate has little influence on the physical properties of LWA products. The particle density of LWA increases after the sintering soaking time reaches 15 minutes.     

Microwave Pretreatment for Enhancement of Phosphorus Release from Dairy Manure

Both the advanced oxidation process (AOP) using a combination of hydrogen peroxide addition and microwave heating (H₂O₂/microwave), and the microwave heating process were used for solubilization of phosphorus from liquid dairy manure. About 80% of total phosphate was released into the solution at a microwave heating time of 5 min at 170°C. With an addition of H₂O₂, more than 81% of total phosphate could be released over a reaction period of 49 h at ambient temperature. The AOP process could achieve up to 85% of total phosphate release at 120°C. The results indicated that both the microwave, and the AOP processes could effectively release phosphate from liquid dairy manure. These processes could serve as pretreatments for phosphorus recovery from animal wastes, and could be combined with the struvite crystallization process to provide a new approach in treating animal wastes.     

Classification and comparison of municipal solid waste based on thermochemical characteristics

Municipal solid waste (MSW) has been normally sorted into six categories, namely, food residue, wood waste, paper, textiles, plastics, and rubber. In each category, materials could be classified further into subgroups. Based on proximate and ultimate analysis and heating value, statistical methods such as analysis of variance (ANOVA) and cluster analysis were applied to analyze the characteristics of MSW in every subgroup and to try to distinguish their relative properties. The chemical characteristics analysis of MSW showed that polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and polystyrene (PS) had the highest volatile matter content, with almost no ash and fixed carbon, while polyethylene terephthalate (PET) had high carbon content but low hydrogen content. Bones and vegetables had the highest ash content, while nutshells and rubber had the highest fixed carbon content. Paper and starch food had the highest oxygen content, and wool and bones had the highest nitrogen and sulfur content. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) had the highest chlorine content at about 55%. PE, PP, and PS had the highest heating value, followed by chemical products such as rubber and chemical fiber. Conversely, paper, vegetables and bones had the lowest heating value. The results of cluster analysis of MSW components showed that fruit peel, weeds, wood, bamboo, leaves and nutshells could be classified as the lignocellulose category; starch food, cotton, toilet paper, printing paper and cardboard could be classified as the glucose monomer category; wood and chemical fiber could be classified as the high nitrogen and sulfur category; and PE, PP, and PS could be cluster as the polyolefin category.

Implications: The yield of municipal solid waste (MSW) is constantly increasing and waste to energy (WTE) has been used extensively all over the world. During the processes of incineration, pyrolysis, or gasification, the impact of physical and chemical properties of MSW is of great significance. However, the traditional classification of MSW is too general to provide more detailed information in many investigations. It is necessary to perform the investigation of characteristics of combustible MSW to distinguish different categories of MSW and find out their subclassification.     

Comparative assessment of metribuzin sorption efficiency of biochar,hydrochar and vermicompost

Abstract

In this study, we used two biochars (BC) produced from grapevine pruning residues (BCgv) and red spruce wood (BCrs), two hydrochars (HC) from urban pruning residues (HCup) and the organic fraction of municipal solid wastes (HCuw), and two vermicomposts (VC) obtained vermicomposting digestates from buffalo manure (VCbm) and mixed feedstock (VCmf). Adsorption kinetics and isotherms of metribuzin onto these materials were performed. Sorption kinetics followed preferentially a pseudo-second-order model, thus indicating the occurrence of chemical interactions between the sorbate and the adsorbents. Adsorption constants were calculated using the Freundlich and Langmuir models. Metribuzin sorption data on BCgv and both HC fitted preferentially the Freundlich equation, whereas on the other materials data fitted both isotherms well (r?>?0.95). Metribuzin sorption capacity of the materials followed the trend BC?>?HC?>?VC. Sorption constants of metribuzin normalised per organic carbon content (K_OC) on BCgv, BCrs, HCup, HCuw, VCbm and VCmf were 561, 383, 251, 214, 102 and 84?L kg^?1, respectively. A significant positive correlation (P?=?0.016) was calculated between distribution coefficients (K_d) of all materials and the corresponding organic carbon contents, thus indicating a prominent role of the organic fraction of these materials in the adsorption of metribuzin.     

