Evolution of PM2.5 Measurements and Standards in the U.S. and Future Perspectives for China

Abstract

National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) were first established in the United States to protect public health and welfare, and the concept has been adopted in China and many other countries. For particulate matter (PM), the NAAQS indicator evolved from total particle mass concentration, to PM 10 and PM 2.5 mass concentrations as defined by the PM size-selective properties of the monitoring instrument and human inhalation characteristics. Particle measurements started with optical microscopy in the early 18 th century, and scientific research over the past 300 years has related particles to adverse environmental and health effects. Several options for PM 2.5 measurement and assessment are available to China and other developing countries as they implement new PM 2.5 ambient air quality standards. Although much can be learned from the experience of North America and Europe, China can leapfrog ahead in terms of PM 2.5 monitoring and emission reduction technology. China-specific guidance documents should be created for network design, equipment selection and operation, quality control and quality assurance, database management, and interpretation. Future air quality management and standards will need to consider multiple pollutants and their effects on visibility, climate, materials, and ecosystems in addition to the primary concerns about public health.

Systematic Approach to Optimization of Submicron Particle Agglomeration Using Ionic-Wind-Assisted Pre-Charger

“…Particles less than 1 µm in diameter can penetrate the alveoli where gas exchange occurs (Londahl et al, 2006;Cao et al, 2013). These particles behave similarly to gas molecules and affect gas exchange within the lungs, penetrating the lung into the blood stream and translocating further into the cell tissue and/or the circulatory system (Valavanidis et al, 2008), which lead to significant health problems such as asthma attacks, nonfatal heart attacks, and even cancer (Gorbunov et al, 2013;Crilley et al, 2014;Kim et al, 2015).…”

Impact of Meteorological Parameters and Gaseous Pollutants on PM2.5 and PM10 Mass Concentrations during 2010 in Xi’an, China

“…In the last decade, SO 2 was the primary gaseous pollutant in China, but recent studies from ground measurement Cao et al, 2013), satellite observation (Chan and Yao, 2008;Geng et al, 2009), and model simulation (He et al, 2007) show that NO x (including NO 2 ) is the No. 1 gaseous pollutant after the desulfurization of coal-fired power plant plumes, the elimination of coal-fired boilers in manufacturing facilities and small power plants, and the conversion of domestic coal utilization to cleaner fuels, etc.…”

Laboratory Evaluation and Calibration of Three Low-Cost Particle Sensors for Particulate Matter Measurement

“…The PM concentrations provided by a single monitoring site may not accurately represent the particle concentrations around people distributed in its vicinity, who may be concerned about the health effects of PM exposure. In recent years, this concern has become especially acute in developing countries that are industrializing (Cao et al 2013;Tiwari et al 2013;Huang et al 2014). To keep the citizens updated on air quality information through additional sources, the US embassy and consulates have started to measure and post the real-time PM concentrations in these countries.…”