Statistical approach for determining the effects of microclimatic parameters on household spray products aerosol deposition

The understanding of aerosol deposition in the indoor environment is relevant for assessing the exposure of occupants. This study investigates the effects of microclimatic parameters on the deposition rates of aerosols emanating from the use of household spray products in indoor environment. A three-factor factorial design was used to study the effects of interactions of air temperature, relative humidity and Air Exchange Rate (AER) on the deposition rate of particulate matter (PM). The highest deposition rate of 0.3 mu m particles (PM0.3) was 627.8 h(-1) when the relative humidity, temperature and AER were 40%, 40 degrees C, and 12 h(-1), respectively while the highest deposition rate of 5.0 mu m particles (PM5.0) was 709.20 h(-1) when the relative humidity, temperature and AER were 70%, 25 degrees C, and 12 h(-1), respectively. Regression analysis showed that air temperature and air exchange rate had significant effects on the deposition of PM0.3, while relative humidity and air exchange rate had significant effects on the deposition of PM5.0 at p<0.05. The experimental values were very close to the predicted values and were not statistically different at 95% confidence level.