Technical Description of Parameters Influencing the pH Value of Suspension Absorbent Used in Flue Gas Desulfurization Systems

Abstract

As a result of the large limestone deposits available in Poland, the low cost of reagent acquisition for the large-scale technological use and relatively well-documented processes of flue gas desulfurization (FGD) technologies based on limestone sorbent slurry, wet scrubbing desulfurization is a method of choice in Poland for flue gas treatment in energy production facilities, including power plants and industrial systems. The efficiency of FGD using the above method depends on several technological and kinetic parameters, particularly on the pH value of the sorbent (i.e., ground limestone suspended in water). Consequently, many studies in Poland and abroad address the impact of various parameters on the pH value of the sorbent suspension, such as the average diameter of sorbent particles (related to the limestone pulverization degree), sorbent quality (in terms of pure calcium carbonate [CaCO₃] content of the sorbent material), stoichiometric surfeit of CaCO₃ in relation to sulfur dioxide (SO₂) absorbed from flue gas circulating in the absorption node, time of absorption slurry retention in the absorber tank, chlorine ion concentration in sorbent slurry, and concentration of dissolved metal salts (Na, K, Mg, Fe, Al, and others). This study discusses the results of laboratory-scale tests conducted to establish the effect of the above parameters on the pH value of limestone slurry circulating in the SO₂ absorption node. On the basis of the test results, a correlation equation was postulated to help maintain the desirable pH value at the design phase of the wet FGD process. The postulated equation displays good coincidence between calculated pH values and those obtained using laboratory measurements.     

84th Annual Meeting & Exhibition

ABSTRACT

Machining swarf is a finely divided metal powder that is prone to spontaneous heating and, in some cases, spontaneous combustion. The fine particle size, large amount of particle surface area, and the presence of moisture all promote rapid oxidation. This hazard dramatically increases disposal costs for swarf and interferes with recycling efforts. A potential method for minimizing spontaneous heating and facilitating recycling of the swarf is to spray a fluid on the material that coats the particles and creates a barrier between the metal and oxygen. Surface coatings could be tested for their effects on the spontaneous heating potential of swarf by treating a sample of swarf with a fluid that would coat the particles, then monitoring its heating behavior. This paper describes the results of applying corrosion inhibitors and machining fluids to the swarf, and monitoring the spontaneous heating behavior using a testing method developed specifically for this purpose. The effects of different types of surfactants and the effects of surfactant concentration on the spontaneous heating of swarf are discussed.     

Determination of the Sodium Carbonate-Sulfur Dioxide Reaction Rate Coefficient at 450°F

Abstract

Gas-phase dispersion in granular biofilter materials with a wide range of particle sizes was investigated using atmospheric air and nitrogen as tracer gases. Two types of materials were used: (1) light extended clay aggregates (LECA), consisting of highly porous particles, and (2) gravel, consisting of solid particles. LECA is a commercial material that is used for insulation, as a soil conditioner, and as a carrier material in biofilters for air cleaning. These two materials were selected to have approximately the same particle shape. Column gas transport experiments were conducted for both materials using different mean particle diameters, different particle size ranges, and different gas flow velocities. Measured breakthrough curves were modeled using the advection-dispersion equation modified for mass transfer between mobile and immobile gas phases. The results showed that gas dispersivity increased with increasing mean particle diameter for LECA but was independent of mean particle diameter for gravel. Gas dispersivity also increased with increasing particle size range for both media. Dispersivities in LECA were generally higher than for gravel. The mobile gas content in both materials increased with increasing gas flow velocity but it did not show any strong dependency on mean particle diameter or particle size range. The relative fraction of mobile gas compared with total porosity was highest for gravel and lowest for LECA likely because of its high internal porosity.     

Effect of Fractionation and Pyrolysis on Fuel Properties of Poultry Litter

Abstract

Raw poultry litter has certain drawbacks for energy production such as high ash and moisture content, a corrosive nature, and low heating values. A combined solution to utilization of raw poultry litter may involve fractionation and pyrolysis. Fractionation divides poultry litter into a fine, nutrient-rich fraction and a coarse, carbon-dense fraction. Pyrolysis of the coarse fraction would remove the corrosive volatiles as bio-oil, leaving clean char. This paper presents the effect of fractionation and pyrolysis process parameters on the calorific value of char and on the characterization of bio-oil. Poultry litter samples collected from three commercial poultry farms were divided into 10 treatments that included 2 controls (raw poultry litter and its coarse fraction having particle size greater than 0.85 mm) and 8 other treatments that were combinations of three factors: type (raw poultry litter or its coarse fraction), heating rate (30 or 10 °C/min), and pyrolysis temperature (300 or 500 °C). After the screening process, the poultry litter samples were dried and pyrolyzed in a batch reactor under nitrogen atmosphere and char and condensate yields were recorded. The condensate was separated into three fractions on the basis of their density: heavy, medium, and light phase. Calorific value and proximate and nutrient analysis were performed for char, condensate, and feedstock. Results show that the char with the highest calorific value (17.39 ± 1.37 MJ/kg) was made from the coarse fraction at 300 °C, which captured 68.71 ± 9.37% of the feedstock energy. The char produced at 300 °C had 42 ± 11 mg/kg arsenic content but no mercury. Almost all of the Al, Ca, Fe, K, Mg, Na, and P remained in the char. The pyrolysis process reduced ammoniacal-nitrogen (NH₄-N) in char by 99.14 ± 0.47% and nitrate-nitrogen (NO₃-N) by 95.79 ± 5.45% at 500 °C.     

