1. Cave Air By Galen Jamison Mr. Spangler, WHS Research Question: How does PM 2.5 differ between caves and the outside environment? Hypothesis: Cave air, on average, will have a significantly higher PM 2.5 rating due to the static cave environment which will allow debris particles to collect. Methods: After descending into the Little Bitteroot Ice Canyon Caves, the DustTrak air meter was placed on the ledge shown left. The meter was run for one hour and forty minutes while we continued to travel through the cave. After the caving trip, I compared the data calculated with the Flathead County Air Quality Data provided on their website. Results: Overall, the average PM 2.5 in the cave system was 0.6 ug/m3. The Flathead County air quality report for that day (March 5th) had an average PM 2.5 reading of 6 ug/m3. The EPA standards, as of 2012, are 35 ug/m3. The minimum value for our test was 0 ug/m3 and the maximum was 1 ug/m3. The test started at roughly 3:07 and ran for an hour and fourty minutes, or until 4:47. Conclusions: The data gathered showed that caves have a significantly lower PM 2.5 rating than the world we work and play in. With a PM 2.5 level one tenth of the outdoor environment, caves are cleaner than one might expect. This did not support my hypothesis. The most likely explanation within my scope of research is that the extreme humidity of the cave prevents PM 2.5 from floating freely. Historically, cave air has been considered as treatment for lung conditions, tuberculosis, and other ailments, although such claims were generally fabricated and based on fictitious beliefs. Explanations for such low data numbers could also be from placing the meter on a ledge rather high (about chest level). In short, air quality should not pose a concern during long term expeditions, and in fact, may be healthier than the outside air. Further research will have to be done before we can draw any true conclusions. Improvements: My results could have been improved by running a shorter sample period (the meter took samples every 5 minutes), extending research into other cave systems, and taking data for longer periods of time. Another improvement I could perform is to take air quality readings with the same meter outside the cave entrance. Background Information: My reason for interest in this area lies in my love for caving. Speleological exploration continues to yield us more knowledge about hydrology, biology, and geology. Recent caving discoveries have included certain strains of drug-resistant bacteria that will aid in the developement of anti-bacterials. Learning about the PM 2.5 in caves will allow us to asses the dangers of caving from a more informed perspective. PM 2.5is particulate matter equal to or smaller than 2.5 um in diameter. PM 2.5 is roughly the 1/24 the size of a human hair. Common PM 2.5 molecules are sulfates and nitrates in the air, organic compounds, trace elements, and water. Road dust, wildfires, industry smoke, and car pollution can all increase PM 2.5 levels. The EPA limit for PM 2.5 is 35 ug/m3. The reason this limit is set is because PM 2.5 can cause many types of respiratory illnesses and in extreme cases, can be lethal over time. While exposure to PM 2.5 during caving is generally limited, this could be a concern during long term expeditions. Formations inside the cave. From left to right- ice crystal formations in the lower segment of cave, ice “flowstone” near the entrance, and ice “stalagmite”. Photo: Ann Brooks Bibliography/References: Various. "Cave Air: Mammoth Cave’s Tuberculosis Patients." Every Breath You Take. University of Virginia, 2007. Web. 25 May 2016. -------- Jovičić, Aleksandra, Gregor Muri, and Andrej Mihevc. Source Assessment of Deposited Particles in a Slovenian Show Cave (Postojnska Jama): Evidence of Long-lasting Anthropogenic Impact. International Journal of Speleology. Union Internationale De Spéléologie, Sept. 2013. Web. 24 May 2016. ----- Montana Department of Environmental Quality. "Air Monitoring Data."Montana Air Quality Monitoring. State of Montana, 5 Mar. 2016. Web. 25 May 2016