An investigation of the influence of daily activities and location on personal exposure to air pollution in Dublin : measurement, analysis, modelling and application

Abstract

The research in this study was carried out to quantify real-time personal exposure to PM10 in a large number of individuals residing in the Dublin area. This was carried out in order to highlight activities and locations with high personal exposure concentrations of particulate matter. In addition, the dataset was analysed using various numerical, statistical, and other techniques to develop predictive modelling tools. The main subpopulation of individuals chosen for inclusion in the personal exposure study was office workers. The volunteers were required to monitor for 24-hour periods, which comprised one sample. The personal PM10 exposure data for each subject was collected using a real-time nephelometer device, which recorded concentrations at two minute intervals. The subjects were also required to complete activity diaries and carry a GPS device with them at all times during sampling in order to record their movements. Personal exposure data was collected for 255 separate 24-hour periods by 59 volunteers. The gathered dataset was comprehensively analysed using various statistical methods. The study population was found to spend over 90% of their time indoors. The mean 24- hour PM10 personal exposure for the study population was found to below the EPA daily limit value. However, a number of indoor microenvironments were highlighted in which high concentrations could be encountered, and these included cafes, public houses, and recreation facilities such as gyms. Exposure to ETS was also found to be a large factor in raising personal exposure concentrations among subjects. The lowest personal concentrations were consistently found when the subjects were sleeping.