The influence of environmental factors on the molluscicidal activity of Euphorbia milii latex

Abstract

The present study was undertaken to investigate the influence of biotic (snail size and presence of food during the test) and abiotic factors (temperature, water hardness and concentration of organic materials) on the molluscicidal activity of Euphorbia milii latex. Bioassays were conducted with B. glabrata (10 snails per concentration) and snail lethality was evaluated after 24 hr and 48 hr of exposure to lyophilized latex solutions. Neither the degree of water hardness, nor the presence of food during the test affected latex‐induced snail mortality. The snail size had a minor influence on E.milii‐induced snail lethality. Newly‐hatched (shell diameter ≤ 1mm) as well as young (3–8 mm) snails were slightly less susceptible than older (10–25 mm) mollusks. On the other hand, the molluscicidal effect of E.milii latex was modified by environmental factors such as temperature (i.e. LC₅₀ and LC₉₀ values were halved for every 10°C rise in temperature) and concentration of organic materials in the water (i.e. the higher the concentration of organic matter, the higher the LC₅₀ value). The efficacy of E.milii latex as a molluscicide can be modified by factors such as water temperature and concentration of organic materials, and to a lesser extent by snail size.     

Hydration Properties of Eco-Cement Pastes from Waste Sludge Ash Clinkers

Abstract

Three types of hydraulic cements have been developed by incorporating sludge ash from a primary sewage treatment plant and a water purification plant, as well as slag from steelworks (ferrate), as a partial replacement for clay, silica, alumina, and iron oxide in raw cement meal. The raw meal for the pre-determined recipes was prepared by heating it to 1400 °C for 6 hr in a clinkerization process, using a simulated incinerator and smelter. The major components of ordinary Portland cement, C₃S, C₂S, C₃A, and C₄AF, were all found in the clinkers. Of the three types of eco-cements, the eco-cement A paste was most similar to ordinary Portland cement in terms of composition and compressive strength development, while the eco-cement B paste showed early strength development. The differential thermal analysis species analyses indicated that the hydrates in the eco-cement pastes were mainly calcium hydroxide and CSH gels, like those found in ordinary Portland cement paste. Moreover, the degree of hydration, as determined by nuclear magnetic resonance, increased in all eco-cement pastes with an increasing curing age. The results indicate that it indeed is feasible to use sludge ash and ferrate to replace up to 20% of the mineral components of raw materials for cement.     

Investigation of the Potential Antimicrobial Efficacy of Sealants Used in HVAC Systems

ABSTRACT

Recent experiments confirm field experience that duct cleaning alone may not provide adequate protection from regrowth of fungal contamination on fiberglass duct liner (FGDL). Current recommendations for remediation of fungally contaminated fiberglass duct materials specify complete removal of the materials. But removal of contaminated materials can be extremely expensive. Therefore, a common practice in the duct-cleaning industry is the postcleaning use of antimicrobial surface coatings with the implication that they may contain or limit regrowth.

Little information is available on the efficacy of these treatments. This paper describes a study to evaluate whether three commercially available antimicrobial coatings, placed on a cleaned surface that 1 year previously had been actively growing microorganisms, would be able to prevent regrowth. The three coatings contained different active antimicrobial compounds. All three of the coatings were designed for use on heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system components or interior surfaces of lined and unlined duct systems. Coating I was a polyacrylate copolymer containing zinc oxide and borates. Coating II was an acrylic coating containing decabromodiphenyl oxide and antimony trioxide. Coating III was an acrylic primer containing a phosphated quaternary amine complex.

