Grantee Research Project Results
Characterization of Sources of Indoor Particles Using Novel Sampling Techniques
EPA Grant Number: U915347Title: Characterization of Sources of Indoor Particles Using Novel Sampling Techniques
Investigators: Long, Christopher M.
Institution: Harvard University
EPA Project Officer: Hahn, Intaek
Project Period: September 1, 1998 through September 1, 2001
Project Amount: $80,280
RFA: STAR Graduate Fellowships (1998) RFA Text | Recipients Lists
Research Category: Fellowship - Health Risk Assessment , Human Health , Academic Fellowships
Objective:
The objective of this research project is to use novel monitoring and modeling techniques to characterize and quantify sources of indoor fine particulate matter (PM).
Approach:
Indoor and outdoor particulate mass and size measurements were made in nine Boston-area homes over 7-day periods in both the summer and winter. Continuous PM2.5 concentrations were measured inside and outside each home, using the Continuous Aerosol Mass Monitor, which recently was developed at Harvard, and the Tapered Element Oscillating MicroBalance. Both indoor and outdoor particle sizes were continuously monitored using the Scanning Mobility Particle Sizer and the Aerosol Particle Sizer. Integrated PM10, PM2.5, fungal spore, and particulate composition data (e.g., elemental and organic carbon, etc.) also were collected inside and outside these homes. In addition, continuous air exchange rates were measured, and detailed time activity information was obtained. Scripted activities were performed so that particle generation and decay could be directly explored for different indoor sources. The continuous particulate data will be used to investigate patterns in indoor and outdoor fine mass levels and size distributions, including diurnal and seasonal trends. Together with air exchange rates and time-activity information, these continuous data will be used to quantify source strengths of various particle sources in indoor environments. Compositional data (e.g., elemental/organic carbon concentrations, elemental analysis, biological spore concentrations, and continuous polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon measurements) also will be used to characterize indoor particles and apportion their sources. Indoor/outdoor relationships will be investigated, and the importance of ambient versus indoor particle sources to indoor exposures will be examined. Factors influencing indoor particle generation and behavior (e.g., air exchange rates, deposition rates, penetration efficiencies) will be investigated. Study results will ultimately be incorporated into physical-statistical models to estimate indoor source contributions and predict indoor fine particulate levels.
Supplemental Keywords:
fellowship, indoor air, PAH, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, fine particles, PM2.5, particle size distribution, infiltration, exposure assessment, particulate matter, PM, Scanning Mobility Particle Sizer, SMPS, Aerosol Mass Monitor, Aerosol Particle Sizer, APS, fungal spore, Continuous Aerosol Mass Monitor, CAMM, Tapered Element Oscillating MicroBalance, TEOM, ambient particle sources, air exchange rate, deposition rate., RFA, Scientific Discipline, Air, Ecosystem Protection/Environmental Exposure & Risk, particulate matter, air toxics, Physics, Chemistry, Monitoring/Modeling, Analytical Chemistry, Environmental Monitoring, indoor air, Engineering, Chemistry, & Physics, model, monitoring, particle size, air quality modeling, particulates, PM10, mass balance model, deposition velocity curves, PM 2.5, diurnal profile, Tapered Element Oscillating Microbalance (TEOM), air quality models, fungal contaminants, air modeling, particulate emissions, continuous monitoring, air sampling, modeling, particulate matter chemistry, air pollution, particles, particulate matter formation, Aerodynamic Particle Sizer (APS), continuous emissions monitoring, PM, measurement, PM2.5, quantification, size distribution, Continuous Aerosol Mass Monitor (CAMM), indoor air quality, indoor/outdoor relationships, Scanning Mobility Particle Sizer (SMPS), measurement methods, quantitative analysis, air quality, particle size measurementProgress and Final Reports:
The perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Conclusions drawn by the principal investigators have not been reviewed by the Agency.