Reducing particle exposures in a tropical office building using electrostatic precipitators

Epidemiological surveys have shown that indoor fine particle exposures are associated with various health outcomes. Concomitantly, empirical data on the impact of electrostatic precipitation filter use on indoor particles in an office building has not been published. This research reports an intervention study on the impact of various filters within the air-handling unit (AHU) of a tropical office building. The following filtration methods were tested: (1) media filters (MED); (2) electrostatic precipitation filters (EAC); and (3) electrostatic precipitation filters enhanced with a media pre-filter (EAC-PF). The efficiencies of EAC filters were significantly superior to media filters for the removal of fine particles. Enhancement of EAC with media pre-filters (PF) augments the fine particle removal resulting in overall efficiencies comparable to that of HEPA filters. However, there was no difference in the removal efficiencies of coarse particles between MED, EAC and EAC-PF filters. When indoor particle removal effectiveness was evaluated, EAC and EAC-PF filters were more effective than MED filters for submicron particles. Further, effectiveness of EAC-PF was significantly superior to EAC due to effects of PF filtration of large particles, backpressure and lesser re-entrainment of large particles into the supply air stream. Effectiveness of EAC and EAC-PF were lower in occupied compared to non-occupied periods due to the higher particle loadings on collection plates. Using mass balance models, the results showed that effectiveness of electrostatic precipitation filters will improve as recirculation rates increase. These findings suggest that employing electrostatic precipitator filters under high recirculation rates can be an energy efficient strategy to reduce harmful indoor fine particle exposures.     

Particle removal efficiency of the portable HEPA air cleaner in a simulated hospital ward

Use of a HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filter in a room is believed to assist in reducing the risk of transmission of infectious diseases through removing the particles or large droplets to which pathogens may be attached. Use of a portable HEPA filter(s) in hospital wards is hypothesized to increase the effective ventilation rate (for particles only). Use of a portable HEPA filter is also hypothesized to increase the effective airflow rate of the general ward to the standard of an isolation ward for emerging infection diseases. This may be a good solution for housing patients when the number of beds in an isolation ward is insufficient. An experiment was conducted in a full scale experimental ward with a dimension of 6.7 m × 6 m × 2.7 m and 6 beds to test these hypotheses for a portable HEPA filter. The removal efficiency for different size particles was measured at different locations. The influence of the portable HEPA air cleaner on the airflow pattern was also studied through smoke visualization and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations. Results show that the HEPA filter can effectively decrease the particle concentration level. The effective air change rate achieved by the HEPA filter (for particle removal only) is from 2.7 to 5.6 ACH in the ward. The strong supply air jet from the portable HEPA filter interacted with the room airflow pattern and became dominate, introducing global airflow mixing in the room. Background noise levels were also measured and noise level in the room increased when the maximum airflow of the filter was used.     

Combined use of an electrostatic precipitator and a high‐efficiency particulate air filter in building ventilation systems: Effects on cardiorespiratory health indicators in healthy adults

High‐efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filtration in combination with an electrostatic precipitator (ESP) can be a cost‐effective approach to reducing indoor particulate exposure, but ESPs produce ozone. The health effect of combined ESP‐HEPA filtration has not been examined. We conducted an intervention study in 89 volunteers. At baseline, the air‐handling units of offices and residences for all subjects were comprised of coarse, ESP, and HEPA filtration. During the 5‐week long intervention, the subjects were split into 2 groups, 1 with just the ESP removed and the other with both the ESP and HEPA removed. Each subject was measured for cardiopulmonary risk indicators once at baseline, twice during the intervention, and once 2 weeks after baseline conditions were restored. Measured indoor and outdoor PM_2.5 and ozone concentrations, coupled with time‐activity data, were used to calculate exposures. Removal of HEPA filters increased 24‐hour mean PM_2.5 exposure by 38 (95% CI: 31, 45) μg/m³. Removal of ESPs decreased 24‐hour mean ozone exposure by 2.2 (2.0, 2.5) ppb. No biomarkers were significantly associated with HEPA filter removal. In contrast, ESP removal was associated with a ?16.1% (?21.5%, ?10.4%) change in plasma‐soluble P‐selectin and a ?3.0% (?5.1%, ?0.8%) change in systolic blood pressure, suggesting reduced cardiovascular risks.     

