Miniaturized Systems for Particle Exposure Assessment
This project is developing prototype instrumentation to advance knowledge about the relationship between exposures to particles and human health, a national research priority. At present, statistically-adequate studies of the relationships between health outcomes and particle concentrations and composition are prohibited by the high cost and limited capabilities of existing instrumentation. Using advanced sensor technology, we are prototyping the next generation of low-cost compact instrumentation for particulate matter (PM) exposure assessment. The Miniaturized System for Particle Exposure Assessment (MSPEA) will measure aerosol mass, size and composition simultaneously. Task 1 of the project is establishing the proof of concept for a low-cost, compact PM monitor for measurements at a fixed indoor location. Substantial progress has been made.
By the end of FY 2002 we expect to have a working prototype of a low power, inexpensive monitor that integrates mass and optical sensors into a cm3-sized configuration. In the following year, we plan to calibrate the prototype under controlled laboratory conditions, using IED's environmental chambers and standard aerosol instrumentation. We anticipate this work will position us for further work on particle instrumentation and collaborative epidemiologic research on the health effects of particles.
The response of the crystal oscillator collection substrate matched the response of a real-time aerosol mass concentration instrument when they were collocated in a room containing cigarette smoke.
Contacts: Lara Gundel, Tony Hansen, Mike Apte