Real-Time Personal Ozone Monitoring Versus Ambient Ozone Monitoring in the Ironbound District of Newark, NJ

摘要

Ozone (O_3) exposure can cause serious respiratory problems. Much of our current knowledge of the effects of O_3 is based on studies using data from central monitoring sites or passive O_3 sampling. Here, we present the first use of real-time, continuous (1-min) personal O_3 monitoring for children (n=15) using a highly sensitive monitor (Personal Ozone Monitor, 2B Technologies) in comparison with ambient federal monitoring data. Average personal measurement periods lasted ~2 days, and all measurements were taken between 2/2013 to 2/2016 in Newark, NJ. Comparison of personal O_3 exposure across subjects to time-matched 1-hr ambient O_3 concentration showed the average personal O_3 concentrations were about 1/3 of the ambient (7.4 ± 7.7 ppb for personal vs. 20 ± 13 ppb for ambient O_3). However, personal O_3 monitoring revealed higher max peaks (131.9 ppb for max personal O_3 vs. 56 ppb for max ambient O_3). A generalized linear mixed model approach with personal O_3 as the response variable suggested ambient O_3 was a significant predictor (p=0.005) indicating a slight increase in personal O_3 per unit change in ambient O_3 (Personal O_3 = 6.942 + 0.0394(Ambient O_3), R2 = 24.6%). Ambient O_3 regression coefficient varied by season: 0.0119, 0.0335, 0.1149, and -0.0025, for winter, spring, summer and fall, respectively. The results indicate greater within than between subject variations in personal O_3 exposures, which is likely due to personal activities with a seasonal influence. This work indicates that personal O_3 exposures are much lower than levels predicted by ambient monitoring, suggesting health effects may occur at lower levels of O_3 than expected. Further analyses will explore additional predictors by subjects' activities and meteorological factors. Overall, this knowledge informs efforts to assess risks from O_3 and investigates interconnected elements of O_3 exposure assessment, including personal and ambient monitoring and time-activity patterns.