Measuring Particle Pollution ITEP Air Quality Training Kodiak 2015 Mansel Nelson & Bob Morgan ITEP & ADEC

What are we Measuring and Why? Particles suspended in the air that can have a significant effect on a person’s health and welfare. In terms of protecting human health, we are measuring particles of a size range that penetrate deep into the lungs.

Why Size Matters PM10 / PM2.5 Hair cross section (60 µm) PM2.5 Human Hair (60 µm diameter)

Things that all Particulate Samplers have in commons Size-selective sampling inlet (which separates out the large dust particles from small particles that penetrate deep into the lungs) Filter or electronic sensing device Electronics to maintain precision flow control Vacuum Source (a vacuum motor or a vacuum pump)

Particle sampler Block Diagram

Types of Measurement Methods Filter-Based Methods Automated Electronics-Based Methods

Differences in Method Characteristics Filter-Based Measurements Requires laboratory analysis Typically provides a 24-hour avg value Results are accurate and precise Used for EPA-type measurements Electronics-Based Measurements Provides real-time results or near-real- time results’ More portable (most of the time) Good indicator of pollutant levels But not as accurate

Types of Filter-Based Samplers PM10 Hi-Volume Sampler PM10 Low-Volume Sampler

Partisol 2000 – Filter based Low-Volume Sampler

Examples of Automated Electronic Monitors Beta Attenuation Monitors (BAMs) Dust Trak™ Laser - Light Scattering Sensor