Abstract
The Taipei main station is a major transfer station in the Taipei Rapid Transit System and is located at the center of Taipei metropolitan areas. This study investigates particle mass concentrations and size distributions at the concourse in this underground station using an optical particle counter. On-site measurements were taken during January-February 2008. Experimental results show that PM10 and PM2.5 levels in the Taipei main station were 9.83-104.26 μg/m3 and 3.84- 59.74 μg/m^3, respectively. The lognormal mass size distribution in the Taipei main station had two modes; one near 0.27 μm and the other at about 12.5 μm. Additionally, the mean mass concentrations were governed by particles with coarse PM. Measurement results also suggest that average PM10 and PM2.5 levels in the indoor station were about 0.70 and 0.53 times those outdoors, respectively. The PM levels in the indoor station and outdoors were positively correlated, indicating that PM levels at the concourse in the Taipei main station are significantly influenced by outdoor ambient PM levels. Moreover, the low PM2.5-to-PM10 ratio at the concourse in the Taipei main station was likely the result of coarse PM being re-suspended in the station concourse due to passenger movement.
Highlights
Suspended particulate matter (PM) is recognized to have a strong impact on the environment and to be of concern in health related effects
This study investigates particle mass concentrations and size distributions at the concourse in this underground station using an optical particle counter
Experimental results suggest that PM levels measured by the spectrometer in environmental mode and those calculated from the particle mass size distribution with the PM10 and PM2.5 fractions are inconsistent
Summary
Suspended particulate matter (PM) is recognized to have a strong impact on the environment and to be of concern in health related effects. Recent epidemiological studies have demonstrated that airborne PM in urban areas has a clear correlation with the respiratory and cardiovascular diseases responses (Pope et al, 2004). The mechanisms behind these effects include oxidative stress and inflammation. Pope et al (2002) determined that each 10 ȝg/m3 increase in fine particulate concentration was associated with an approximate 4%, 6% and 8% increase in risk of all-cause, cardiopulmonary and lung cancer mortality, respectively.
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