Tag Archives: particulate matter

HVAC filters used to investigate indoor airborne particle exposure

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We spend about 90 per cent of our time indoors and airborne particles are one of the greatest indoor health risks. Research studies have shown that the majority of particles that are breathed indoors come from fine particulate matter (PM2.5). But before the air quality in residential and commercial buildings can be fully assessed, we need to first understand the composition and amount of indoor particles.

Jeffrey Siegel, an associate professor in the University of Toronto’s Department of Civil Engineering, has been investigating the use of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) filters as a new sampling method to detect airborne particles. In this SOCAAR seminar Siegel discusses what we can learn about human exposure to indoor contaminants from HVAC filters. Continue reading →

Determining the uncertainty and variability in social costs for air quality

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Scientific research is not conducted in isolation; instead, it brings together researchers in different fields as well as policymakers. Dr. Elisabeth Gilmore, Assistant Professor at the University of Maryland’s School of Public Policy, spoke about how air quality research is used in policy making to estimate the social costs of fine particulate matter (PM2.5). Continue reading →

CAREBEIJING progresses air pollution control measures in Beijing

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Beijing as seen through the recent smog episode. (Photo credit Flickr user: Infinite Jeff)

Beijing as seen through the recent smog episode. (Photo credit Flickr user: Infinite Jeff)

The severe air pollution in China’s capital, Beijing, has made the news around the world these past two months, with many wondering what was causing the smog. Professor Tong Zhu, of Peking University’s College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering in Beijing, delivered a special SOCAAR Seminar addressing the recent air pollution episode. He also highlighted steps that could be taken to improve the air quality in Beijing and the surrounding North China Plain. Continue reading →

The migration of halogenated flame retardants from the indoor to outdoor environment

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flickr user mhaithaca

Image source: Flickr/mhaithaca

Halogenated flame retardants are chemical compounds containing chlorine or bromine in its chemical structure. The most commonly used flame retardants in consumer products such as electronic goods or sofas belong to the group of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs).

The value of PBDEs in preventing fires has been questioned due to potential health concerns in humans or wildlife. Of the three forms of PBDEs used in commercial mixtures, penta and octa have already been regulated and phased out of manufacturing in North America and Europe. Currently, alternatives are being investigated to replace the deca form of PBDEs. Continue reading →

Rob McWhinney delivers 2nd SOCAAR seminar

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Particulate matter (PM) is a toxic component of air pollution that has been linked to asthma and other respiratory illnesses. Current environmental regulations limit the concentration of PM allowed in the air. But such regulations treat all PM to be created equally and is problematic because PM is chemically complex in reality. PM contains a variety of chemicals from organic compounds to transition metals. Furthermore, the composition of PM changes over time as particles age in the atmosphere. Continue reading →