Stockton University Air Quality Kevin Briede, Colin Salotti, & Hope Long Stockton University ENVL 4300 March 15th, 2018

Transcription

1 Stockton University Air Quality 1 Stockton University Air Quality Kevin Briede, Colin Salotti, & Hope Long Stockton University ENVL 4300 March 15th, 2018

2 Stockton University Air Quality 2 ABSTRACT The enactment of the The Clean Air Act in 1970 required the EPA to set National Ambient Air Quality Standards for six different criteria air pollutants. These pollutants are known to cause health effects ranging from shortness of breath to cancer and death. Stockton University environmental science students used indoor/outdoor air quality monitoring devices to get a grasp on the risks that fellow students and faculty are being exposed to daily. Outdoor locations such as bus stops and atriums, indoor locations such as classrooms, foyers, fireplaces, and offices, as well as the cabins of cars were all used to collect and analyze data. The data that was collected included most of the six criteria pollutants and more. This report focuses on carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulfide concentrations for each different area. While many of the other pollutants were analyzed, this report is only focusing on the pollutants that showed the greatest threat to the health of Stockton University s students and faculty. Some of the areas that were analyzed showed above normal concentrations of pollutants while others were used as a safe standard to compare data to. The results showed us that older model cars show higher concentrations of carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide concentrations are higher indoors, and hydrogen sulfide concentrations spike near bus stops.

3 Stockton University Air Quality 3 TABLE OF CONTENTS ABSTRACT...2 INTRODUCTION...4 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION CONCLUSION 12 REFERENCES.13-14

4 Stockton University Air Quality 4 INTRODUCTION There are six different criteria pollutants that have standards and regulations set for them under the Clean Air Act. These pollutants include: 1. Carbon Monoxide 2. Ozone 3. Sulfur Dioxide 4. Nitrogen Oxides 5. Particulate Matter 6. Particulate Lead Each criteria pollutants presence is usually because of a wide range of emissions. The pollutants have National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) that have been set by the EPA in order to protect the public s health, visibility, and damage to animals, crops, vegetation or buildings. Standards and allowable concentrations for these pollutants are reviewed and revised based on the health effects that can occur due to exposure. The limitations that are set for each pollutant are in place to provide an adequate margin of safety in terms of exposure. The first of the criteria pollutants, carbon monoxide is mainly sourced by gasoline-fueled vehicles in the United States. Carbon monoxide is known as the Silent Killer because it is colorless, odorless, tasteless, and non-irritating when inhaled. Carbon monoxide is deadly because exposure to it reduces the capacity of the blood to carry oxygen. In turn, carbon monoxide decreases the supply of oxygen to organs and tissues (Environmental Fact Sheet, 2012). The second criteria pollutants, ground-level ozone, is formed through reactions with pollutants.ground-level ozone is emitted at industrial facilities, electric utilities, and motor vehicles. Ozone can also be formed by natural processes, such as trees and plants. The dangers that ground-level ozone poses are mostly related to the respiratory system. Small amounts of ground-level ozone can cause inflammation of the lining of the lungs, reduced lung function, coughing, wheezing, chest pain, burning of the chest, as well as shortness of breath. Not only does exposure to ozone decrease one s ability to perform physical activities, but it also increases the chances of respiratory infections. Children who are exposed to ozone for long periods of time are more likely to develop asthma as well as permanent damage to lung tissue. Ground-level ozone may decrease the yield of crops and damage forests (Environmental Fact Sheet, 2012). The third criteria pollutant is sulfur dioxide. Sulfur dioxide s primary source is from the combustion of fossil fuel by electrical utilities and industry. The people who are at the highest

5 Stockton University Air Quality 5 risk to potential health are individuals that suffer from asthma. If a person with asthma is exposed to sulfur dioxide for short periods of time while exercising, they are likely to experience breathing difficulties, wheezing, and chest tightness. Studies have provided evidence that there is a link between short-term exposure to sulfur dioxide and increased respiratory symptoms in children. Sulfur dioxide forms acidic aerosols as well as sulfuric acid. Both of which lead to the acidification of water bodies, increased corrosion rates of buildings, and decreased visibility (Environmental Fact Sheet, 2012). Nitrogen oxides are found next on the list of criteria air pollutants. The primary source for nitrogen oxides are motor vehicles, electric utilities, industrial boilers, and off-road equipment. When nitric oxide is formed it quickly oxidized into nitrogen dioxide. The health effects include respiratory symptoms. While the greatest chance of being effected lies with asthmatic children, most hospital visits related to nitrogen oxides are taken by older adults and children. There is a chance that nitrogen oxides may have adverse effects terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems (Environmental Fact Sheet, 2012). Particulate matter, usually referred to as PM, is a very general term that refers to many different chemicals. These chemicals vary in size, state, and chemical structure. These properties vary over time, region, source, and weather patterns. The EPA uses size to categorize particulate matter, this means that if you see PM 10 the particle size is no less than 10 micrometers in diameter. PM 10 represents particles that are able to be inhaled and penetrate the lungs. The sources for PM include the following: windblown dust, crushing and grinding, unpaved road and construction, fuel combustion, wood stoves, forest fires, and atmospheric SO 2 and NO x. PM can cause health effects such as: eye, nose and throat irritation, decreased lung function, aggravated asthma, development of chronic bronchitis, irregular heartbeat, nonfatal heart attacks, and premature death in people who suffer from heart or lung disease. The environmental effects that it can cause include: a carrier of toxic metals, damages human-made materials, and is a cause of reduced visibility (Environmental Fact Sheet, 2012). The last criteria pollutant, particulate lead, was historically found in gasoline until the the mid 1990 s. Leaded gasoline is still used today but on a much smaller scale, leaded gasoline can still be found in off-road vehicles as well as high-performance engines. Sources for particulate include: soil, dust, paint, off-road and high-performance engines, coal combustion, smelters, car battery plants, and combustion of garbage that contains lead. Health effects of particular lead include: brain and nervous system damage, effects on kidney function, blood chemistry, and digestion. Children and pregnant women are the most at risk to lead at low doses because lead bioaccumulates within the body (Environmental Fact Sheet, 2012).

