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 language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 169-176 |
Number of pages | 8 |
Journal | Building and Environment |
Volume | 87 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 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