The effectiveness of stand alone air cleaners for shelter-in-place

Stand-alone air cleaners may be efficient for rapid removal of indoor fine particles and have potential use for shelter-in-place (SIP) strategies following acts of bioterrorism. A screening model was employed to ascertain the potential significance of size-resolved particle (0.1-2 microm) removal using portable high efficiency particle arresting (HEPA) air cleaners in residential buildings following an outdoor release of particles. The number of stand-alone air cleaners, air exchange rate, volumetric flow rate through the heating, ventilating and air-conditioning (HVAC) system, and size-resolved particle removal efficiency in the HVAC filter were varied. The effectiveness of air cleaners for SIP was evaluated in terms of the outdoor and the indoor particle concentration with air cleaner(s) relative to the indoor concentration without air cleaners. Through transient and steady-state analysis of the model it was determined that one to three portable HEPA air cleaners can be effective for SIP following outdoor bioaerosol releases, with maximum reductions in particle concentrations as high as 90% relative to conditions in which an air cleaner is not employed. The relative effectiveness of HEPA air cleaners vs. other removal mechanisms was predicted to decrease with increasing particle size, because of increasing competition by particle deposition with indoor surfaces and removal to HVAC filters. However, the effect of particle size was relatively small for most scenarios considered here. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: The results of a screening analysis suggest that stand-alone (portable) air cleaners that contain high efficiency particle arresting (HEPA) filters can be effective for reducing indoor fine particle concentrations in residential dwellings during outdoor releases of biological warfare agents. The relative effectiveness of stand-alone air cleaners for reducing occupants' exposure to particles of outdoor origin depends on several factors, including the type of heating, ventilating and air-conditioning (HVAC) filter, HVAC operation, building air exchange rate, particle size, and duration of elevated outdoor particle concentration. Maximum particle reductions, relative to no stand-alone air cleaners, of 90% are predicted when three stand-alone air cleaners are employed.     

A pilot study to investigate the effects of combined dehumidification and HEPA filtration on dew point and airborne mold spore counts in day care centers

Meteorological factors such as relative humidity directly correlate with airborne fungal levels outdoors and indoors. While dehumidification alone is effective at reducing moisture necessary for mold growth, it is inadequate as a single intervention as it does not remove viable and non-viable fungal spores that are potentially allergenic. The purpose of this pilot study was to investigate whether dehumidification in combination with high-efficiency particulate arrestance (HEPA) filtration is effective at reducing airborne mold spore levels in day care centers. Two day care centers within a 2-mile radius of each other were selected. Day care center A was 2 years old with eight rooms while day care center B was 15 years old with six rooms. A high efficiency Santa Fe dehumidification unit equipped with a HEPA filter was installed in half the rooms (intervention) of each day care facility. Electronic HOBO data loggers continuously measured outdoor and indoor room dew point and temperature every 2 h throughout the study. Dew point and airborne fungal spore measurements from selected rooms with controlled air conditions were analyzed by comparing baseline measurements to those obtained at subsequent time periods over 1 year. Regression models accounted for correlations between measurements in the same room over time. Intervention resulted in a lowered average dew point from baseline by 8.8 degrees C compared with a decrease of 7.1 degrees C in non-intervention rooms across all time periods in both facilities (P<0.001). Fungal analyses demonstrated lower baseline (P=0.06) and follow-up means in intervention rooms (P<0.05), however the change from baseline to end of follow-up differed between intervention and non-intervention rooms in the two facilities. Log transformation was applied to approximate normality of fungal measurements. Dehumidification with HEPA filtration was effective at controlling indoor dew point in both facilities and at reducing airborne culturable fungal spore levels in one of the two facilities. These preliminary results provide a scientific rationale for using this intervention in future studies designed to investigate the impact of indoor mold exposure on health outcomes. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: Poor indoor air quality is a recognized cause or contributing factor to health effects. Dampness and humidity have been linked to upper and lower respiratory symptoms in children and adults. This study indicates that reducing indoor relative humidity and airborne mold spore levels using high-efficiency dehumidification units equipped with HEPA filtration is feasible even in work facilities such as day care centers where traffic in and out of the building is difficult to regulate. Clinicians should emphasize to their patients the importance of dehumidification and HEPA filtration to improve indoor air quality in the home and workplace.     

