Concentration and Distribution Characteristics of PM10in High Schools in the Ulsan Metropolitan Area

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the concentration and distribution characteristics of <TEX>$PM_{10}$</TEX> at high schools classrooms in Ulsan and its surroundings. This study evaluated <TEX>$PM_{10}$</TEX> levels in classrooms at 79 high schools in Ulsan from May 2008 to May 2009. The average <TEX>$PM_{10}$</TEX> level was 63.8 <TEX>${\mu}g/m^3$</TEX>, and the rate of exceeding the statutory maintenance limit was 16.0%. The average <TEX>$PM_{10}$</TEX> level was higher in general schools (64.9 <TEX>${\mu}g/m^3$</TEX>) compared to professional schools (59.2 <TEX>${\mu}g/m^3$</TEX>), and private schools (66.6 <TEX>${\mu}g/m^3$</TEX>) was higher than that of public schools (62.5 <TEX>${\mu}g/m^3$</TEX>). The average <TEX>$PM_{10}$</TEX> level (68.4 <TEX>${\mu}g/m^3$</TEX>) in general classrooms was significantly (p < 0.01) higher than that in multi-purpose ones (54.6 <TEX>${\mu}g/m^3$</TEX>), and first-year student classrooms (73.3 <TEX>${\mu}g/m^3$</TEX>) was significantly (p < 0.05) higher than that in second or third grade ones (67.6 <TEX>${\mu}g/m^3$</TEX>, 51.5 <TEX>${\mu}g/m^3$</TEX>, respectively). The <TEX>$PM_{10}$</TEX> level in schools in Dong-Gu in the vicinity of assorted industrial complexes was higher than that of schools located in other districts around the Ulsan Metropolitan Area. The regression model showed that <TEX>$PM_{10}$</TEX> level was positively associated with number of students and relative humidity.