Assessing the distributional characteristics of PM10, PM2.5, and PM1 exposure profile produced and propagated from a construction activity

Air quality is an environmental issue faced by many countries. Recent studies have shown that majority (70%) of particulate matter (PM) in the atmosphere originates from the construction industry. Thus, existing PM monitoring and control measures are insufficient to reduce the overall exposure. Studies have shown that PM10, PM2.5, and PM1 have different physiochemical properties, and consequently, different dispersion behavior. PM1 particles are more toxic to humans compared to PM10 and PM2.5 particles. This study aims to investigate the propagation of PM10, PM2.5, and PM1 away from a construction source, once it is produced and discharged, using a location-based PM monitoring approach. The authors used optical particle counter (OPC) sensors to record the concentration of PM10, PM2.5, and PM1 simultaneously during the execution of construction activity. The results showed that PM10, PM2.5, and PM1 propagated away from the source and remained suspended with different propagation behavior. PM1 concentration propagated exponentially higher from the source. PM10 and PM2.5 propagated similarly to an extent. However, PM10 propagated back toward the ground in a short time (6 -8 min), whereas PM2.5 tended to remain suspended and propagate higher. This study will provide researchers and construction practitioners with a new set of information to refine current PM monitoring and PM control measures to yield more benefits. While implementing a real-time PM monitoring system for construction projects, accommodating the difference in the particle distribution and dispersion can help to create a better targeted countermeasure. Further research can lead the construction industry toward a sustainable future. (c) 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.