Indoor and Outdoor Air Quality Comparison

Danielle Gede

Air Quality Comparison

ENVL 2261
Indoor and Outdoor Air Quality Comparison 2

Abstract

Humans affect air quality in many ways and in return air quality affects humans.

Air quality not only affects human health but also affects the environment and animals on

land and aquatic systems. The six criteria pollutants are carbon monoxide, ozone, sulfur

dioxide, nitrogen oxides, lead and particulate matter. Box and whisker plots were made

with Excel and are represented as Figure 1, Figure 2, and Figure 3. Figure 1 shows the

concentrations of CO2 for all the sites. Figure 2 shows the concentrations of H2S for all

the sites. Figure 3 shows the concentrations of CO for all the sites. Overall the outdoor

sites had worse air quality than indoor sites based on the parameters of CO2, H2S, and

CO concentrations. Some potential errors could have been that the time of day, the

amount of sunlight present, temperature, and the amount of time tested per site. The main

purpose of this experiment is to analyze various sites and measure the concentrations of

carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, hydrogen sulfide and other various pollutants and

compare each sites concentration to determine its air quality.

Table of Contents

Abstract pg. 2

Introduction.. pg. 3-6

Objectives pg. 7

Results pg. 8-9

Discussion. pg. 10-11

Conclusion pg. 12

References pg. 13
Indoor and Outdoor Air Quality Comparison 3

Introduction

Why is air quality such a big deal? Air quality is one of the most important

aspects in staying healthy and living a long life. Air quality affects everyone around the

world, no matter where someone lives, how old a person is, and how active/athletic

someone is. One big and increasingly concerning problem with air quality is air pollution.

Air pollution is not only damaging to human health but it also destroys ecosystems.

When talking about air pollution, it splits into the six criteria pollutants which include

carbon monoxide, lead, nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, particulate matter, and ozone.

The Clean Air Act is an act that was created to reduce air pollution, specifically the six

criteria pollutants, and protect the health of humans and the environment.

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a silent killer because it has no small, color or taste so

it is literally undetectable to the human senses. When exposed to carbon monoxide, the

chemicals molecules displace the oxygen in the body and lead to poisoning (EPA 2016).

As less and less oxygen is being carried in the body, vital organs such as the heart, and

stop working and can lead to death. There are many sources of CO that are in the home,

making the chemical more of a risk to inflict harm. Carbon monoxide comes from fuel

burning appliances like cars, grills, and clothes dryers (Indoor Air Pollution 2015). These

sources are every day use appliances and if not vented properly can cause harm. Another

problem with carbon monoxide other than being undetectable is that the beginning

symptoms of exposure are similar to the flu, so people that are exposed ignore their

symptoms and do not receive immediate help. Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning

include headaches, dizziness, nausea and fatigue (EPA 2016). The main way of

protecting people from CO poisoning is by installing CO alarms.

Indoor and Outdoor Air Quality Comparison 4

Lead is a heavy metal that can act as a neurotoxin affecting the brain and central

nervous system. Lead can be airborne making it one of the six criteria air pollutants.

Sources of lead can be found in paint in old houses, art and craft materials, police and

civilian firing ranges (Indoor Air Pollution 2015). Children are the most affected by lead

exposure because exposure to lead in early life (even as early in the womb) causes

damage to the brain and central nervous systems development, causing a lifetime impact.

A child that was exposed to lead would not be able to keep up with classmates and be

held back. Some adverse effects of lead include nervous system damage, kidney damage,

reproductive and developmental deficits (EPA 2017). Even as adults, people can have

adverse effects, but children are the most susceptible. Environmental impacts of lead can

be seen when it is added to the soil, sediments and streams causing reproduction and

developmental problems in animals and plants (EPA 2017). In the future, if we do not

reduce lead, the result will be a generation of learning disabled children and the wildlife

will reduced to low numbers and be deformed.

Nitrogen oxides (NOx) are another group criteria air pollutants that are one of the

major current problems in air quality. Nitrogen oxides refer to the two forms known as

nitrogen dioxide (NO2 and nitric oxide (NO). The main emission of NOx is through the

burning of fossil fuels such as coal or oil. The sources of nitrogen oxides are fossil-fueled

transportation like cars, trucks and buses, which emit NOx outside (Union of Concerned

Scientists 2016). As the population keeps growing, the use of motor vehicles grows,

increasing the amount of NOx emitted into the atmosphere. Nitrogen dioxide aggravates

the respiratory system, affects people with asthma, and can cause people to have asthma

(Union of Concerned Scientists 2016). Imagine how much NOx must be in the air to
Indoor and Outdoor Air Quality Comparison 5

affect the respiratory system so badly that it can cause people to develop asthma. The

environmental impacts of NOx is when it reacts with water and oxygen in the atmosphere

to form acid rain, damaging trees, plants, and lakes and the overall ecosystem (EPA

2016). The more humans pump out NOx with their cars, the less there will be left of the

natural ecosystems.

