AAAR 36th Annual Conference October 16 - October 20, 2017 Raleigh Convention Center Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
Abstract View
Wintertime Submicron Particulate Matter in Logan, UT as Measured by SMPS and EPC
JONATHAN KRUG, John Offenberg, Maribel Colon, Kenneth Docherty, Bruce Habel, Russell Long, EPA/ORD/NERL
Abstract Number: 735 Working Group: Aerosol Exposure
Abstract Submicron particulate matter (PM) in the atmosphere is typically emitted directly or formed through secondary processes such as condensation and nucleation of semivolatile compounds, little submicron PM is generated by natural processes such as wind-blown dust. Submicron PM is not currently regulated by the EPA beyond inclusion with the PM2.5 standard on a mass basis. There is significant interest in measurement of submicron PM for understanding exposure risks and potential health effects related to exposure. Because individual submicron particles have relatively little mass, particle number concentration could be the most relevant metric in health effects studies. Due to wintertime atmospheric inversions, Logan UT frequently experiences exceedances in PM2.5. To better understand the local submicron PM, concentrations were monitored by Scanning Mobility Particle Sizer (SMPS) and by Environmental Particle Counter (EPC) during January and February of 2017 at a field site located in Logan UT. Daily median particle diameter is reported as well as particle number concentrations as measured by the SMPS and EPC. Trends are examined for correlation of submicron PM concentration to local atmospheric inversion events.
Disclaimer: Although this work was reviewed by EPA and approved for presentation, it may not necessarily reflect official Agency policy.