Indoor–Outdoor Characterization of Fine and Coarse Particulate Matter in High- and Low- Occupancy Classrooms in a Rural Georgia High School

Faculty Mentor

Dr. Atin Adhikari

Location

Russell Union Ballroom

Type of Research

On-going

Session Format

Poster Presentation

College

Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health

Department

Environmental Health Sciences

Abstract

Title: Indoor–Outdoor Characterization of Fine and Coarse Particulate Matter in High- and Low-Occupancy Classrooms in a Rural Georgia High School Olayemi Aloba, Megan Nicol, James Thomas, Elena Ortez, Deashjea McGee, Atin Adhikari Introduction: Particulate matter (PM) is a key contributor to indoor air pollution and is associated with respiratory and cardiovascular health risks. Fine particles (PM2.5 and smaller) are of particular concern because they can penetrate deep into the lungs and remain suspended for prolonged periods. In rural areas of Georgia, agricultural activity may elevate outdoor particulate levels that infiltrate indoor environments. Temperature, relative humidity, occupancy, and ventilation further influence aerosol behavior. The goal of this study was to quantify indoor and outdoor PM concentrations prior to active student occupancy. Methods: PM mass concentrations (PM 1, PM 2.5, PM 10; mg/m³) were measured using DustTrak particle monitors in two classrooms, a hallway, and at an outdoor agricultural reference site. Particle number concentrations (1.0 µm, 2.5 µm, 10 µm) were assessed using a CEMT particle counter. The instruments were used for 3 times for 60 sec each. Airflow velocity (ft/min) was measured using a TSI anemometer to evaluate ventilation. Temperature and relative humidity were recorded at each location. Results: CEM data showed that each classroom had a higher particle count than the hallway. PM 1 averaged 500,707 vs. 446,290 particles; PM 2.5 averaged 62,544 vs. 49,470; and PM 10 averaged 3,887 vs. 2,827 (numbers per m 3 ). DustTrak mass concentrations indoors ranged from 0.026–0.030 mg/m³. Conclusion: Despite having fewer students during the initial tests, the classrooms showed higher particle levels, indicating occupancy was probably not a factor at the time of sampling. Differences likely reflect ventilation patterns or outdoor particle infiltration. Fine particles (PM 1 ) dominated in both rooms, consistent with typical indoor aerosol behavior.

Program Description

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Start Date

4-23-2026 2:00 PM

End Date

4-23-2026 4:00 PM

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Apr 23rd, 2:00 PM Apr 23rd, 4:00 PM

Indoor–Outdoor Characterization of Fine and Coarse Particulate Matter in High- and Low- Occupancy Classrooms in a Rural Georgia High School

Russell Union Ballroom

Title: Indoor–Outdoor Characterization of Fine and Coarse Particulate Matter in High- and Low-Occupancy Classrooms in a Rural Georgia High School Olayemi Aloba, Megan Nicol, James Thomas, Elena Ortez, Deashjea McGee, Atin Adhikari Introduction: Particulate matter (PM) is a key contributor to indoor air pollution and is associated with respiratory and cardiovascular health risks. Fine particles (PM2.5 and smaller) are of particular concern because they can penetrate deep into the lungs and remain suspended for prolonged periods. In rural areas of Georgia, agricultural activity may elevate outdoor particulate levels that infiltrate indoor environments. Temperature, relative humidity, occupancy, and ventilation further influence aerosol behavior. The goal of this study was to quantify indoor and outdoor PM concentrations prior to active student occupancy. Methods: PM mass concentrations (PM 1, PM 2.5, PM 10; mg/m³) were measured using DustTrak particle monitors in two classrooms, a hallway, and at an outdoor agricultural reference site. Particle number concentrations (1.0 µm, 2.5 µm, 10 µm) were assessed using a CEMT particle counter. The instruments were used for 3 times for 60 sec each. Airflow velocity (ft/min) was measured using a TSI anemometer to evaluate ventilation. Temperature and relative humidity were recorded at each location. Results: CEM data showed that each classroom had a higher particle count than the hallway. PM 1 averaged 500,707 vs. 446,290 particles; PM 2.5 averaged 62,544 vs. 49,470; and PM 10 averaged 3,887 vs. 2,827 (numbers per m 3 ). DustTrak mass concentrations indoors ranged from 0.026–0.030 mg/m³. Conclusion: Despite having fewer students during the initial tests, the classrooms showed higher particle levels, indicating occupancy was probably not a factor at the time of sampling. Differences likely reflect ventilation patterns or outdoor particle infiltration. Fine particles (PM 1 ) dominated in both rooms, consistent with typical indoor aerosol behavior.