Characterization of particulate emissions from occupant activities in offices
Luoma, M. and Batterman, S. A.
2001
Indoor Air, 11(1): 35
Luoma, M. and Batterman, S. A., (2001), "Characterization of particulate emissions from occupant activities in offices", Indoor Air, 11(1): 35.
| Abstract: |
| This paper characterizes the relationship between occupant activities and indoor air particulate levels in a non-smoking office building. Occupant activities were recorded on video. Particulate concentrations were monitored by three optical particle counters (OPCs) in five size ranges at three heights. Particulate mass concentrations were measured gravimetrically and bioaerosol concentrations were determined by impaction methods. Occupant activities and number concentrations were determined with 1-min resolution over a 1-week period. Occupant activities such as walking past or visiting the monitoring site explained 24-55% of the variation of 1- to 25-m diameter particle number concentrations. Statistical models associating particulate concentrations with occupant activities depended on the size fraction and included an autocorrelative term. Occupant activities are estimated to contribute up to 10 g m3 in particulate concentrations per person. Number concentrations of particles smaller than 1 m had little correlation with indoor activities other than cigarette smoking and were highly correlated with outdoor levels. The method can be used to characterize emissions from activities if rapid measurements can be made and if activities can be coded from the video record.
Practical Implications
This study associated occupant activities, recorded on video, with changes in indoor particle concentrations, monitored by optical particle counters. Occupant activity measures derived from video taping accounted for 24-55% of the variability in particulate concentration in the case study office building. The study demonstrated that occupant-related particulate emissions can be quantified and that particulate levels are elevated in a person's microenvironment. For example, the effect of one person putting on a sweater near a monitoring site was quite dramatic. The method provides a practical way to quantify occupant activities and their impact on IAQ with potential application in residential, commercial and industrial settings. |
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