6 Stockton University Air Quality 6 Indoor air quality studies of schools across the country show that all schools are at a risk to indoor air pollutants. While the most likely to be affected by indoor air pollutants are schools that are 30 years older or more there are numerous situations where newer schools show the same problems (Indoor Air Quality for Schools Case Studies, 2016). There are millions of students that attend schools nationwide and with these students being at the highest risk to indoor air pollutants, performing a study at Stockton University only made sense. We used a GrayWolf indoor/outdoor air quality monitor to collect data from a wide variety of places. The GrayWolf device was equipped with two different probes: an IQ-610 and a TG-501. These places included rooms on the campus, outdoor areas on campus, as well as cars. These are all places that we spend a majority of time in and questions concerning our risks and exposures to air pollutants needed to be answered. One of our goals was to see what areas and cars were in the best condition in terms of air quality, along with identifying and areas or cars that need immediate attention.

7 Stockton University Air Quality 7 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Figure 1: Depicts the hydrogen sulfide concentrations (in ppm) measured at three outdoor locations around Stockton University. Figure 2: Depicts the carbon monoxide concentrations (in ppm) measured within three Stockton University student s car cabins.

8 Stockton University Air Quality 8 Figure 3: Depicts the carbon dioxide concentrations (in ppm) measured at five indoor locations around Stockton University. Figure 4: Depicts the carbon dioxide concentrations (in ppm) measured within six Stockton University student s car cabins.

9 Stockton University Air Quality 9 Figure 5: Depicts the carbon dioxide concentrations (in ppm) measured at three outdoor locations around Stockton University. Figure 6: Compares the carbon dioxide concentrations (in ppm) measured at one outdoor location ( Big Blue Lot ), one student s car cabin ( Alex Jeep 2010 ), and one indoor location ( NAMS Office ) at Stockton University.

10 Stockton University Air Quality 10 Upon investigation of various locations around Stockton University, we were able to segment the locations into three categories: indoors, outdoors, and car cabins. From these three categories, we decided to focus on the carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and hydrogen sulfide emissions present in each location. We also analyzed the ozone emissions at each location but discovered virtually none. Due to the fact that we completed these measurements in the winter, it was expected that there would be little ozone. Ozone is created by the chemical reaction of solar ultraviolet radiation and oxygen molecules (U.S. Department of Commerce 2010). Since there is more sunlight in the summer and the sun is emitting more radiation, there would be more ozone than in the winter months when there is less intense solar radiation. The hydrogen sulfide data depicted in Figure 1 is comparing three outdoor locations. The three locations were the CC bus stop, under the trees near the lake, and at the C wing atrium. Hydrogen sulfide is the rotten egg smelling compound that is produced from the reduction of sulfur dioxide present in fuel (NETT Technologies n.d.). This is evident from the data collected comparing the CC bus stop to both under the trees and the C wing atrium. The CC bus stop had a hydrogen sulfide emission median of 0.24ppm while the emission median of under the trees was only 0.025ppm and the median of the C wing atrium was 0.04ppm. This emission was much higher at the bus stop because of the exhaust releases of the Stockton University shuttles and buses. The other two outdoor locations barely had a hydrogen sulfide presence. Figure 2 shows the carbon monoxide emissions within three of Stockton University student s car cabins. This colorless, odorless, and poisonous gas is emitted from cars and can have serious health concerns if breathed in large amounts (United States Consumer Product Safety Commission n.d.). From our data it was discovered that newer cars emit less CO than do older cars. The 2002 Honda Accord emitted a median of 2 ppm within the vehicle, while the 1972 Buick emitted 12 ppm within the vehicle. At CO levels ranging from 1-70 ppm, symptoms are unlikely to arise, meaning that the levels measured within the car cabins were generally safe (United States Consumer Product Safety Commission n.d.). An outlier in our data was Steve s 2005 Fit that was a newer car but measured a similar level of CO emissions to that of the 1972 Buick, at a median concentration of 12.5 ppm. This could be due to a hole, possibly from an accident or general wear, present in the vehicle that is allowing CO to seep into the car cabin (Greiner n.d.). Figures 3 through 6 show carbon dioxide measurements that were taken at various locations around Stockton University. Figure 3 shows the carbon dioxide levels at five different indoor locations. Here it was discovered that the USC foyer, USC 260, and NAMS Office were around the same ppm of CO 2, between 450 and 600 ppm. The CC Fireplace and USC 232 had slightly higher CO 2 levels at a median level of 900 ppm. There are higher carbon dioxide levels

