Assessment of exposure effects of indoor particles in different microenvironments

In this study, the number concentration of PM range from 10 nm to 10 µm in size, deposition of PM in the respiratory tract, and the inhalation dose for the residents (dormitory, library, canteen, dining-hall, acti vity center, mosque, gymnasium, hospital, and classroom) were investigated. An optical particle sizer and a NanoScan scanning mobility particle sizer were used to measure the particle number concentrations in the size range of 10 nm to 300 nm and 300 nm to 10 µm, respectively. The total number concentrations varied from 1.32 × 105 cm−3 to 1.11  × 103 cm−3. Deposition of particles in the respiratory system was predicted by the ICRP model. It was found that 48% of inhaled particles of 20  nm in size was the deposition in the alveolar region whereas 9.6% and 16% were in the head airway and tracheobronchial region, respectively. Maximum inhalation doses were obtained for ultrafine particles in all microenvironments. Finally, the mass deposition in the gymnasium was the highest althou gh the particle concentration was at the last four among other microenvironments. That means physical exertion is a significant factor besides the particle concentration.
Source: Air Quality, Atmosphere and Health - Category: Environmental Health Source Type: research