In the western Hunan region, the fire pit serves as the primary space for heating, receiving guests, and sacrificial ceremonies. However, the prolonged use of wood as the main fuel for the fire pit poses a significant threat to indoor air quality and the health of residents. This study conducts field monitoring and evaluation of indoor air quality in traditional earthen residences in Western Hunan during winter. It employs software simulation to analyze the concentration of indoor pollutants in typical earthen dwellings. Three passive mitigation strategies—adjusting window size, installing interior partitions, and setting up passive smoke exhaust systems—are proposed, and their effectiveness is validated through simulation. The results indicate that the best air circulation performance occurs when the window sill height is between 0.9 and 1.5 m, and the window sill length is between 1.5 and 2.1 m. Installing partitions increases the average concentration of indoor pollutants in the fire pit and master bedroom areas by 2.33 and 3.05 times, respectively. Installing smoke exhaust systems above the fireplace can decrease indoor pollutant concentrations by more than 70%. The findings provide effective strategies for controlling health risks caused by indoor pollutants in winter without affecting local residents’ living habits and traditional customs.
Zhang et al. (Mon,) studied this question.