engleski

The potential use of a particulate matter sensor for “Exposome” research

Background and aims: It is now possible to assess indoor exposure to particulate matter (PM) with low cost sensors. As part of the HEALS project (www.heals-eu.eu), funded by the European Union 7th Framework Programme (EU FP7), we evaluated the potential use of a low cost PM sensor to assess indoor PM as part of an exposome methodology. Methods: In an experimental design we simulated several household activities (e.g. vacuum cleaning, cooking) that generate PM and placed the low cost PM sensor (Dylos DC1700) side by side with a conventional device (TSI APS). In addition, the Dylos DC1700 is currently being used in approximately 150 participants in 3 countries across Europe (Scotland, Greece and the Netherlands) as part of a pilot study aimed at developing a methodology for measuring the exposome. Collected data for the first participants (n=3) was visually compared with the Dutch air quality monitoring network. Results: In the experiment we found a high correlation between the APS and the Dylos DC1700 for different size ranges (> 0.5µm and > 2.5µm) (> 0.8). Preliminary results of the pilot study data collected with the Dylos DC1700 suggest large variation in PM between days for a single participant and on average between participants. However, first pilot study results suggest a high correlation with the Dutch air quality monitoring network. Conclusions: The high correlation between TSI APS and Dylos DC1700 in the experimental setup suggested that this low cost sensor may be used for measuring indoor PM. The typical particle size distribution patterns of the TSI APS will be applied to the results collected with the Dylos DC1700 to increase the size selectiveness and for conversion into calculated mass concentrations. These findings will be used for personal exposure modelling based on time-activity information as part of the HEALS exposome methodology.

indoor exposure; particulate matter; low cost sensors

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