Traceability Issue in PM2.5 and PM10 Measurements

Abstract

Nowadays particle size and mass concentration measurements are the important parameter of the ambient air quality standards of several countries. The regulatory limits of mass concentration of particulate matter (PM) for the size classes of PM2.5 and PM10, i.e., particle sizes of less than or equal to 2.5 and 10 μm in aerodynamic diameter, respectively in air are defined on yearly and hourly time-weighted-average basis. However, these limits are different in different regulations of the countries. Both of the parameters relate with the human health, climate and other issues, therefore accurate and precise measurement of these parameters are very important. Despite this, so far not much work has progressed in national metrology institutes (NMIs) worldwide on calibration and traceability issue of PM measurements. In this paper in context of PM measurement traceability, we present systematically the (1) air quality regulation in different countries, (2) reference methods for size and mass measurements, (3) variation/error and limitations of PM measurements based on the current results in this study and previously published results, (4) current status of PM size and mass calibration facility, (5) expected uncertainty in PM measurements, (6) add-on uncertainty in other parameters of national ambient air quality standards due to PM measurements, (7) where does traceability of PM issue stand against other parameters of air quality standards and its impact on health and climate, (8) NMIs working on this issue, (9) status at Bureau International des Poids et Mesures (BIPM), France and (10) conclusion. The aim of this paper is to better understand the importance of international system of units (SI) traceability issue in PM measurements, so wherever and whenever it is measured, should be acceptable everywhere, and data should be comparable for improving air quality and thus the quality of life. Funding agencies should be aware of this issue, and accept the results from the principle investigators and team only when their results have the traceability link to SI. NMIs should make program to involve industries in gas and aerosol metrology work to fulfill the requirement of calibration and standards. The regulatory authorities/ministry should work together with NMIs to improve the data quality of ambient measurements. This will greatly help to better make the policies and decisions on the related impacts. These were also the ultimate goals of “one-day pre-AdMet workshop” organized at National Physical Laboratory, New Delhi, India on February 20th, 2013.