Towards the future prospect of control technology for alleviating indoor air pollution

Bai, Li; Yu, Chuck Wah

doi:10.1177/1420326x211010841

Cited by 5 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 41 publications

(44 reference statements)

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

“…Wildfires can significantly impact regional air quality, sometimes causing increased levels of PM 2.5 that greatly exceed the daily average ambient air quality standards for days at a time [19,20]. During large wildfire events, public health officials encourage residents to stay indoors, keep windows closed, and use portable air cleaners to lower the risk of smoke inhalation [21][22][23]. This approach has been reviewed by large data studies, including O'Dell et al [24].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Experimental and Modeled Assessment of Interventions to Reduce PM2.5 in a Residence during a Wildfire Event

Antonopoulos,

Dillon,

Gall

2024

Pollutants

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Increasingly large and frequent wildfires affect air quality even indoors by emitting and dispersing fine/ultrafine particulate matter known to pose health risks to residents. With this health threat, we are working to help the building science community develop simplified tools that may be used to estimate impacts to large numbers of homes based on high-level housing characteristics. In addition to reviewing literature sources, we performed an experiment to evaluate interventions to mitigate degraded indoor air quality. We instrumented one residence for one week during an extreme wildfire event in the Pacific Northwest. Outdoor ambient concentrations of PM2.5 reached historic levels, sustained at over 200 μg/m3 for multiple days. Outdoor and indoor PM2.5 were monitored, and data regarding building characteristics, infiltration, and mechanical system operation were gathered to be consistent with the type of information commonly known for residential energy models. Two conditions were studied: a high-capture minimum efficiency rated value (MERV 13) filter integrated into a central forced air (CFA) system, and a CFA with MERV 13 filtration operating with a portable air cleaner (PAC). With intermittent CFA operation and no PAC, indoor corrected concentrations of PM2.5 reached 280 μg/m3, and indoor/outdoor (I/O) ratios reached a mean of 0.55. The measured I/O ratio was reduced to a mean of 0.22 when both intermittent CFA and the PAC were in operation. Data gathered from the test home were used in a modeling exercise to assess expected I/O ratios from both interventions. The mean modeled I/O ratio for the CFA with an MERV 13 filter was 0.48, and 0.28 when the PAC was added. The model overpredicted the MERV 13 performance and underpredicted the CFA with an MERV 13 filter plus a PAC, though both conditions were predicted within 0.15 standard deviation. The results illustrate the ways that models can be used to estimate indoor PM2.5 concentrations in residences during extreme wildfire smoke events.

show abstract

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Experimental and Modeled Assessment of Interventions to Reduce PM2.5 in a Residence during a Wildfire Event

Antonopoulos,

Dillon,

Gall

2024

Pollutants

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

Study on metal elements in indoor particulate matter: a case study of rural residential environment in Northeast China

Bai

Qin

et al. 2023

Environ Geochem Health

Self Cite

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

The use of solid fuels for heating and cooking in rural Northeast China has led to severe indoor metal element pollution in particulate matter (PM), posing a direct threat to human health and creating immense pressure on the sustainability of residential environments. To investigate the levels, sources, and potential health hazards of indoor metal element pollution in this region, we conducted a year-long sampling and monitoring campaign in actual residential settings and used ICP-OES to measure six metal elements (Mn, Cr, Zn, Cu, Pb, and Ni). This study's findings reveal that indoor metal element pollution levels in PM (33,513.65 mg/kg per year) are higher in rural Northeast China compared to other rural areas. Straw burning is the primary source of metal element pollution, followed by motor vehicle emissions and natural soil sources. It is crucial to note that our results indicate a total carcinogenic risk greater than 10 −4 according to the US EPA health risk model assessment, highlighting the high risk posed to human health by indoor metal elements in rural areas. By using a seriously polluted area in Northeast China as a case study, this research provides initial insights into the characteristics and sources of indoor metal pollution in rural areas, offering a reference for future prevention and control of indoor pollution in these regions. Ultimately, this work can help improve the rural habitat and enhance the health of the rural population.

show abstract

Estimating air pollutant emissions from burning straw for heating in rural Northeast China: Based on the heat load for building heating

Li¹,

Li²,

Bai³

et al. 2023

Journal of Building Engineering

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Towards the future prospect of control technology for alleviating indoor air pollution

Cited by 5 publications

References 41 publications

Experimental and Modeled Assessment of Interventions to Reduce PM2.5 in a Residence during a Wildfire Event

Experimental and Modeled Assessment of Interventions to Reduce PM2.5 in a Residence during a Wildfire Event

Study on metal elements in indoor particulate matter: a case study of rural residential environment in Northeast China

Estimating air pollutant emissions from burning straw for heating in rural Northeast China: Based on the heat load for building heating

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About