Air
quality was measured inside 628 United Arab Emirates (UAE) personal residences.
Weekly average concentrations of carbon monoxide (CO), formaldehyde (HCHO),
hydrogen sulfide (H2S), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulfur
dioxide (SO2), and three size fractions of particulate matter (PM2.5,
PMc, and PM10) were determined in each home. In a subset
of the homes, measurements of outdoor air quality, ultrafine PM concentrations,
and elemental PM concentrations were also made. Questionnaires were
administered to obtain information on housing demographics and lifestyle
habits. Air measurements were performed using simple and cost effective passive
samplers. The 90th percentiles of indoor CO, HCHO, H2S,
NO2, and SO2 were 1.55 ppm, 0.05 ppm, 0.12 ppm, 0.01 ppm,
and 0.05 ppm, respectively. Median indoor PM2.5, PMc, and
PM10, concentrations were 5.73 μg/m3, 29.4 μg/m3,
and 35.2 μg/m3, respectively. The median indoor concentration of
ultrafine PM was 3.62 × 1010 particles/m3. Indoor/outdoor
ratios for PM were 0.44, 0.41, and 0.38 for ultrafine PM, PM2.5, and
PM10, respectively. These values fall within the range of other
indoor air studies findings conducted in developing countries. Air
conditioning, smoking, and attached kitchens were significantly correlated with
indoor levels of carbon monoxide. In addition, indoor concentrations of PM2.5 and PM10 were significantly correlated with vehicles parked within
five meters of the home, central air conditioning, and having attached
kitchens. This is the first robust indoor air quality data set developed for
the UAE. This study demonstrates that screening level tools are a good initial
step for assessing air quality when logistical issues (distance, language,
cultural, training) and intrusion into personal lives need to be minimized.