PM10, PM2.5, PM1, and PM0.1 resuspension due to human walking

Indoor air quality has become a major concern in recent years due to the adverse effects of poor air quality, caused by the presence of several sources of pollutants, on the building occupants’ health. Particle resuspension has been identified as a major indoor particle matter (PM) source in indoor environments. The present work investigated the human walking-induced PM resuspension in a full-scale laboratory experimental chamber. The PM mass concentration was monitored using a Miniwras Grimm counter. The floor of the test chamber was covered with a tufted synthetic carpet and uniformly loaded with neutralized alumina dust. Using the mass-based balance equation and the well-mixed condition hypothesis, resuspension rates were estimated after 10 min of walking activity. Results show that human walking significantly increases the indoor PM10, PM2.5, PM1, and PM0.1 concentrations. The average estimated PM10, PM2.5, PM1, and PM0.1 resuspension rates were (2.5 ± 0.6) × 10(−1) h(−1), (1.9 ± 0.5) × 10(−2) h(−1), (6.5 ± 0.3) × 10(−3) h(−1), and (4.3 ± 0.3) × 10(−3) h(−1), respectively.