(American Journal of Public Health) The authors conducted a review of empirical evidence of disparities in indoor environmental quality in low-socioeconomic status households, focusing on air pollutants, lead, allergens, and semi-volatile organic compounds. They also used a simulation model to illustrate the influence of household-specific factors on indoor nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and fine particulate matter (PM2.5) concentrations. The results showed that indoor concentrations of multiple pollutants are higher in low-socioeconomic status households due to a combination of factors. The simulation models confirmed the importance of indoor sources in determining indoor NO2 and PM2.5 exposures and highlighted the role of household-specific factors. The study concludes that understanding the key determinants of indoor environmental exposure is crucial in developing policies to reduce disparities.
Adamkiewicz, G., Zota, A., Fabian, M., Chahine, T., Julien, R., Spengler, J., Levy, J. (2011) Moving Environmental Justice Indoors: Understanding Structural Influences on Residential Exposure Patterns in Low-Income Communities. American Journal of Public Health Vol. 101, S238_S245. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2011.300119