The study included field and laboratory assessments. The three treatments were evaluated in an uncontrolled field setting in an actual duct system. The laboratory study broadened the field study to include a range of humidities under controlled conditions. Both static and dynamic chamber laboratory experiments were performed. The results showed that two of the three antimicrobial coatings limited the regrowth of fungal contamination, at least in the short term (the 3-month time span of the study); the third did not. Before use in the field, testing of the efficacy of antimicrobial coatings under realistic use conditions is recommended because antimicrobials have different baseline activities and interact differently with the substrate that contains them and their local environment.     

The Magnitude of Bias in the Measurement of PM25 Arising from Volatilization of Particulate Nitrate from Teflon Filters

ABSTRACT

Because the Federal Reference Method for PM₂₅ specifies the collection of ambient particles on Teflon filters, we have examined the loss of a known volatile species, particulate nitrate, during sampling. Data are presented from two studies in southern California for which parallel samples were collected by different methods. Differences in collected nitrate are modeled using an evaporation model based on the work of Zhang and McMurry. The average nitrate obtained from sampling with Teflon filters was 28% lower on average than that measured by denuded nylon filters. In contrast, cascade impactor samples were within 5% of the denuded nylon filter on average. A simple model is presented that accounts for the particulate nitrate loss from Teflon filters either by scavenging nitric acid and ammonia in the sampler inlet or by heating the filter substrate during sampling. The observed magnitude of loss is explained by any of the following situations: (1) 100% nitric acid and ammonia vapor loss in the inlet, (2) 5 °C heating of the filter substrate above ambient temperature during sampling, or (3) a combination of these factors, such as 50% vapor loss in the inlet and 3 °C heating of the filter.     

Measuring Concentrations of Volatile Organic Compounds in Vinyl Flooring

ABSTRACT

The initial solid-phase concentration of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) is a key parameter influencing the emission characteristics of many indoor materials. Solid-phase measurements are typically made using solvent extraction or thermal headspace analysis. The high temperatures and chemical solvents associated with these methods can modify the physical structure of polymeric materials and, consequently, affect mass transfer characteristics.

To measure solid-phase concentrations under conditions resembling those in which the material would be installed in an indoor environment, a new technique was developed for measuring VOC concentrations in vinyl flooring (VF) and similar materials. A 0.09-m² section of new VF was punched randomly to produce ~200 0.78-cm² disks. The disks were milled to a powder at -140 °C to simultaneously homogenize the material and reduce the diffusion path length without loss of VOCs. VOCs were extracted from the VF particles at room temperature by fluidized-bed desorption (FBD) and by direct thermal desorption (DTD) at elevated temperatures. The VOCs in the extraction gas from FBD and DTD were collected on sorbent tubes and analyzed by gas chromatog-raphy/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Seven VOCs emitted by VF were quantified. Concentration measurements by FBD ranged from 5.1 |ig/g VF for n-hexadecane to 130 |Jg/g VF for phenol. Concentrations measured by DTD were higher than concentrations measured by FBD. Differences between FBD and DTD results may be explained using free-volume and dual-mobility sorption theory, but further research is necessary to more completely characterize the complex nature of a diffusant in a polymer matrix.     

Effect of Gas and Kerosene Space Heaters on Indoor Air Quality: A Study in Homes of Santiago,Chile

Abstract

The impact of outdoor and indoor pollution sources on indoor air quality in Santiago, Chile was investigated. Toward this end, 16 homes were sampled in four sessions. Each session included an outdoor site and four homes using different unvented space heaters (electric or central heating, compressed natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas, and kerosene). Average outdoor fine particulate matter (PM_2.5) concentrations were very high (55.9 μg·m^-3), and a large fraction of these particles penetrated indoors. PM_2.5 and several PM_2.5 components (including sulfate, elemental carbon, organic carbon, metals, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons) were elevated in homes using kerosene heaters. Nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) and ultrafine particles (UFPs) were higher in homes with combustion heaters as compared with those with electric heaters or central heating. A regression model was used to assess the effect of heater use on continuous indoor PM_2.5 concentrations when windows were closed. The model found an impact only for kerosene heaters (45.8 μg m^-3).     

