| A field study of particulate matter pollution generated by the demolition of single family housing units was carried out in Chicago Illinois. Aerosol concentrations were measured; the contribution of demolition works to urban ambient aerosol was estimated; intra- and inter- sampler variability was analyzed and a regression analysis was carried out to understand the influence of demolition activities on measured dust concentrations. In addition, critical metals present in PM matrix were identified and a preliminary risk assessment was carried out.;Demolition activities generated thoracic-sized dust levels that are 1.5 to 3 times higher at demolition sites over the corresponding urban community-level measurements. Intra-sampler correlations were good, but multi-stage to single-stage inter-sampler comparisons did not generally produce high correlations. All toxic metals of health concern (Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Mo, Cd, Ba, Pb) increased in concentration in the thoracic and inhalable dust matrix. Measured lead concentrations at sites are likely to be associated with demolition activities.;Data suggests that demolition activities may potentially increase the health risks of workers and residents alike due to PM exposures and its specific makeup composition. |
