Indoor/outdoor relationships for PM2.5 and associated carbonaceous pollutants at residential homes in Hong Kong - case study

Six residences were selected (two roadside, two urban, and two rural) to evaluate the indoor-outdoor characteristics of PM(2.5) (aerodynamic diameter <2.5 microm) carbonaceous species in Hong Kong during March and April 2004. Twenty-minute-averaged indoor and outdoor PM(2.5) concentrations were recorded by DustTrak samplers simultaneously at each site for 3 days to examine diurnal variability of PM(2.5) mass concentrations and their indoor-to-outdoor (I/O) ratios. Daily (24-h average) indoor/outdoor PM(2.5) samples were collected on pre-fired quartz-fiber filters with battery-powered portable mini-volume samplers and analyzed for organic and elemental carbon (OC, EC) by thermal/optical reflectance (TOR) following the Interagency Monitoring of Protected Visual Environments (IMPROVE) protocol. The average indoor and outdoor concentrations of 24 h PM(2.5) were 56.7 and 43.8 microg/m(3), respectively. The short-term PM(2.5) profiles indicated that the penetration of outdoor particles was an important contributor to indoor PM(2.5), and a household survey indicated that daily activities were also sources of episodic peaks in indoor PM(2.5). The average indoor OC and EC concentrations of 17.1 and 2.8 microg/m(3), respectively, accounted for an average of 29.5 and 5.2%, respectively, of indoor PM(2.5) mass. The average indoor OC/EC ratios were 5.8, 9.1, and 5.0 in roadside, urban, and rural areas, respectively; while average outdoor OC/EC ratios were 4.0, 4.3, and 4.0, respectively. The average I/O ratios of 24 h PM(2.5), OC, and EC were 1.4, 1.8, and 1.2, respectively. High indoor-outdoor correlations (r(2)) were found for PM(2.5) EC (0.96) and mass (0.81), and low correlations were found for OC (0.55), indicative of different organic carbon sources indoors. A simple model implied that about two-thirds of carbonaceous particles in indoor air are originated from outdoor sources. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: Indoor particulate pollution has received more attentions in Asia. This study presents a case study regarding the fine particulate matter and its carbonaceous compositions at six residential homes in Hong Kong. The characteristics and relationship of atmospheric organic and elemental carbon were discussed indoors and outdoors. The distribution of eight carbon fractions was first reported in indoor samples to interpret potential sources of indoor carbonaceous particles. The data set can provide significant scientific basis for indoor air quality and epidemiology study in Hong Kong and China.     

Particulate exposure and size distribution from wood burning stoves in Costa Rica

Biomass fuel is the most common energy source for cooking and space heating in developing countries. Biomass fuel combustion causes high levels of indoor air pollutants including particulates and other combustion by-products. We measured indoor air quality in 23 houses with a wood burning stove in rural residential areas of Costa Rica. Daily PM2.5, PM10 and CO concentrations, and particle size distribution were simultaneously measured in the kitchen. When a wood burning stove was used during the monitoring period, average daily PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations were 44 and 132 microg/m3, respectively. Average CO concentrations were between 0.5 and 3.3 ppm. All houses had a particle size distribution of either one or two peaks at around 0.7 and 2.5 microm aerodynamic diameters. The particulate levels increased rapidly during cooking and decreased quickly after cooking. The maximum peak particulate levels ranged from 310 to 8170 microg/m3 for PM2.5 and from 500 to 18900 microg/m3 for PM10 in all houses. Although the 24-h particulate levels in this study are lower than the National Ambient Air Quality Standards of PM2.5 and PM10, it is important to note that people, especially women and children, are exposed to extremely high levels of particulates during cooking.     

