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Asbestos |
Respirable Particulates (PM2.5) |
Temperature | Relative Humidity | Carbon Dioxide | Carbon Monoxide | |
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ATC Environmental Monitoring -
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Respirable particulates are microscopic solid matter such as dusts, smoke, fumes, microorganisms (viruses, pollen grains, bacteria, fungal spores), and fibers (asbestos, fiberglass) that are suspended in the air and can be inhaled. A major route of entry into buildings is through the HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning) system. The size range of concern to human health is 0.1 - 10 µm (micrometers or millionths of a meter). Particles smaller than 0.1 µm are generally exhaled. Most particles above 10 µm will be filtered by the nose and upper respiratory tract. Exposure to respirable particulates has been associated with a variety of adverse health effects. These can occur even in the absence of toxic components in the particulate matter. In other words, dust itself, even if it is not composed of toxic chemicals, can be hazardous if it is small enough and gets deep enough into the lungs. Exposure to excessive levels of particulates can cause allergic reactions such as dry eyes, nose, throat, and skin irritation, coughing, sneezing, and respiratory distress. Exposure to respirable particulates can aggravate or cause chronic airways diseases. The EPA has standards that are applicable to two sizes of respirable particulates. EPA's limits for exposure to PM10 (particulate matter with a diameter of 10 µm) are 50 µg/m3 (micrograms per cubic meter of air measured) for annual exposure and 150 µg/m3 for 24-hour exposure. EPA's limits for exposure to PM2.5 (particulate matter with a diameter of 2.5µm) are 65 µg/m3 on a daily basis for an average adult population and 40 µg/m3 for sensitive populations, including children. The Board of Education's vendor, ATC Associates, is monitoring PM2.5 at Stuyvesant. |
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