Source strengths for indoor human activities that resuspend particulate matter

Environ Sci Technol. 2004 Mar 15;38(6):1759-64. doi: 10.1021/es0263893.

Abstract

A mathematical model was applied to continuous indoor and outdoor particulate matter (PM) measurements to estimate source strengths for a variety of prescribed human activities that resuspend house dust in the home. Activities included folding blankets, folding clothes, dry dusting, making a bed, dancing on a rug, dancing on a wood floor, vacuuming, and walking around and sitting on upholstered furniture. Although most of the resuspended particle mass from these activities was larger than 5 microm in diameter, the resuspension of PM2.5 and PM5 was substantial, with source strengths ranging from 0.03 to 0.5 mg min(-1) for PM2.5 and from 0.1 to 1.4 mg min(-1) for PM5. Source strengths for PM > 5 microm could not be quantified due to instrument limitations. The source strengths were found to be a function of the number of persons performing the activity, the vigor of the activity, the type of activity, and the type of flooring.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Activities of Daily Living*
  • Air Pollution, Indoor / analysis*
  • Bedding and Linens
  • Dust
  • Floors and Floorcoverings
  • Housing
  • Humans
  • Models, Theoretical*
  • Particle Size

Substances

  • Dust