Analysis of Significant Weather Events (Inversion, Dust, Wildfire Smoke) Impact on Indoor and Outdoor PM2.5 Levels Measured Using a Network of Low-Cost Air Quality Sensors
TRISTALEE MANGIN, Zachary Palmer, Darrah Sleeth, Kerry Kelly,
University of Utah Abstract Number: 52
Working Group: Indoor Aerosols
AbstractIndividuals spend up to 90% of their time indoors, and poor indoor air quality (IAQ) is associated with numerous adverse human health effects. Yet it has been less frequently studied than outdoor air quality. Particulate matter (PM), specifically PM2.5 concentrations, is a key driver of adverse health effects. We deployed 18 low-cost air quality sensor nodes that measure particle pollution and CO2 levels in 16 indoor and two outdoor locations across the University of Utah campus. Additionally, a dashboard was developed to share the AQ measurements in real time with facilities management. This study aims to understand the impact of pollution episodes (wildfires, dust events, and temperature inversions) on indoor air quality and to partner with facilities management to identify the effect of HVAC settings on IAQ. Thus far, our preliminary results identified PM2.5 levels that exceeded 40 ug/m3 during a wildfire event (more than three times WHO IAQ 24-hour guidelines) and numerous hours when PM2.5 levels exceeded the IAQ guideline during inversion events. Furthermore, one of the 16 indoor locations exhibited high correlations (R2 = 0.81) with outdoor AQ locations, although the other 13 indoor locations show moderate to low correlations (0.3 < R2 < 0.7). The ultimate goal is to help facility management optimize energy consumption, IAQ, and student/staff comfort and health.