Effectiveness and cost of reducing particle‐related mortality with particle filtration

This study evaluates the mortality‐related benefits and costs of improvements in particle filtration in U.S. homes and commercial buildings based on models with empirical inputs. The models account for time spent in various environments as well as activity levels and associated breathing rates. The scenarios evaluated include improvements in filter efficiencies in both forced‐air heating and cooling systems of homes and heating, ventilating, and air conditioning systems of workplaces as well as use of portable air cleaners in homes. The predicted reductions in mortality range from approximately 0.25 to 2.4 per 10 000 population. The largest reductions in mortality were from interventions with continuously operating portable air cleaners in homes because, given our scenarios, these portable air cleaners with HEPA filters most reduced particle exposures. For some interventions, predicted annual mortality‐related economic benefits exceed $1000 per person. Economic benefits always exceed costs with benefit‐to‐cost ratios ranging from approximately 3.9 to 133. Restricting interventions to homes of the elderly further increases the mortality reductions per unit population and the benefit‐to‐cost ratios.     

Effectiveness of Portable Indoor Air Cleaners: Sensory Testing Results

The objective of this study was to test the effectiveness of individual commercially available portable indoor air cleaning units in removing dust particulates, tobacco smoke particulate and vapor phase constituents (nicotine and vinyl pyridine), viable and total fungal spores, pollen, and gaseous contaminants (carbon monoxide[CO], nitrogen dioxide[NO²], and formaldehyde[HCHO]), in a clean air test chamber. The air cleaner chamber results presented here represent initial-use results. In general, High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) and electrostatic precipitator systems demonstrated the highest efficiencies with respect to particulate, contaminants, followed closely by electret filter systems. Ionizers and ozone generators were least effective in particulate removal. Systems which included sufficient sorbent material (i.e. activated carbon or potassium permanganate) were marginally effective at gaseous contaminant removal. None of the systems tested were effective at carbon monoxide removal. Sensory testing was conducted to discern potential correlation between human perceptive response and measured air cleaner performance (with respect to tobacco smoke removal). An electret filter (EF) loaded with carbon sorbent received the best ratings with respect to odor strength, nasal irritation, eye irritation, and overall air acceptability.     

两种高效空气过滤器送风口特性分析比较

为了研究高效空气过滤器送风口对非单向流洁净室气流组织的影响及其特性,本文用模型试验的方法,对两种高效空气过滤器送风口性能进行了研究.获得了工作区的悬浮粒子浓度数据,将实验数据进行了分析对比.结果表明:带扩散孔板的高效空气过滤器送风口性能比带新型扩散孔板的高效空气过滤器送风口性能好得多,并对此结果进行了分析.最后给出这两种高效空气过滤器送风口的适用条件,并提出其选型的建议.     

A study of local electrostatic filtration and main pre-filtration on airborne and surface dust levels in air-conditioned office premises

The impact of electrostatic precipitation as a useful form of particulate filtration in the breathing zone is investigated in an intervention study in an air-conditioned commercial office in central London. Surface dust deposition and airborne dust levels are measured in the open plan zones of two floors--a control floor and a floor where the intervention is effected. The intervention consists of a sequence of weekly scenarios where the main pre-filters of the air-handling unit are switched between new and old filters, and where the electrostatic filters, located as uniformly as practicable on the open plan areas, are switched on or off. This 2 x 2 set of interventions is repeated over 4 cycles. It was found that the breathing zone filtration (BZF) by electrostatic precipitators reduces airborne dust significantly and appears to be more efficient in reducing smaller sized particles. No significant effect of BZF filters in reducing surface dust deposition was detected.     

