Determinants of Household PM_2.5 Concentration: Insights from the 2020–2021 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

Objectives: This study utilized data from the 2020-2021 Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey to analyze the determinants affecting household PM 2.5 levels.Methods: PM 2.5 concentrations were measured using a portable dust sampler (KMS-4100, KEMIK) with gravimetric methods over a 24-hour period.A complex samples multivariable general linear model and logistic regression were employed to evaluate the key influencing factors.Results: In the continuous analysis, significant determinants that increased household PM 2.5 levels were atmospheric PM 2.5 (B = 0.386, P < 0.001), housing floor level (B = -0.254,P = 0.007), residential floor area (B = -0.065,P = 0.001), humidifier use (B = 4.680, P = 0.010), cooking activity (B = 6.370,P = 0.021), smoking (B = 4.411, P = 0.020), and residential zoning area (B = 6.298,P = 0.017).In the categorical analysis, key factors that increased the likelihood of household PM 2.5 exceeding 35 g/m 3 were residential floor area (odds ratio [OR] = 0.219, P = 0.006), smoking (OR = 2.253, P = 0.030), and residential zoning area (OR = 8.667, P = 0.012). Conclusion:These results suggest that smoking bans and improvements in ventilation systems are necessary to reduce household PM 2.5 levels.