Impact of vacuum cleaning on indoor air quality

Abstract

Vacuum cleaning can be a household source of particulate matter (PM) both from the vacuum motor and from settled dust resuspension. Despite the evidence of this contribution to PM levels indoors, the effect of this source on PM composition is still unknown. In this study, four vacuum cleaners (washable filter bag less, wet, bagged and HEPA filter equipped robot) were tested for the emission rate of particulate mass and number. The detailed PM chemical characterisation included organic and elemental carbon, metals and organic speciation. PM 10 emission rates from bagged vacuum operation were much higher (207 ± 99.0 μg min − 1) compared with the ones obtained from wet (86.1 ± 16.9 μg min − 1) and washable filter bag less vacuums (75.4 ± 7.89 μg min − 1). Particle (8-322 nm) number emission rates ranged from 5.29 × 10 11 (washable filter bag less vacuum) to 21.2 × 10 11 (wet vacuum) particles min − 1. Ratios of peak to background levels indicate that vacuuming can elevate the ultrafine particle number concentrations by a factor ranging from 4 to 61. No increase in PM mass or number concentrations was observed during the HEPA filter equipped vacuum operation. The increase in copper and elemental carbon PM 10 contents during vacuuming suggested motor emissions. Organic compounds in PM 10 included alkanes, PAHs, saccharides, phenolics, alcohols, acids, among others. However, it was not possible to establish a relationship between these compounds and vacuuming due to the vast array of possible household sources. The cancer risks associated with metals and PAH inhalation were negligible.

Role of indoor aerosols for COVID-19 viral transmission: a review

“…On the particle mass concentration, the peak PM 1.0 , PM 2.5 and PM 10 levels were measured to be 1.5, 22.7 and 75.4 μg m −3 , respectively. In a recent study, Vicente et al (2020) investigated the emission rates from four common types of vacuum cleaners, namely, the washable filter bagless, wet, bagged, and HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filter equipped robot.…”

“… n.a. Majority being approximately 30 nm or less 4.0 × 10 6 to 1.1 × 10 11 particles min −1 (UFPs); 4.0 × 10 4 to 1.2 × 10 9 particles min −1 (0.54–20 μm) Knibbs et al ( 2012 ) Four vacuum cleaners (washable filter bag less, wet, bagged and HEPA filter equipped robot) A living room (91.9 m 3 ) in a suburban Spanish house, all windows and doors closed 37.5 ± 4.95 to 65.0 ± 42.4 μg m −3 (PM 10 , peak); no measurable emission from the HEPA filter equipped robot 0.548 ± 0.014 × 10 5 to 2.10 ± 0.136 × 10 5 particles cm −3 (peak) (excluding the HEPA filter equipped robot) Geometric mean diameter: 13.5–17.8 nm (excluding the HEPA filter equipped robot) 5.29 ± 1.48 × 10 11 to 12.6 ± 4.54 × 10 11 particles min −1 (excluding the HEPA filter equipped robot) Vicente et al ( 2020 ) Vacuum cleaning A naturally ventilated apartment 1.5, 22.7 and 75.4 μg m −3 (PM 1.0 , PM 2.5 and PM 10 , peak) 9.4 x 10 4 particles cm −3 (peak) > 98.2% in the ultrafine size range (<100 nm); a unimodal distribution peaking at 19.8 nm; increased to 22.9 and 26.5 nm at 15 and 30 min after activity the stopped n.a. Vu et al ( 2017 ) Three office printers A 1-m 3 experimental chamber with an air flow rate of 2.3 L min −1 n.a.…”

“…On the particle mass concentration, the peak PM 1.0 , PM 2.5 and PM 10 levels were measured to be 1.5, 22.7 and 75.4 μg m −3 , respectively. In a recent study, Vicente et al ( 2020 ) investigated the emission rates from four common types of vacuum cleaners, namely, the washable filter bagless, wet, bagged, and HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filter equipped robot. Based on their results, the highest PM 10 emission rates were observed with the operation of the bagged vacuum cleaner (207 ± 99.0 μg min −1 ), while similar emission rates were obtained from the wet and washable filter bagless vacuum cleaners (86.1 ± 16.9 μg min −1 and 75.4 ± 7.9 μg min −1 ).…”

Introduction to Particles in Indoor Air

“…Older models typically used cloth bags that were very inefficient in collecting smaller particle size. Now many models have moved to HEPA filters with 99.97% efficiency that substantially reduced the suspended PM mass and particle number concentrations (Vicente et al 2020).…”

The Development of Mapping, Covering and Control Strategies for a Vacuum Cleaner Robot

“…In household life, with the development of intelligent technology, robotic vacuum cleaners and other smart appliances are more and more popular [4]. A vacuum cleaner robot is an intelligent machine commonly used for cleaning floors and carpets by suction [5][6].…”