The evaluation of PM_(2.5) measurements by FRM and continuous instruments in Cincinnati, Ohio

摘要

In the United States, particulate matter (PM) smaller than 2.5 micrometers (PM_(2.5)) is currently regulated for better health protection. Smaller particles can reach deep into the lungs and cause health problems. The major health problems related with particulate matter include: irritation of the airways, difficulty breathing, decreased lung function, asthma, irregular heartbeat and lung disease in general. Determining composition, concentration, and size distribution of particles will define the location and retention time of particles in the respiratory tract, while for the ambient environment, it is essential to stay within compliance of the NAAQS (National Ambient Air Quality Standards). Different instruments have been used for PM measurement using gravimetric methods. The filter based Federal Reference Method (FRM) method has been called the "gold standard" of PM measurement in spite of its high cost and labor intensiveness.