Results of a residential indoor PM2.5 sampling program before and after a woodstove changeout

During 2005-2007, a woodstove changeout program was conducted in a Rocky Mountain valley community in an effort to reduce ambient levels of PM(2.5). In addition to changes in ambient PM(2.5), an opportunity was provided to evaluate the changes in indoor air quality when old stoves were replaced with US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-certified woodstoves. PM(2.5) samples were measured in 16 homes prior to and following the changeout. For each sampling event, PM(2.5) mass was continuously measured throughout the 24-h sampling periods, and organic/elemental carbon (OC/EC) and associated chemical markers of woodsmoke were measured from quartz filters. Results showed that average PM(2.5) concentrations and maximum PM(2.5) concentrations were reduced by 71% and 76%, respectively (as measured by TSI DustTraks). Levoglucosan was reduced by 45% following the introduction of the new woodstove. However, the concentrations of resin acids, natural chemicals found in the bark of wood, were increased following the introduction of the new woodstove. There were no discernible trends in methoxphenol levels, likely due to the semi-volatile nature of the species that were measured. Although there is some uncertainty in this study regarding the amount of ambient PM infiltration to the indoor environment, these findings demonstrated a large impact on indoor air quality following this intervention. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: Emissions from residential woodstoves are an important air quality issue (both indoors and ambient) in many regions throughout the US and the world. More specifically, woodstoves have been identified as a major source of PM(2.5) in valley locations throughout the Northern Rocky Mountains, where biomass combustion is the predominant source of home heating. In this study, we present results that demonstrate the dramatic reduction in PM(2.5) concentrations (as measured by TSI, Inc. DustTrak PM(2.5) air samplers) inside homes following the replacement of old, polluting woodstove with new EPA-certified woodstoves.     

Measuring the exposure of infants and children to indoor air pollution from biomass fuels in The Gambia

Indoor air pollution (IAP) from biomass fuels contains high concentrations of health damaging pollutants and is associated with an increased risk of childhood pneumonia. We aimed to design an exposure measurement component for a matched case-control study of IAP as a risk factor for pneumonia and severe pneumonia in infants and children in The Gambia. We conducted co-located simultaneous area measurement of carbon monoxide (CO) and particles with aerodynamic diameter <2.5 microm (PM(2.5)) in 13 households for 48 h each. CO was measured using a passive integrated monitor and PM(2.5) using a continuous monitor. In three of the 13 households, we also measured continuous PM(2.5) concentration for 2 weeks in the cooking, sleeping, and playing areas. We used gravimetric PM(2.5) samples as the reference to correct the continuous PM(2.5) for instrument measurement error. Forty-eight hour CO and PM(2.5) concentrations in the cooking area had a correlation coefficient of 0.80. Average 48-h CO and PM(2.5) concentrations in the cooking area were 3.8 +/- 3.9 ppm and 361 +/- 312 microg/m3, respectively. The average 48-h CO exposure was 1.5 +/- 1.6 ppm for children and 2.4 +/- 1.9 ppm for mothers. PM(2.5) exposure was an estimated 219 microg/m3 for children and 275 microg/m3 for their mothers. The continuous PM(2.5) concentration had peaks in all households representing the morning, midday, and evening cooking periods, with the largest peak corresponding to midday. The results are used to provide specific recommendations for measuring the exposure of infants and children in an epidemiological study. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: Measuring personal particulate matter (PM) exposure of young children in epidemiological studies is hindered by the absence of small personal monitors. Simultaneous measurement of PM and carbon monoxide suggests that a combination of methods may be needed for measuring children's PM exposure in areas where household biomass combustion is the primary source of indoor air pollution. Children's PM exposure in biomass burning homes in The Gambia is substantially higher than concentrations in the world's most polluted cities.     

Sources and elemental composition of ambient PM(2.5) in three European cities

Source apportionment of urban fine particle mass (PM(2.5)) was performed from data collected during 1998-1999 in Amsterdam (The Netherlands), Erfurt (Germany) and Helsinki (Finland), using principal component analysis (PCA) and multiple linear regression. Six source categories of PM(2.5) were identified in Amsterdam. They were traffic-related particles (30% of the average PM(2.5)), secondary particles (34%), crustal material (7%), oil combustion (11%), industrial and incineration processes (9%), and sea salt (2%). The unidentified PM(2.5) fraction was 7% on the average. In Erfurt, four source categories were extracted with some difficulties in interpretation of source profiles. They were combustion emissions related to traffic (32%), secondary PM (32%), crustal material (21%) and industrial processes (8%). In Erfurt, 3% of PM(2.5) remained unidentified. Air pollution data and source apportionment results from the two Central European cities were compared to previously published results from Helsinki, where about 80% of average PM(2.5) was attributed to transboundary air pollution and particles from traffic and other regional combustion sources. Our results indicate that secondary particles and local combustion processes (mainly traffic) were the most important source categories in all cities; their impact on the average PM(2.5) was almost equal in Amsterdam and Erfurt whereas, in Helsinki, secondary particles made up for as much as half of the total average PM(2.5).     

