SOCAAR is pleased to announce our next seminar in our 2013-2014 seminar series.

Step Away from the Road: Exposure to Ultrafine Particles in Toronto

Kelly Sabaliauskas,
PhD Candidate 
Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto
 
Ultrafine particles are defined as particulate matter with diameters less than 100 nm.  In urban areas, 
these nano-particles are emitted from combustion sources such as traffic or form naturally through a 
series of reactions between sulphuric acid, ammonia, and water.  Once in the atmosphere, these tiny 
particles can evaporate, or be otherwise removed, resulting in steep concentration gradients across  
cities.

The Spatial Characterization of ULtrafine Particles in Toronto (SCULPT) Study is an on-going 
investigation focused on the spatial and temporal variation of traffic-related air pollutants.  A total of 
22 residential field sites were selected based on their proximity to traffic and other geographical 
features such as parks, Lake Ontario, commercial areas, rail lines, and industrial areas.  Measurements 
were collected for 2 week  periods over several months in the winter and summer of 2013.  This talk 
will describe the factors that contributed to the presence of higher or lower ultrafine particle 
concentrations at selected sites and the resulting temporal and spatial patterns of ultrafine particles 
across Toronto.
 
November 6, 2013, 3 - 4 pm
Wallberg Building, 200 College Street, Room 407

The seminar will be recorded and posted on the SOCAAR website:  www.socaar.utoronto.ca