气体高温除尘技术研究进展

论述了常用的高温气体除尘技术如陶瓷过滤除尘技术、颗粒层过滤除尘技术、金属微孔过滤除尘技术、旋风除尘技术、静电除尘技术的研究进展,对高温气体除尘技术的前景进行了展望,指出了高温气体除尘技术需要解决的问题。     

Quantitative measurement of airborne cockroach allergen in New York City apartments

We designed and tested a sampling and analysis system for quantitative measurement of airborne cockroach allergen with sufficient sensitivity for residential exposure assessment. Integrated 1-week airborne particle samples were collected at 10-15 LPM in 19 New York City apartments in which an asthmatic child who was allergic to cockroach allergen resided. Four simultaneous air samples were collected in each home: at heights of 0.3 and 1 m in the child's bedroom and in the kitchen. Extracts of air samples were analyzed by ELISA for the cockroach allergen Bla g2, modified by amplifying the colorimetric signal generated via use of AMPLI-Q detection system (DAKO Corporation, Carpinteria, CA, USA). Settled dust samples were quantified by conventional ELISA. Of the homes where cockroach allergen was detected in settled dust, Bla g2 also was detected in 87% and 93% of air samples in the bedroom and kitchen, respectively. Airborne Bla g2 levels were highly correlated within and between the bedroom and kitchen locations (P < 0.001). Expressed as picogram per cubic meter, the room average geometric mean for Bla g2 concentrations was 1.9 pg/m3 (95% CI 0.63, 4.57) and 3.8 pg/m3 (95% CI 1.35, 9.25) in bedrooms and kitchens, respectively. This method offers an attractive supplement to settled dust sampling for cockroach allergen exposure health studies. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: Until now, cockroach allergen exposures have usually been assessed by collection and analysis of settled dust, on the assumption that airborne cockroach allergen cannot be reliably measured. In this study, a sensitive and quantitative method for measuring indoor airborne exposures to cockroach allergens involving a 7-day integrated total suspended particulate (TSP) sample collected at approximately 10-15 l/min was developed. Investigators are now empowered with an alternative exposure assessment method to supplement their studies and the understanding of allergen aerodynamics in the homes of children with asthma. We report airborne cockroach allergen in apartments, suggesting an ongoing burden of inhalation exposure.     

Use of air-cleaning devices to create airborne particle-free spaces intended to alleviate allergic rhinitis and asthma during sleep

Comprehensive quantitative experiments were performed to assess the capabilities of several air-cleaning devices to create a particle-free microenvironment as a therapy for sleeping persons affected by allergic rhinitis and asthma. Six devices were evaluated, of which five were portable and intended to provide general air cleaning for bedroom-sized spaces. The sixth was intended for installation in front of the headboard of a bed and was designed to provide clean air focused in a space occupied by a sleeping person. The air-cleaning methods of the selected devices included high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filtering and electrostatic precipitation. Particle concentration measurements for six particle-size ranges and sound intensity measurements were made during 8-h, sleep-simulating periods. The effects of four parameters were studied: (i) device location, (ii) controlled air motion in the laboratory, (iii) airflow rate setting of the air-cleaning device, and (iv) controlled disturbances. To ensure a totally objective study, a special laboratory facility was constructed which enabled complete control of the experimental conditions. The measured concentration histories provided comprehensive evidence of the relative capabilities of the various devices for the specific air-cleaning function. It was found that the device designed to focus the cleaned air in the sleeping space fulfilled its goal and, in that regard, was clearly superior to all of the other air-cleaning devices. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: There is evidence that allergic reactions are triggered by the presence of airborne particles and that these reactions can be mitigated by particle removal. This strategy can be implemented by the use of air-cleaning devices which are capable of creating particle-free zones at locations where human activity occurs. In particular, the creation of a particle-free zone which encompasses the breathing space of a sleeping person holds promise of mitigating sleep-disturbing allergic reactions.     

Emission rates and the personal cloud effect associated with particle release from the perihuman environment

Inhalation exposure to elevated particulate matter levels is correlated with deleterious health and well‐being outcomes. Despite growing evidence that identifies humans as sources of coarse airborne particles, the extent to which personal exposures are influenced by particle releases near occupants is unknown. In a controlled chamber, we monitored airborne total particle levels with high temporal and particle‐size resolution for a range of simulated occupant activities. We also sampled directly from the subject's breathing zone to characterize exposures. A material‐balance model showed that a sitting occupant released 8 million particles/h in the diameter range 1‐10 μm. Elevated emissions were associated with increased intensity of upper body movements and with walking. Emissions were correlated with exposure, but not linearly. The personal PM₁₀ exposure increment above the room‐average levels was 1.6‐13 μg/m³ during sitting, owing to spatial heterogeneity of particulate matter concentrations, a feature that was absent during walking. The personal cloud was more discernible among larger particles, as would be expected for shedding from skin and clothing. Manipulating papers and clothing fabric was a strong source of airborne particles. An increase in personal exposure was observed owing to particle mass exchange associated with a second room occupant.     