长沙市某大学教室内外空气品质调查

本文对长沙市某大学校园内三栋教学楼教室内外的空气品质进行了实地测量调查。在室内和室外同时对空气温度(Ta)、相对湿度(RH）、空气流速(V）以及二氧化碳(CO2)、一氧化碳(CO)、二氧化硫(SO2)、二氧化氮(NO2)、可吸入颗粒物(PM10)和甲醛(HCH0)等的浓度参数进行了测量。实地测量时间为2004年3月和4月两个月。测量结果显示CO2和PM10为典型大学教室中污染最为严重的两项指标：CO2的最高和平均浓度分别高达0．3229／0和0．1997％,而中国国家标准为0．100%。造成如此严重污染的主要原因是通风不足以及教室内人员密度过大;教室内PM10的最大和平均浓度分别为0．16mg／m^3和0．13mg／m^3,通过实验分析得出在室内人员密度不是非常大的情况下,室内PM10主要来自室外环境;而人员密度大到一定程度时,室内人员活动与PM10浓度则显示出了一定的正相关性。本文所测的其他污染指标均符合国家标准要求。并且在结论中也提出了一些解决问题的建议。     

Characterization of fine particle emissions from incense burning

Incense burning is an important indoor source of airborne particles. In this study, the emission factors of PM_2.5 and its chemical constituents emitted from six different brands of incense sticks were determined. Controlled experiments were conducted to measure the mass concentration of PM_2.5 and to determine its chemical composition (elemental carbon (EC), organic carbon (OC), metals, and ions). Measurements showed that the emissions vary for different brands of incense sticks, with smokeless incense sticks emitting the least amount. PM_2.5 emission factors range from 0.4 (smokeless incense stick) to 44.5 mg/g. Results also show that the amount of metals emitted is highly dependent on the quantity of metals present in the incense sticks. In addition, the information obtained from the controlled experiments is used to predict the concentration of PM_2.5 at incense smoke-influenced microenvironments, such as temples and homes, in order to assess the potential indoor exposure during the course of incense burning. Comparison with indoor air quality guidelines suggests that inhalation of incense smoke can pose adverse health impacts.     

Seasonal variations and mass closure analysis of particulate matter in Hong Kong

The chemical characteristics of ambient particulate matters in urban and rural areas of Hong Kong were determined in this study. A monitoring program starting from November 2000 to February 2001 (winter) and June 2001 to August 2001 (summer) for PM10 and PM2.5 was performed at three monitoring stations in Hong Kong. Twenty-four-hour PM10 and PM2.5 samples were collected once every 6 days at two urban sites, PolyU and KT, and every 12 days at a background site, HT, with Hi-Vol samplers. High concentrations of OC, EC (except in PolyU), water-soluble ions and elements were observed in winter among the three sampling sites for PM10 and PM2.5 fractions. Seasonal variations were significant in background HT. Dilution effect due to the increase in mixing depth and precipitation in summer reduced the concentrations of particulate matters. Long-range transport could contribute to the higher concentrations of particulate matter in the winter. Chemical mass closure calculations were performed for PM10 and PM2.5 observed. Mass closure improved when separate factors (1.4 and 1.9 respectively) were used to convert water-soluble organic carbon (WSOC) and water-insoluble organic carbon (WINSOC) into corresponding organic masses. The urban sites showed high percentages of water-soluble ions in winter and high percentages of carbonaceous species in summer. Better results were obtained for the chemical mass closure analysis in winter than in summer. High temperature and solar radiation in summer increased the rate of the complex photochemical reaction in the atmosphere. Therefore the chemical mass closure analysis would underestimate the volatized species and secondary aerosols during summer.     

