Anthropogenically derived substances surfaces

For the purposes of this discussion, it is reasonable to assume that the outdoor environment is the source of most of the anthropogenically derived substances (4) that are present in the indoor environment. The accumulation rates of species on indoor surfaces are related to the outdoor concentrations of these substances through the relationships among the indoor and outdoor concentrations and the indoor deposition velocities of these species. A substantial amount of data is available on outdoor concentrations (4-13). Simultaneous measurements of outdoor and indoor concentrations are less numerous. Very few measurements of indoor deposition velocities have been made. Estimated ratios of outdoor to indoor concentrations will be used that are based on field data, where available, or best judgments. From the limited experimental measurements, taking into account the relative variations in outdoor deposition velocities as a function of particle size, indoor deposition velocities will be estimated. Using these approximate indoor/outdoor ratios and deposition velocities, the indoor surface accumulation rates for substances contained in airborne particles can then be estimated from prevailing outdoor concentrations. 

As anthropogenically derived substances accumulate on indoor surfaces, reactions with the surfaces and among the substances on the surfaces can occur. The acidity of these surfaces will be a result of a complex interplay among many factors, including the amounts of both natural and anthropogenic acidic and non-acidic substances, and the natural acidity and buffering capacity of the surfaces. The concentrations of natural coarse particles will also affect the acidity and, for this reason, a distinction should be made between horizontal and vertical surfaces. 

The intent of this paper is to present a methodology for estimating, from available information on concentrations and deposition velocities, the potential effects of anthropogenically derived acidic substances on indoor surfaces. Surface accumulation rates are derived that are applicable to all types of indoor surfaces. The discussion of the possible effects of the accumulated substances will concentrate on zinc and aluminum surfaces because data exists on the behavior of these metals in indoor environments (0. Aluminum forms a passivating oxide which protects against corrosion in most environments, while zinc is expected to corrode at a roughly linear rate over its lifetime. 

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