Typological Characterisation of Mineral and Combustion Airborne Particles Indoors in Primary Schools

Susana Pallarés,Manuel Miguel Jordán,Eva T Gómez

doi:10.3390/atmos10040209

Abstract

This study was carried out using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis of airborne fine particles and indoor samples, obtained in the interiors of seven primary schools located along the Mediterranean coast in an area with an important industrial nucleus. The objectives of this study are to create a catalogue that gathers the principle particles found in the three environments examined and to assess the influence of outside sources of particulate matter on particles found indoors. The particles identified in the fine particle samples have been grouped into two main groups: mineral compounds and particles originating from combustion processes. The mineral particles emanating from natural emissions and anthropogenics were classified according to their morphology into: isometric alotriomorphs or subidiomorphs, with tabular, acicular, and pure crystalline forms. The compounds originating from combustion processes present two types of morphology: spheric-like particles and dendritic soot ones. On the other hand, in lesser proportion, spherical particles were also identified as being associated with industrial processes at high temperatures. To conclude a summary table is presented, that gathers the characteristics (morphology, type and size) along with the origins of the principle particles identified in the interior airborne fine particle samples obtained from primary schools located in three different environments.

Highlights

People recognise that indoor air quality may be more important than outdoor air quality because they spend over 70% [1] of their time indoors, either at home or in work environments
In thethe airborne fineofparticle samples in the thisprimary study contribution to indoor air quality. This effect is even greater in buildings, as is the case with are grouped into two main groups: mineral phases and particles produced by combustion processes
The types of particles and the differences of these types of classified particles (Table 2) between schools clearly showed that the external emission sources, mainly industry and traffic, have a great influence on particulate levels recorded inside the schools with natural ventilation

Summary

Introduction

People recognise that indoor air quality may be more important than outdoor air quality because they spend over 70% [1] of their time indoors, either at home or in work environments.Despite this, the majority of the data on breathable particle material is based on the values obtained in the exterior, meaning that they may not really be good indicators of the real exposure of inhabitants to contaminants. People recognise that indoor air quality may be more important than outdoor air quality because they spend over 70% [1] of their time indoors, either at home or in work environments. Numerous outdoor air quality studies exist [2,3,4,5,6], such studies of indoor atmospheric particle levels are scarce. This is especially the case in the area of the Mediterranean coast. In Spain, studies are carried out in indoor working environments because it is stipulated by law, but very few exist for homes, indoor leisure facilities or public buildings.

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