Performance evaluation of air quality models for predicting PM10 and PM2.5 concentrations at urban traffic intersection during winter period

There are several models that can be used to evaluate roadside air quality. The comparison of the operational performance of different models pertinent to local conditions is desirable so that the model that performs best can be identified. Three air quality models, namely the 'modified General Finite Line Source Model' (M-GFLSM) of particulates, the 'California Line Source' (CALINE3) model, and the 'California Line Source for Queuing & Hot Spot Calculations' (CAL3QHC) model have been identified for evaluating the air quality at one of the busiest traffic intersections in the city of Guwahati. These models have been evaluated statistically with the vehicle-derived airborne particulate mass emissions in two sizes, i.e. PM10 and PM2.5, the prevailing meteorology and the temporal distribution of the measured daily average PM10 and PM2.5 concentrations in wintertime. The study has shown that the CAL3QHC model would make better predictions compared to other models for varied meteorology and traffic conditions. The detailed study reveals that the agreements between the measured and the modeled PM10 and PM2.5 concentrations have been reasonably good for CALINE3 and CAL3QHC models. Further detailed analysis shows that the CAL3QHC model performed well compared to the CALINE3. The monthly performance measures have also led to the similar results. These two models have also outperformed for a class of wind speed velocities except for low winds (<1 m s(-1)), for which, the M-GFLSM model has shown the tendency of better performance for PM10. Nevertheless, the CAL3QHC model has outperformed for both the particulate sizes and for all the wind classes, which therefore can be optional for air quality assessment at urban traffic intersections.     

The impact of particle filtration on indoor air quality in a classroom near a highway

A pilot study was performed to investigate whether the application of a new mechanical ventilation system with a fine F8 (MERV14) filter could improve indoor air quality in a high school near the Amsterdam ring road. PM10, PM2.5, and black carbon (BC) concentrations were measured continuously inside an occupied intervention classroom and outside the school during three sampling periods in the winter of 2013/2014. Initially, 3 weeks of baseline measurements were performed, with the existing ventilation system and normal ventilation habits. Next, an intervention study was performed. A new ventilation system was installed in the classroom, and measurements were performed during 8 school weeks, in alternating 2‐week periods with and without the filter in the ventilation system under otherwise identical ventilation conditions. Indoor/outdoor ratios measured during the weeks with filter were compared with those measured without filter to evaluate the ability of the F8 filter to improve indoor air quality. During teaching hours, the filter reduced BC exposure by, on average, 36%. For PM10 and PM2.5, a reduction of 34% and 30% was found, respectively. This implies that application of a fine filter can reduce the exposure of schoolchildren to traffic exhaust at hot spot locations by about one‐third.     

Toxicity and elemental composition of particulate matter from outdoor and indoor air of elementary schools in Munich, Germany

Outdoor particulate matter (PM(10)) is associated with detrimental health effects. However, individual PM(10) exposure occurs mostly indoors. We therefore compared the toxic effects of classroom, outdoor, and residential PM(10). Indoor and outdoor PM(10) was collected from six schools in Munich during teaching hours and in six homes. Particles were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy and X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). Toxicity was evaluated in human primary keratinocytes, lung epithelial cells and after metabolic activation by several human cytochromes P450. We found that PM(10) concentrations during teaching hours were 5.6-times higher than outdoors (117 ± 48 μg/m(3) vs. 21 ± 15 μg/m(3), P < 0.001). Compared to outdoors, indoor PM contained more silicate (36% of particle number), organic (29%, probably originating from human skin), and Ca-carbonate particles (12%, probably originating from paper). Outdoor PM contained more Ca-sulfate particles (38%). Indoor PM at 6 μg/cm(2) (10 μg/ml) caused toxicity in keratinocytes and in cells expressing CYP2B6 and CYP3A4. Toxicity by CYP2B6 was abolished with the reactive oxygen species scavenger N-acetylcysteine. We concluded that outdoor PM(10) and indoor PM(10) from homes were devoid of toxicity. Indoor PM(10) was elevated, chemically different and toxicologically more active than outdoor PM(10). Whether the effects translate into a significant health risk needs to be determined. Until then, we suggest better ventilation as a sensible option. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: Indoor air PM(10) on an equal weight base is toxicologically more active than outdoor PM(10). In addition, indoor PM(10) concentrations are about six times higher than outdoor air. Thus, ventilation of classrooms with outdoor air will improve air quality and is likely to provide a health benefit. It is also easier than cleaning PM(10) from indoor air, which has proven to be tedious.     

