Search

Associations are well established between particulate matter (PM) and increased human mortality and morbidity. Fine particulate matter (particle diameter < 2.5 μm) is most strongly linked to adverse health impacts. The toxicity of PM may depend on the PM source and composition which will vary by location. While a number of epidemiological studies have shown that certain PM sources are associated with specific health outcomes, the underlying mechanisms are still unclear. To investigate these mechanisms, continuous weekly PM2.5 samples were collected for four consecutive weeks (24 hours a day for seven days) in six cities across the U.S. as part of the Multiple Air Pollutant Study (MAPS).

The Detroit Exposure and Aerosol Research Study (DEARS) was designed to assess the impacts of local industrial and mobile sources on human exposures to air pollutants in and around Detroit, Michigan. Daily integrated measurements were made of personal exposure, and residential indoor and outdoor concentrations in six neighborhoods throughout the Detroit area. Concurrent data were collected for comparison at a central community ambient monitoring location and a regional background site. These data collected in DEARS can be used to evaluate local air quality and explore the application of air quality models to assess human exposure in an urban area.