Dynamic of Particulate Matter for Quotidian Aerosol Sources in Indoor Air

A correlation between the mass concentration of particulate matter (PM) and the occurrence of health-related problems or diseases has been confirmed by several studies. However, little is known about indoor PM concentrations, their associated risks or their impact on health. In this work, the PM<...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Mostafa Yuness Abdelfatah Mostafa, Hyam Nazmy Bader Khalaf, Michael V. Zhukovsky
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2021-12-01
Series:Atmosphere
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4433/12/12/1682
Description
Summary:A correlation between the mass concentration of particulate matter (PM) and the occurrence of health-related problems or diseases has been confirmed by several studies. However, little is known about indoor PM concentrations, their associated risks or their impact on health. In this work, the PM<sub>1</sub>, PM<sub>2.5</sub> and PM<sub>10</sub> produced by different indoor aerosol sources (candles, cooking, electronic cigarettes, tobacco cigarettes, mosquito coils and incense) are studied. The purpose is to quantify the emission characteristics of different indoor particle sources. The mass concentration, the numerical concentration, and the size distribution of PM from various sources were determined in an examination room 65 m<sup>3</sup> in volume. Sub-micrometer particles and approximations of PM<sub>1</sub>, PM<sub>2.5</sub> and PM<sub>10</sub> concentrations were measured simultaneously using a diffusion aerosol spectrometer (DAS). The ultrafine particle concentration for the studied indoor aerosol sources was approximately 7 × 10<sup>4</sup> particles/cm<sup>3</sup> (incense, mosquito coils and electronic cigarettes), 1.2 × 10<sup>5</sup> particles/cm<sup>3</sup> for candles and cooking and 2.7 × 10<sup>5</sup> particles/cm<sup>3</sup> for tobacco cigarettes. The results indicate that electronic cigarettes can raise indoor PM<sub>2.5</sub> levels more than 100 times. PM<sub>1</sub> concentrations can be nearly 55 and 30 times higher than the background level during electronic cigarette usage and tobacco cigarette burning, respectively. It is necessary to study the evaluation of indoor PM, assess the toxic potential of internal molecules and develop and test strategies to ensure the improvement of indoor air quality.
ISSN:2073-4433