HEPA filtration improves asthma control in children exposed to traffic-related airborne particles

Traffic-related airborne particles are associated with asthma morbidity. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filtration on the concentrations of traffic particles and the resultant effect on children with asthma. Forty-three children with asthma were enrolled in this double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover design. A HEPA air cleaner or a placebo “dummy” was placed in participants’ homes for four weeks, interrupted by a one-month washout period, before crossing over to the other treatment arm for four weeks. Air sampling and health outcomes, including asthma control (ACQ) and quality of life (AQLQ) measures, were completed prior to and at the end of each treatment arm. Indoor concentrations of traffic particles were significantly reduced with the HEPA treatment but not with the “dummy” treatment. In participants with poorly controlled asthma and lower quality of life at baseline, ACQ and AQLQ scores were significantly improved (1.3 to 0.9, P = .003 and 4.9 to 5.5, P = .02, respectively) following the HEPA treatment. In this study, HEPA filtration is associated with improved clinical outcomes and quality of life measures in children with uncontrolled asthma.     

Application of powdered activated carbon for the adsorption of cylindrospermopsin and microcystin toxins from drinking water supplies

Cylindrospermopsin (CYN) and microcystin are two potent toxins that can be produced by cyanobacteria in drinking water supplies. This study investigated the application of powdered activated carbon (PAC) for the removal of these toxins under conditions that could be experienced in a water treatment plant. Two different PACs were evaluated for their ability to remove CYN and four microcystin variants from various drinking water supplies. The removal of natural organic material by the PACs was also determined by measuring the levels of dissolved organic carbon and UV absorbance (at 254 nm). The PACs effectively removed CYN and the microcystins from each of the waters studied, with one of the PACs shown to be more effective, possibly due to its smaller particle diameter. No difference in removal of the toxins was observed using PAC contact times of 30, 45 and 60 min. Furthermore, the effect of water quality on the removal of the toxins was minimal. The microcystin variants were adsorbed in the order: MCRR > MCYR > MCLR > MCLA. CYN was found to be adsorbed similarly to MCRR.     

In situ efficiency of filters in residential central HVAC systems

High-efficiency filtration in residential forced-air heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems protects equipment and can reduce exposure to particulate matter. Laboratory tests provide a measure of the nominal efficiency, but they may not accurately reflect the in situ efficiency of the filters because of variations in system conditions and changes in filter performance over time. The primary focus of this paper is to evaluate the effective filtration efficiency, which is inclusive of any loading and system impacts, in 21 occupied residential homes through in-duct concentration measurements. We considered the role of filter media by testing both electret and non-electret media, as well as the role of loading by considering new and used filters. The results show that filters with higher nominal efficiency generally had higher effective filtration efficiency in the same home. In terms of performance change, there is no significant difference in efficiency between initial and 3-month non-electret filters, but the efficiency of electret filters generally decreased over time. However, both nominal efficiency and performance change were vastly overshadowed by the wide variety in loading and system conditions across homes, making it hard to predict filter efficiency in a given home without in situ measurements.     

Ultrafine particle concentrations and exposures in seven residences in northern California

