Characteristics of motor exhausts in an underground car park: Mass size distribution and concentration levels of particles

Abstract

The size distribution of car exhaust pollutants have been determined in a confined atmosphere with high‐volume cascade impactor. Lead, C, manganese and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) collected on filters resulted in the following distribution: 60% of the Pb and Cd were found in particles of submicrometer aerodynamic diameter whilst more than 80% of the PAH were found to be absorbed on particles smaller than 1.1 μm. Mn exhibits an opposite trend being observed predominantly in coarse particles. The characteristics of the indoor exhaust aerosol were compared to those observed in the general environment and at the emission source.

Concentration levels were determined in order to assess the public and occupational health aspects. Correlation between Pb, carbon monoxyde and PAH are revealing of a motor exhaust gas source.