Indoor particulate air pollution is a significant public health concern, and fuel-fired heating equipment has been identified as a potential contributor. This study focused specifically on liquid fuel-fired heating systems and whether they meaningfully contribute to indoor particulate matter (PM), particularly through flue barometric dampers that could release particulates during normal burner cycling.
Low-cost PM sensors were installed in eight homes, positioned near the heating appliance as well as in other key locations such as kitchens, near fireplaces, and outdoors. The primary objective was to assess the relative contribution of the liquid fuel-fired heater compared to other common PM sources.
The findings showed that indoor particulate levels were strongly influenced by cooking activities (especially frying), indoor wood combustion, and elevated outdoor PM events. In contrast, liquid fuel-fired heating systems were not identified as a significant source of indoor particulate matter.