Characterizing air pollution in two low-income neighborhoods in Accra, Ghana

Sub-Saharan Africa has the highest rate of urban population growth in the world, with a large number of urban residents living in low-income "slum" neighborhoods. We conducted a study for an initial assessment of the levels and spatial and/or temporal patterns of multiple pollutants in the ambient air in two low-income neighborhoods in Accra, Ghana. Over a 3-week period we measured (i) 24-hour integrated PM(10) and PM(2.5) mass at four roof-top fixed sites, also used for particle speciation; (ii) continuous PM(10) and PM(2.5) at one fixed site; and (iii) 96-hour integrated concentration of sulfur dioxide (SO(2)) and nitrogen dioxide (NO(2)) at 30 fixed sites. We also conducted seven consecutive days of mobile monitoring of PM(10) and PM(2.5) mass and submicron particle count. PM(10) ranged from 57.9 to 93.6 microg/m(3) at the four sites, with a weighted average of 71.8 microg/m(3) and PM(2.5) from 22.3 to 40.2 microg/m(3), with an average of 27.4 microg/m(3). PM(2.5)/PM(10) ratio at the four fixed sites ranged from 0.33 to 0.43. Elemental carbon (EC) was 10-11% of PM(2.5) mass at all four measurement sites; organic matter (OM) formed slightly less than 50% of PM(2.5) mass. Cl, K, and S had the largest elemental contributions to PM(2.5) mass, and Cl, Si, Ca, Fe, and Al to coarse particles. SO(2) and NO(2) concentrations were almost universally lower than the US-EPA National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS), with virtually no variation across sites. There is evidence for the contributions from biomass and traffic sources, and from geological and marine non-combustion sources to particle pollution. The implications of the results for future urban air pollution monitoring and measurement in developing countries are discussed.     

Elemental and organic carbon in aerosols over urbanized coastal region (southern Baltic Sea, Gdynia)

Studies on PM 10, total particulate matter (TSP), elemental carbon (EC) and organic carbon (OC) concentrations were carried out in the Polish coastal zone of the Baltic Sea, in urbanized Gdynia. The interaction between the land, the air and the sea was clearly observed. The highest concentrations of PM 10, TSP and both carbon fractions were noted in the air masses moving from southern and western Poland and Europe. The EC was generally of primary origin and its contribution to TSP and PM 10 mass was on average 2.3% and 3.7% respectively. Under low wind speed conditions local sources (traffic and industry) influenced increases in elemental carbon and PM 10 concentrations in Gdynia. Elemental carbon demonstrated a pronounced weekly cycle, yielding minimum values at the weekend and maximum values on Thursdays. The role of harbors and ship yards in creating high EC concentrations was clearly observed. Concentration of organic carbon was ten times higher than that of elemental carbon, and the average OC contribution to PM 10 mass was very high (31.6%). An inverse situation was observed when air masses were transported from over the Atlantic Ocean, the North Sea and the Baltic Sea. These clean air masses were characterized by the lowest concentrations of all analysed compounds.Obtained results for organic and elemental carbon fluxes showed that atmospheric aerosols can be treated, along with water run-off, as a carbon source for the coastal waters of the Baltic Sea. The enrichment of surface water was more effective in the case of organic carbon (0.27 ± 0.19 mmol m⁻² d⁻¹). Elemental carbon fluxes were one order of magnitude smaller, on average 0.03 ± 0.04 mmol m⁻² d⁻¹. We suggest that in some situations atmospheric carbon input can explain up to 18% of total carbon fluxes into the Baltic coastal waters.     

Evolution of anthropogenic aerosols in the coastal town of Salina Cruz, Mexico: part II particulate phase chemistry