Sulfur dioxide (SO2) is another contributor to acid rain. SO2 emissions can be

natural and be anthropogenic. The main source, being caused by humans, is from fossil

fuel burning at power plants and other industrial facilities (website). Natural sources that

are not as major contributors include volcanoes. The main emissions of SO2 from a

volcano are when it erupts, SO2 being in the ash. The health effects of sulfur dioxide are

harming the respiratory system and hard breathing (EPA 2016). Just like the NOx, SO2

has a major effect on humans respiratory system. The environmental impacts of sulfur

dioxide include harming trees and plants by damaging the foliage and decrease growth

(EPA 2016). Similar to NOx, SO2 forms acid rain, damages forest and ecosystems by

affecting the pH of soils and bodies of water killing fish and aquatic life.

Particulate matter is a mixture of particles ranging in size. This means some forms

of PM we can see with our own eyes and some forms are so small we need a microscope

to see them. Most particles made from nitrogen oxides and sulfur dioxide from power

plants, construction sites, roads, fields, fireplaces, and wood stoves (EPA 2016). The

sources are not only from industries but also come from homes, putting the blame of PM

emissions on everyone. The very fine, small particles can get deep into the lungs,

increasing the number of emergency room visits and hospital admissions for respiratory

illnesses (Indoor Air Pollution 2015). Reducing PM emissions could result in saving
Indoor and Outdoor Air Quality Comparison 6

everyones time and money, including doctors and patients. The environmental damage

ozone can cause is hazing which reduces the amount of visibility of national parks that

are known for scenic views (Indoor Air Pollution 2015). If this continues, future

generations will not be able to see the beautiful sites and will not appreciate the national

parks.

Ozone is made up of the upper atmosphere called the stratosphere and the lower

atmosphere called the troposphere. The part of ozone that is concerning is the troposphere

also known as ground level ozone. Ground-level ozone is emitted when NOx and VOCs

(volatile organic compounds) react. NOx and VOCs are released by cars and power

plants that burn fuels (EPA 2017). Once again, the increase in the population growth

increases the use of cars and need for energy, increasing the emissions of these harmful

chemicals that damage the ozone. Repeated exposure can make you more susceptible to

respiratory infections, lung inflammation, aggravate preexisting respiratory diseases like

asthma (Indoor Air Pollution 2015). The use of cars and the demand of energy from

power plants is harming our health and polluting the air we breathe. Ozone forms smog

and affects sensitive vegetation and ecosystems, affects the growth, can reduce

photosynthesis and increase sensitivity to disease (EPA 2017). Therefore it is the humans

that are absentmindedly putting stress on the environment and decreasing species

diversity and habitat quality.

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Objectives

Measure the air quality of several outside and inside sites. Determine if indoor air

quality is better or worse than outdoor air quality. To observe the difference in air quality

between a smoking area (gazebo) and nonsmoking areas. To compare the air quality

inside a car while it is running to outside the car after running it and compare the air

quality among three different cars. Compare the air quality of a room filled with people to

an empty room.
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Results

The concentrations of several pollutants, especially carbon dioxide, hydrogen

sulfide, and carbon monoxide, in the air were measured and recorded with the Gray Wolf

Indoor Air Quality Monitor and the TG 501 and IQ 610 probes. Each site, except for

behind the shuttle, was measured for three minutes. Then the data was constructed into

Whisker plots for the carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulfide and carbon monoxide

concentrations sampled from the various areas tested. Site 1 is food court. Site 2 is USC

246, Site 3 is the Gazebo, Site 4 is room USC 213, Site 5 is inside Bryans car, Site 6 is

inside Seans car, Site 7 is inside Tims truck, Site 8 is outside Seans car, Site 9 is

outside Tims truck, Site 10 is behind the shuttle, Site 11 is outside USC, and Site 12 is

USC under the trees.

Carbon Dioxide
12
11
10
9
8
Areas Sampled

7
6 Series3
5 Series4
4
3
2
1

0 200 400 600 800 1000 1200 1400 1600

CO2 CONCENTRATIONS mg/m3

Figure 1 shows the concentrations of carbon monoxide in milligrams per meter cubed

from the twelve areas visited

Indoor and Outdoor Air Quality Comparison 9

Hydrogen Sulfide
12
11
10
9
8
Areas Sampled

7
6 Series3
5 Series4
4
3
2
1

0 0.05 0.1 0.15 0.2 0.25 0.3

H2S CONCENTRATIONS ppm

Figure 2 shows the concentrations of hydrogen sulfide in parts per million of the twelve

locations visited

Carbon Monoxide
12
11
10
Areas Sampled

9
8
7
6 Series3
5
Series4
4
3
2
1
0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1 1.2 1.4 1.6
CO CONCENTRATIONS mg/m3

Figure 3 shows the concentration of carbon monoxide in milligrams per meter cubed
from the twelve sites visited
Indoor and Outdoor Air Quality Comparison 10

Discussion

The site USC 213 had the largest value of carbon dioxide concentration. The site

inside Bryans car and outside Tims truck had the lowest values for carbon dioxide

concentrations. The site that had the lowest average value of CO2 concentration was site

Gazebo. The reason could be that the Gazebo was outside and the measurement was

taken at night, cold and no sunlight. The site that had the largest average value of CO2

concentration was site USC 246. The reason why room USC 246 was probably due to the

entire class presence, causing a large amount of CO2 to be produced by the respiration.