1985 Directory of Governmental Air Pollution Control Agencies

Abstract

Clay that contains kaolinite has been used extensively as a raw material for manufacturing of bricks and china at 900–1100 °C. This study used clay to stabilize the contaminant chromium(VI) [Cr(VI)] through a heating process at 500–1100 °C. X-ray absorption spectroscopic results indicated that the 500–900 °C heating process transformed hazardous Cr(VI) to nontoxic Cr(III); Cr₂O₃ was the species detected as most abundant. The 1100 °C heating process caused the formation of Cr₂SiO₅, which was not detected in the samples heated at 500–900 °C. Fourier transformed extended X-ray absorption fine structure spectra were fitted by use of WinXAS software. Phase shifts and backscatter(ing) amplitudes for specific atom pairs, based on the crystallographic data for CrO₃ and Cr₂O₃, were theoretically calculated with the FEFF software. The processed XAS data show that the first shell coordination numbers were similar to each other as the temperature was increased from 500 to 900 °C and 1100 °C, implying that their Cr(III) crystallite size was relatively similar. The interatomic distance between the target center element and the first shell for the 500– 1100 °C samples was 1.98Å. The Debye-Waller factor for the 1100 °C sample was increased compared with the 500 and 900 °C samples and probably indicates the formation of Cr₂SiO₅.     

Ozone Generation in an Electrostatic Precipitator With a Heated Corona Wire

The body of information in this paper is directed to individuals involved in the design of electrostatic precipitators or of any devices utilizing the corona discharge where the ozone generation is considered to be a problem. A method that gives as much as 85 % reduction in the ozone generation per unit corona current for a given corona wire is described. The electrical parameters governing the formation of O₃ in an electrical discharge are summarized. It is shown that a reduction in the average gas density in the ionized sheath of a corona discharge should lead to lower O₃ generation. Experiments were carried out with an a.c. heating current being used to heat a corona wire in a cylindrical geometry corona section. It was found that as the heating power applied to the wire increased, the O₃ generation per unit corona current decreased for both positive and negative corona. An experimental formula was obtained that relates the heating power to the O₃ generation with and without heating for positive corona. This formula was based upon experimental work carried out on corona wires of different materials and sizes and at flow conditions typical of two-stage electrostatic precipitators. The reduction in the O₃ concentration is believed to be caused primarily by the reduced corona power dissipated in the ionized sheath under heating conditions. These results have great practical importance for improving the performance of the two-stage type electrostatic precipitator as it allows the corona current and hence charging efficiency of the unit to be increased without exceeding the O₃ limits.     

MCM-41介孔分子筛的合成及其对铜离子的吸附性能简

以微硅粉为硅源,CTAB和PEG-6000为模板剂,合成MCM-41介孔分子筛。采用XRD、N₂吸附-脱附曲线、FTIR以及TEM表征了其结构、比表面积、孔径分布及晶体形貌,并且以该样品为吸附剂,对含Cu²⁺的溶液进行了静态吸附实验。结果表明,以微硅粉为硅源成功合成了具有典型六方排列孔道结构的MCM-41,其比表面积为869.5 m²/g,孔容为0.97 cm³/g,平均孔径为3.3 nm;溶液pH为5~6时,MCM-41对Cu²⁺的去除效果最好;MCM-41对Cu²⁺的最大吸附吸附容量36.3 mg/g;MCM-41对Cu²⁺的吸附性能符合Langmuir吸附方程的特征。动力学研究表明,该过程符合准二级动力学模型。     

Sources and Concentrations of Indoor Nitrogen Dioxide in Barcelona,Spain

Abstract

Sources and concentrations of indoor nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) were examined in Barcelona, Spain, during 1996– 1999. A total of 340 dwellings of infants participating in a hospital-based cohort study were selected from different areas of the city. Passive filter badges were used for indoor NO₂ measurement over 7–30 days. Dwelling inhabitants completed a questionnaire on housing characteristics and smoking habits. Data on outdoor NO₂ concentrations were available for the entire period of the study in the areas of the city where indoor concentrations were determined. Bivariate analysis was performed to investigate relationships between indoor NO₂ concentrations on one hand and outdoor NO₂ concentrations, housing, and occupant characteristics on the other. Stepwise multiple linear regression was performed with variables that were 1996 and 27.02 ppb in 1999, with the highest yearly value of 27.82 ppb in 1997. In the same time period, mean outdoor NO₂ concentration ranged between 25.26 and 25.78 ppb with a peak of 30.5 ppb in 1998. Multiple regression analysis showed that principal sources of indoor NO₂ concentrations were the use of a gas cooker, the absence of an extractor fan when cooking, and cigarette smoking. The absence of central heating was also associated with higher NO₂ concentrations. Finally, each ppb increase in outdoor NO₂ was associated with a 1% increase in indoor concentrations.