An analysis of atmospheric gases and particles during periods of land and sea breezes in a coastal city in southwest Mexico indicates limited removal of total particle mass by deposition during periods when the air resides over the ocean. The average PM(2.5) mass concentrations for land and sea breeze samples were 25+/-1.0 and 26+/-1.0 microg m(-3), respectively. The average sum of the ion concentrations (NH(4)(+), SO(4)(2-), NO(3)(-), Na(+), Cl(-)) were 10 and 11.8 microg m(-3) for the samples taken during land and sea breeze periods. The average total carbon concentrations were 6.0 and 5.3 microg m(-3) for land and sea breeze periods. The mass of sulfate in particles of ocean origin, 3.3+/-2.8 microg m(-3), is marginally higher than those originating from the land, 2.0+/-0.8 microg m(-3), presumably as a result of the conversion of SO(2) recirculated from the city. The fraction of sulfate, nitrate and ammonium ions in rainwater samples is almost a factor of two higher than the fraction measured on filtered air samples. The rainwater also contains significant concentrations of elemental and organic carbon. This study, although extending over a period of only 15 days, with limited chemical samples, suggests that recirculation of anthropogenic particles from coastal cities should be taken into consideration when diagnosing and predicting air quality in such regions.     

Concentration of atmospheric particulates during a dust storm period in central Taiwan, Taichung

In this study we monitored concentrations of particles in central Taiwan using PS-1 (GPS1 PUF Sampler) and Model 310 Universal Air Sampler (UAS) from 02/23/2001 to 03/12/2001 at two sampling sites. During this period, an Asian dust storm moved across central Taiwan from 3/3 to 3/6. The total ambient air particle concentrations during the dust storm period were than compared with previous data from this region. In general, the average total suspended particulate (TSP) concentration order was during dust storm period > after dust storm period > non-dust storm period at both HKITT (traffic) and THUC (rural) sampling sites. The ratio of PM2.5/PM10 was 60% before and after the dust storm period. However, this ratio was decreased to less than 50% during the dust storm. This demonstrates that the coarse particulate concentrations (PM2.5-10) increased during the dust storm period. In contrast the increase of ambient air particles concentrations after the Taiwan Chi-Chi Earthquake were mainly due to fine particles (PM2.5). And, the increased of ambient air particles concentrations after dust storm period were mainly coarse particle (PM2.5-10) concentrations in central Taiwan.     

Simulation of long-range transport aerosols from the Asian Continent to Taiwan by a southward Asian high-pressure system

Aerosol is frequently transported by a southward high-pressure system from the Asian Continent to Taiwan and had been recorded a 100% increase in mass level compared to non-event days from 2002 to 2005. During this time period, PM2.5 sulfate was found to increase as high as 155% on event days as compared to non-event days. In this study, Asian emission estimations, Taiwan Emission Database System (TEDS), and meteorological simulation results from the fifth-generation Mesoscale Model (MM5) were used as inputs for the Community Multiscale Air Quality (CMAQ) model to simulate a long-range transport of PM2.5 event in a southward high-pressure system from the Asian Continent to Taiwan. The simulation on aerosol mass level and the associated aerosol components were found within a reasonable accuracy. During the transport process, the percentage of semi-volatile PM2.5 organic carbon in PM2.5 plume only slightly decreased from 22-24% in Shanghai to 21% near Taiwan. However, the percentage of PM2.5 nitrate in PM2.5 decreased from 16-25% to 1%. In contrast, the percentage of PM2.5 sulfate in PM2.5 increased from 16-19% to 35%. It is interesting to note that the percentage of PM2.5 ammonium and PM2.5 elemental carbon in PM2.5 remained nearly constant. Simulation results revealed that transported pollutants dominate the air quality in Taipei when the southward high-pressure system moved to Taiwan. Such condition demonstrates the dynamic chemical transformation of pollutants during the transport process from continental origin over the sea area and to the downwind land.     

杭州城市山地寺院香道景观环境康养 效益评价

香道作为山地寺院园林外部山林自然环境最重要的部分,具有森林康养的特点,对人体身心健康产生影响,同时其寺院导览、酝酿宗教情绪等功能亦会对人心理状态产生一定影响。对杭州永福寺、虎跑寺2座城市山地寺院香道景观的空气负离子浓度、PM2.5、温度、湿度等环境康养因子指标进行测量,基于标准规范,评价单因子的康养效益,分析不同康养因子间的相关性。通过主成分分析将环境因子分为3个主成分,计算各主成分得分,加权求和计算香道景观环境康养因子综合得分并进行评价;通过状态焦虑量表及POMS量表反映人群游览香道前后心理状态变化,评价香道景观对人心理恢复的效果。结果表明,不同季节下香道景观环境康养因子对健康均有积极影响;空气负离子浓度与环境温湿度呈显著正相关,与PM2.5呈显著负相关,共同影响香道景观环境的综合康养效益;永福寺香道景观环境康养综合评价得分高于虎跑寺;香道景观及其佛教文化氛围对人心理状态的变化有积极影响。     