The sites outside Seans car had the largest value of hydrogen sulfide

concentration. Nine of the twelve sites had the lowest value of 0 for H2S concentrations.

The site that had the lowest average value of H2S concentration was site inside Seans

car. The site that had the largest average value of H2S concentration was site outside

Seans car. The reason why Seans car had the least H2S present inside and had the most

H2S concentration outside was because his car is effective at keeping H2S out of the car

but in return releases high concentrations of H2S. Cars are a source of H2S produced

since they burn gasoline containing sulfur, and different types of cars produce more than

other types, trucks versus cars or older cars versus newly made cars. Tims truck a GMC

Sierra was the oldest being made in 2005, while Seans Scion TC and Bryans Honda

Accord were both made in 2014.

The sites inside Tims truck and outside Tims truck had the largest values of

carbon monoxide concentrations. The reasoning behind a truck having the most CO

concentration is because the primary sources of CO emission are cars, trucks and buses,

but trucks produce more CO than car (EPA 2016). The sites behind the shuttle and USC
Indoor and Outdoor Air Quality Comparison 11

under the trees had the lowest values of CO concentrations. The buses produce less CO

than the truck and cars could be because the bus uses more efficient gasoline. The site

that had the lowest average value of CO concentration was USC under the trees. This was

probably because trees do not produce CO, the only reason why there would be any trace

of CO would be because its outside were cars pass by. The site that had the largest

average value of CO concentration was site outside Tims truck. Probably Tims truck is

not efficient when burning gasoline causing a high concentration of CO to be produced.

Looking at just the areas sampled inside USC (room USC 246, USC 213)

compared to the areas sampled outside USC (outside USC and USC under a tree). Indoor

sites had an overall higher concentration of CO2 than outdoor sites. Probably the amount

of people inside building increase the concentration of CO2 when they breathe out and is

concentrated in the rooms. Outdoor sites had an overall higher concentration of H2S and

CO than indoor sites. This was probably because cars and other transportation vehicles

produce these gases and release them to the outside air, increasing their concentrations.

Also air filters inside the building might have helped keep those gases at lower

concentrations.
Indoor and Outdoor Air Quality Comparison 12

Conclusion

Based on the question of if indoor air quality is better than outdoor air quality, the

hypothesis was that the outdoor air quality is better than the indoor air quality. This was

thought because the outdoors have many trees and can be free to circulate while indoors

would have pollutants trapped, not circulating well, especially if the vents are not well

maintained/vented. Based on the parameters of CO2, H2S, and CO concentrations, the

indoor sites had better air quality than outdoor sites. Some aspects of the experiment that

could have been done differently, possibly correcting any errors, would be to conduct the

experiment during the daytime, and not at night, or could have averted cars from passing

by while testing, or the experiment could have done on a hotter day (summer vs. winter),

or redo tests without people in the room. What might have influenced the results could

have been that it was night, in the dark, no sunlight, air filters in the building, people

around, cars passing by, cold temperature, the amount of time we sampled each site could

have been longer.

Indoor and Outdoor Air Quality Comparison 13

References

EPA. (2016, September). Carbon Monoxide (CO). Retrieved from

https://www.epa.gov/co-pollution/basic-information-about-carbon-monoxide-

co-out

door-ai r-pollution#What%20is%20CO

EPA. (2017, April). Ozone. Retrieved from https://www.epa.gov/ozone-pollution

EPA. (2016, September). Particulate Matter (PM). Retrieved from

https://www.epa.gov/pm-pollution

EPA. (2017, March). Lead. Retrieved from https://www.epa.gov/lead-air-pollution

EPA. (2016, August). Sulfur Dioxide (SO2). Retrieved from

https://www.epa.gov/so2-pollution

EPA. (2016, September). Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2). Retrieved from

https://www.epa.gov/no2-pollution

Indoor Air Pollution. (2015). An Introduction for Health Professionals. Retrieved from

https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/201501/documents/indoor_air_poll

ution.pdf

Union of Concerned Scientists. (2016, August) The Hidden Costs of Fossil Fuels.

Retrieved from

http://www.ucsusa.org/clean-energy/coal-and-other-fossil-fuels/hidden-cost-

of-fossils#.WejHg2U4nVp