Increased indoor PM concentrations controlled by atmospheric dust events and urban factors

Helena Krasnov, Itzhak Katra, Victor Novack, Alina Vodonos, Michael D. Friger

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

41 Scopus citations

Abstract

Dust storms are a common phenomenon, with significant impact on air pollution. Quantitative information on the influence of dust storms on particulate matter (PM) in the indoor environment is still lacking. Real-time PM10 and PM2.5 levels were measured simultaneously in outdoor and indoor air during dust events. A two-step multivariate analysis revealed factors controlling the PM levels. The results showed that during dust events average outdoor concentrations for PM10 and PM2.5 may reach 551μgm-3 and 299μgm-3, respectively. Indoor PM10 and PM2.5 levels may reach concentrations of 517μgm-3 and 282μgm-3, respectively. The analysis revealed a significant contribution of dust events to the indoor PM levels. The decreased in PM2.5/PM10 ratio in both environments during dust storms, indicating on 82% infiltration of the PM2.5 fraction into houses. The results serve to improve our understanding of dust storm, which may have implications for air quality and health issues.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)169-176
Number of pages8
JournalBuilding and Environment
Volume87
DOIs
StatePublished - 1 May 2015

Keywords

  • Air quality
  • Dust storms
  • Indoor
  • Outdoor
  • PM

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Environmental Engineering
  • Civil and Structural Engineering
  • Geography, Planning and Development
  • Building and Construction

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