AAAR 32nd Annual Conference
September 30 - October 4, 2013
Oregon Convention Center
Portland, Oregon, USA
Abstract View
Elevated Levels of Respirable Antimony (Sb) and Other Trace Elements inside an Elementary School
BRIAN MAJESTIC, Joseph Turner, Aurelie Marcotte, University of Denver
Abstract Number: 259 Working Group: Indoor Aerosols
Abstract The link between atmospheric particulate matter (PM) and respiratory and cardiovascular diseases such as exacerbated asthma and increased mortality is well-documented. It is becoming increasingly clear that respirable metals (metals contained in particles < 2.5 microns in aerodynamic diameter, PM2.5) contribute to the adverse health effects of PM, especially in young children with developing lungs. In this study, we explored the metal concentrations inside and outside of an elementary school in Flagstaff, AZ. A MOUDI sampler was used to collect 11 size fractions ranging from > 18 microns to < 56 nm. Metals analysis showed that, in the supermicron fraction, metal concentrations were roughly 13 times higher inside the school compared to outside. In the submicron (PM1) fraction, similar metal concentrations were seen both inside and outside the school, with the exception of antimony (Sb). Submicron Sb, a US-EPA hazardous air pollutant, was highly enriched inside the school at levels on par with or greater than high traffic urban centers in the US. Based on size-resolved data and Cu:Sb ratios, the excess submicron Sb does not appear to be a result of brake dust or coal fly ash, which are well-known Sb sources. We hypothesize that the elevated PM1 inside the school Sb is a result of Sb oxides embedded in the carpeting as a flame retardant, which become resuspended inside the school from foot traffic. If this is the source, then it would have significant implications on the contribution of flame retardants and related compounds to indoor air quality.