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

2. 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.

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

4. 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)

5. Particle sampler Block Diagram

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

7. 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

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

9. Partisol 2000 – Filter based Low-Volume Sampler

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