A platform for research: civil engineering, architecture and urbanism
A platform for research: civil engineering, architecture and urbanism
Particle concentrations and effectiveness of free-standing air filters in bedrooms of children with asthma in Detroit, Michigan
Abstract Asthma can be exacerbated by environmental factors including airborne particulate matter (PM) and environmental tobacco smoke (ETS). We report on a study designed to characterize PM levels and the effectiveness of filters on pollutant exposures of children with asthma. 126 households with an asthmatic child in Detroit, Michigan, were recruited and randomized into control or treatment groups. Both groups received asthma education; the latter also received a free-standing high efficiency air filter placed in the child’s bedroom. Information regarding the home, emission sources, and occupant activities was obtained using surveys administered to the child’s caregiver and a household inspection. Over a one week period, we measured PM, carbon dioxide (CO2), environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) tracers, and air exchange rates (AERs). Filters were installed at midweek. Before filter installation, PM concentrations averaged 28 μg m−3, number concentrations averaged 70,777 and 1471 L−1 in 0.3–1.0 and 1–5 μm size ranges, respectively, and the median CO2 concentration was 1018 ppm. ETS tracers were detected in 23 of 38 homes where smoking was unrestricted and occupants included smokers and, when detected, PM concentrations were elevated by an average of 15 μg m−3. Filter use reduced PM concentrations by an average of 69–80%. Simulation models representing location conditions show that filter air flow, room volume and AERs are the key parameters affecting PM removal, however, filters can achieve substantial removal in even "worst" case applications. While PM levels in homes with asthmatic children can be high, levels can be dramatically reduced using filters.
Highlights ► Particulate matter (PM) levels in asthmatic children's homes averaged 28 μg m−3. Room air filters reduced PM levels by an average of 69 to 80%. ► Environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) was detected in 23 homes. ► ETS increased PM levels by an average of 15 μg m−3. ► Filter air flow rate, room volume and air exchange rate govern filter performance.
Particle concentrations and effectiveness of free-standing air filters in bedrooms of children with asthma in Detroit, Michigan
Abstract Asthma can be exacerbated by environmental factors including airborne particulate matter (PM) and environmental tobacco smoke (ETS). We report on a study designed to characterize PM levels and the effectiveness of filters on pollutant exposures of children with asthma. 126 households with an asthmatic child in Detroit, Michigan, were recruited and randomized into control or treatment groups. Both groups received asthma education; the latter also received a free-standing high efficiency air filter placed in the child’s bedroom. Information regarding the home, emission sources, and occupant activities was obtained using surveys administered to the child’s caregiver and a household inspection. Over a one week period, we measured PM, carbon dioxide (CO2), environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) tracers, and air exchange rates (AERs). Filters were installed at midweek. Before filter installation, PM concentrations averaged 28 μg m−3, number concentrations averaged 70,777 and 1471 L−1 in 0.3–1.0 and 1–5 μm size ranges, respectively, and the median CO2 concentration was 1018 ppm. ETS tracers were detected in 23 of 38 homes where smoking was unrestricted and occupants included smokers and, when detected, PM concentrations were elevated by an average of 15 μg m−3. Filter use reduced PM concentrations by an average of 69–80%. Simulation models representing location conditions show that filter air flow, room volume and AERs are the key parameters affecting PM removal, however, filters can achieve substantial removal in even "worst" case applications. While PM levels in homes with asthmatic children can be high, levels can be dramatically reduced using filters.
Highlights ► Particulate matter (PM) levels in asthmatic children's homes averaged 28 μg m−3. Room air filters reduced PM levels by an average of 69 to 80%. ► Environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) was detected in 23 homes. ► ETS increased PM levels by an average of 15 μg m−3. ► Filter air flow rate, room volume and air exchange rate govern filter performance.
Particle concentrations and effectiveness of free-standing air filters in bedrooms of children with asthma in Detroit, Michigan
Du, Liuliu (author) / Batterman, Stuart (author) / Parker, Edith (author) / Godwin, Christopher (author) / Chin, Jo-Yu (author) / O’Toole, Ashley (author) / Robins, Thomas (author) / Brakefield-Caldwell, Wilma (author) / Lewis, Toby (author)
Building and Environment ; 46 ; 2303-2313
2011-05-13
11 pages
Article (Journal)
Electronic Resource
English
| British Library Online Contents | 2011
| UB Braunschweig | 1931