Performance of low-cost indoor air quality monitors for PM2.5 and PM10 from residential sources

Wang, Zhiqiang; Delp, William W.; Singer, Brett C.

doi:10.1016/j.buildenv.2020.106654

Title: Performance of low-cost indoor air quality monitors for PM_2.5 and PM₁₀ from residential sources

Journal Article · 19 January 2020 · Building and Environment

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.buildenv.2020.106654 · OSTI ID:1619168

Wang, Zhiqiang ^[1];

^[2];

^[2]

Tianjin Univ. (China)
Lawrence Berkeley National Lab. (LBNL), Berkeley, CA (United States)

Advances in particle sensor design and manufacturing have enabled the development of low-cost air quality monitors (LCMs). Here, the sensors use light scattering to estimate mass concentration and thus require evaluation for aerosols of varied composition and size distribution. We tested the performance of six LCMs designed for home use and having a retail price under US$300 in October 2018. We assessed their performance by comparing their output to reference PM_2.5 and PM₁₀ measurements from 21 common residential sources and from infiltrated outdoor PM_2.5. Reference data were obtained by using gravimetric measurements to adjust time-resolved output from an aerosol spectrometer with both electrical mobility and optical particle sensors. Compared by linear regression to reference measurements, LCMs had negative intercepts and slopes of 1–2 for infiltrated outdoor PM_2.5. Semi-quantitative responses (~50–200% of actual PM_2.5) were obtained for varied aerosols including minerals (ultrasonic humidifier, vacuuming, test dust); combustion products (incense, mosquito coil, extinguished candles); microwave popcorn; and cooking involving frying or grilling. LCMs had low or no response to sources for which all mass was in particles smaller than 0.25 μm, including steady candle flames and cooking without frying or grilling. PM₁₀ data from LCMs was more variable than PM_2.5.

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Research Organization:: Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL), Berkeley, CA (United States)

Sponsoring Organization:: National Key Project of the Ministry of Science and Technology, China; USDOE Office of Science (SC)

Grant/Contract Number:: AC02-05CH11231

OSTI ID:: 1619168

Journal Information:: Building and Environment, Journal Name: Building and Environment Journal Issue: C Vol. 171; ISSN 0360-1323

Publisher:: ElsevierCopyright Statement

Country of Publication:: United States

Language:: English

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