Estimated effect of ventilation and filtration on chronic health risks in U.S. offices,schools, and retail stores

We assessed the chronic health risks from inhalation exposure to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and particulate matter (PM2.5) in U.S. offices, schools, grocery, and other retail stores and evaluated how chronic health risks were affected by changes in ventilation rates and air filtration efficiency. Representative concentrations of VOCs and PM2.5 were obtained from available data. Using a mass balance model, changes in exposure to VOCs and PM2.5 were predicted if ventilation rate were to increase or decrease by a factor of two, and if higher efficiency air filters were used. Indoor concentrations were compared to health guidelines to estimate percentage exceedances. The estimated chronic health risks associated with VOC and PM2.5 exposures in these buildings were low relative to the risks from exposures in homes. Chronic health risks were driven primarily by exposures to PM2.5 that were evaluated using disease incidence of mortality, chronic bronchitis, and non‐fatal stroke. The leading cancer risk factor was exposure to formaldehyde. Using disability‐adjusted life years (DALYs) to account for both cancer and non‐cancer effects, results suggest that increasing ventilation alone is ineffective at reducing chronic health burdens. Other strategies, such as pollutant source control and the use of particle filtration, should also be considered.     

Spatial variability of particulates in homes: implications for infant exposure

Personal monitoring of particulate matter (PM) exposure in infants is difficult. Indirect, microenvironment modelling methods are more practical. Infants spend most of their time indoors at home and the aim of this study was to investigate spatial variations in PM concentrations within homes. Three size fractions of PM - particles with an aerodynamic diameter of less than 10 microm (PM(10)), less than 2.5 microm (PM(2.5)) and total suspended particulates (TSP) - were monitored in the homes of 77 infants (0-2 years) using a multi-stage virtual impactor. In all homes PM was monitored simultaneously in the main living room at heights of 1.4 m and 0.2 m from the floor. In 26 of these homes monitoring was also conducted simultaneously in the infant's bedroom. Further, PM(10) was measured simultaneously in the living room, bedroom and child's cot in 14 homes using a real-time photometer. All homes in the study were non-smoking households. On average, there were no significant differences between concentrations of any of the different PM size fractions measured at the two heights (living room) and between living room and bedroom concentrations. However, there were only moderate correlations in concentrations between the different microenvironments and in some homes there was considerable variation between sampling sites. From the real-time measurements there seemed to be good agreement between concentrations measured in different rooms and in the cot and short-term peak concentrations at one sampling site were often mirrored at other sites. These results suggest that, although large variations in PM concentrations between rooms within homes can occur, a single monitoring station can provide a reasonable estimate of indoor concentrations.     

The Salmonella mutagenicity of urban airborne particulate matter (PM2.5) from eight sites of the Emilia-Romagna regional monitoring network (Italy)

ARPA Emilia Romagna created, in 1997, a regional network for the continuous monitoring of the mutagenicity of PM(2.5) by short-term mutagenicity bioassays to guarantee a constant surveillance on the entire regional territory. The continuous monitoring of the PM mutagenicity provides essential information for a better understanding of the impact of air pollution on the health of the population, and allows one to better judge the efficiency of national and local efforts for urban air quality improvement (use of "green" petrol and ecodiesel, days during which traffic is prohibited, etc.). This article presents the results relating to the Network's activity between September 2000 and December 2002, on PM(2.5) fraction. The organic extracts of PM(2.5) were tested for mutagenicity using Salmonella tester strains TA98 and TA100 with and without metabolic activation (S9). The data obtained on the genotoxicity of air particulate extracts have revealed a constant presence of mutagenic substances adsorbed on particulate matter-with a prevalence of direct-acting mutagens than of promutagens-in a typical seasonal trend featuring higher levels in autumn-winter and lower in warmer periods of the year. In this work the evolution of PM(2.5) mutagenicity was compared with the particles, carbon monoxide (CO) and nitrogen dioxide (NO(2)) concentrations (monthly average); these comparisons revealed a quite good level of agreement on a local basis.