11 Stockton University Air Quality 11 near the CC fireplace because of possible improper ventilation of the continuously lit fire. The USC 232 measurement was high because it was taken when a class was going on. The more crowded with people a space is, the higher the CO 2 levels are going to be because of all of the carbon dioxide being breathed out. If the measurement were to be taken in the absence of people it would be highly likely that the ppm level would be much lower. In Figure 4, six different car cabin CO 2 levels showed a general trend that older cars emit more CO 2 in the car cabin than do newer cars. The cars made in 2010 and 2009 did not exceed 450 ppm except Catalina s 2016 Pathfinder. This car emitted a median ppm level of about 600 ppm, which was more closely related to the 1972 Buick s CO 2 concentration of 750 ppm and the 2002 Accord s concentration of 800 ppm. Similarly to carbon monoxide presence in the car, a hole, possibly from an accident or improper construction of the car, could be what contributes to this elevated CO 2 level. However high these levels may seem, they do not exceed the American Society Heating, Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning Engineers above comfort limit CO 2 concentration of 1100 ppm (Weissler 2017). Figure 5 depicts the outdoor carbon dioxide levels at three locations around Stockton University. The Big Blue Lot, a lot for commuter students to park, had the lowest carbon dioxide concentration at 350 ppm. The next highest was location was by Lake Fred under the trees with a CO 2 concentration of 725 ppm. This location was shaded, meaning that less photosynthesis was occurring and therefore less carbon dioxide was being absorbed and converted into oxygen. This concentration level was slightly higher than normal for an outdoor environment, which could be due to the construction occuring on campus. With this construction, there are CO 2 emissions being emitted from the large equipment used by the construction workers. This elevated activity would result in higher outdoor CO 2 levels. The location with the highest outdoor CO 2 ppm level was the CC Bus Stop. This is most likely due to a combination of the carbon dioxide being emitted from the construction vehicles and from the exhaust of the shuttles and buses that stop there throughout the day. In Figure 6 we chose one indoor, one outdoor, and one car cabin location that showed general averages for each category in order to compare the CO 2 concentrations. The outdoor location experienced the lowest ppm, with a median of about 350 ppm. This is typically true because gases are able to move more freely and can become more easily diluted by other gases in the outdoor air. The 2010 Jeep had a median of 400 ppm, only slightly higher than the outdoor concentration. This car shows adequate ventilation and a safe level of CO 2. The highest CO 2 concentration in this figure was in the NAMS office, at a median of 560 ppm. Indoor locations typically have the highest carbon dioxide concentration. This is because when carbon dioxide is

12 Stockton University Air Quality 12 created by, in this case, humans, it gets trapped indoors which leads to an increase in concentration. CONCLUSION In order to investigate the air quality at Stockton University, a GrayWolf indoor/outdoor air quality monitor collected data at indoor locations, outdoor locations, and in student s car cabins around campus. To further analyze the data, we focused on hydrogen sulfide, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide; all of which were found at generally safe levels. However, we did discover that the gases varied in concentration at different locations. Hydrogen sulfide levels are highest near the CC Bus Stop, carbon monoxide levels show a general trend of being higher in older cars, and carbon dioxide concentrations are typically higher in indoor environments. We also discovered that there was little to no ozone present during the time of our investigation and figured it was due to the time of year. This information, however not totally thorough because we only took measurements one time on one day, is helpful for forming a baseline knowledge of how to collect, organize, and analyze air quality data.

13 Stockton University Air Quality 13 REFERENCES Greiner, T H. (n.d.) Carbon Monoxide Poisoning: Vehicles. Iowa State University, Iowa State U.S. Department of Commerce. (2010) How is ozone formed in the atmosphere?. NOAA Earth System Research Laboratory, University of Science and Technology, NETT Technologies. (n.d.) Can Ammonia (NH3) or Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S) Be Formed in a Three-Way Catalyst? NETT Technologies, NETT Technologies Inc, 0AD, Answers. United States Consumer Product Safety Commission, Weissler, Paul. CO2 buildup in vehicle cabins becoming a safety issue. SAE International, 17 Apr. 2017, articles.sae.org/15377/. United States Consumer Product Safety Commission. (n.d.) Carbon-Monoxide-Questions-and- Environmental Fact Sheet. (2012). New Hampshire Department of Environmental Sciences. Retrieved March 5, 2018, from 41.pdf Chirenje, T Environmental Issues ENVL Retrieved from: Indoor Air Quality for Schools Case Studies. (2016, September 08). Retrieved March 15, 2018, from