Human exposures to ultrafine particles (UFP) are poorly characterized given the potential associated health risks. Residences are important sites of exposure. To characterize residential exposures to UFP in some circumstances and to investigate governing factors, seven single-family houses in California were studied during 2007-2009. During multiday periods, time-resolved particle number concentrations were monitored indoors and outdoors and information was acquired concerning occupancy, source-related activities, and building operation. On average, occupants were home for 70% of their time. The geometric mean time-average residential exposure concentration for 21 study subjects was 14,500 particles per cm(3) (GSD = 1.8; arithmetic mean ± standard deviation = 17,000 ± 10,300 particles per cm(3)). The average contribution to residential exposures from indoor episodic sources was 150% of the contribution from particles of outdoor origin. Unvented natural-gas pilot lights contributed up to 19% to exposure for the two households where present. Episodic indoor source activities, most notably cooking, caused the highest peak exposures and most of the variation in exposure among houses. Owing to the importance of indoor sources and variations in the infiltration factor, residential exposure to UFP cannot be characterized by ambient measurements alone. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: Indoor and outdoor sources each contribute to residential ultrafine particle (UFP) concentrations and exposures. Under the conditions investigated, peak exposure concentrations indoors were associated with cooking, using candles, or the use of a furnace. Active particle removal systems can mitigate exposure by reducing the persistence of particles indoors. Eliminating the use of unvented gas pilot lights on cooking appliances could also be beneficial. The study results indicate that characterization of human exposure to UFP, an air pollutant of emerging public health concern, cannot be accomplished without a good understanding of conditions inside residences.     

Health benefits of particle filtration

The evidence of health benefits of particle filtration in homes and commercial buildings is reviewed. Prior reviews of papers published before 2000 are summarized. The results of 16 more recent intervention studies are compiled and analyzed. Also, reviewed are four studies that modeled health benefits of using filtration to reduce indoor exposures to particles from outdoors. Prior reviews generally concluded that particle filtration is, at best, a source of small improvements in allergy and asthma health effects; however, many early studies had weak designs. A majority of recent intervention studies employed strong designs and more of these studies report statistically significant improvements in health symptoms or objective health outcomes, particularly for subjects with allergies or asthma. The percentage improvement in health outcomes is typically modest, for example, 7% to 25%. Delivery of filtered air to the breathing zone of sleeping allergic or asthmatic persons may be more consistently effective in improving health than room air filtration. Notable are two studies that report statistically significant improvements, with filtration, in markers that predict future adverse coronary events. From modeling, the largest potential benefits of indoor particle filtration may be reductions in morbidity and mortality from reducing indoor exposures to particles from outdoor air.     

Wet air regeneration of PAC: Comparison of carbons with different surface oxygen characteristics

Surface oxygen has an important effect on the wet air regeneration (WAR) of powdered activated carbons (PAC) and on the adsorption properties of the regenerated PAC. Virgin and phenanthrene-loaded PACs were regenerated in a bench-scale reactor, and then analyzed to determine surface oxygen content, adsorption capacity, and extent of phenanthrene oxidation.Even though the virgin wood-base (WB) and lignite-base (LB) PACs had about the same oxygen content, the oxygen content of the WB PAC increased more than twice as much as the LB PAC during regeneration. The difference was caused by the larger amount of CO₂-evolving oxides that formed on the WB PAC. WAR reduces the capacity of PAC for p-nitrophenol (PNP). Removing the surface oxides had varying effects on the carbon's capacity for PNP. Also, adsorbed phenanthrene was more easily oxidized on the WB PAC than on the LB PAC during regeneration.     

Estimated effect of ventilation and filtration on chronic health risks in U.S. offices,schools, and retail stores

We assessed the chronic health risks from inhalation exposure to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and particulate matter (PM2.5) in U.S. offices, schools, grocery, and other retail stores and evaluated how chronic health risks were affected by changes in ventilation rates and air filtration efficiency. Representative concentrations of VOCs and PM2.5 were obtained from available data. Using a mass balance model, changes in exposure to VOCs and PM2.5 were predicted if ventilation rate were to increase or decrease by a factor of two, and if higher efficiency air filters were used. Indoor concentrations were compared to health guidelines to estimate percentage exceedances. The estimated chronic health risks associated with VOC and PM2.5 exposures in these buildings were low relative to the risks from exposures in homes. Chronic health risks were driven primarily by exposures to PM2.5 that were evaluated using disease incidence of mortality, chronic bronchitis, and non‐fatal stroke. The leading cancer risk factor was exposure to formaldehyde. Using disability‐adjusted life years (DALYs) to account for both cancer and non‐cancer effects, results suggest that increasing ventilation alone is ineffective at reducing chronic health burdens. Other strategies, such as pollutant source control and the use of particle filtration, should also be considered.