Total Suspended Particulates (TSP)

Tiny particles of solid material or liquid aerosols, defined collectively as particulates, are present in the air, and at high concentrations, may become an air pollution concern. TSP range in size from 0.001 to 500 micrometres (a human hair is about 70 micrometres in diameter) and, depending on their size and other properties, may remain suspended in the air for a few seconds or indefinitely. TSP are primarily important from a nuisance perspective.

Suspended particles may result from a variety of natural and human sources. These sources include vehicle exhaust emissions, industrial emission sources, soil, road dust, dust resulting from other human activities (i.e. agriculture), smoke from forest fires, smoke from recreational sources (i.e. campfires and fireplaces).

Monitoring Method
TSP are measured by the high volume sampler. The sampler consists of a vacuum system and filter housed in a shelter and operates on the same principle as a vacuum cleaner. The particulate matter in the atmosphere is collected by drawing a known volume of air through a pre-weighed filter for a 24-hour period every sixth day according to the NAPS monitoring schedule. The filter is then re-weighed to determine the mass of the particles collected.

Objectives
Objectives for TSP are based on nuisance effects. These Objectives are:

100 痢/m3 (micrograms per cubic meter) as a 24-hour total loading; and
60 痢/m3 as an annual geometric mean loading.

	Total Suspended Particulates (TSP) Tiny particles of solid material or liquid aerosols, defined collectively as particulates, are present in the air, and at high concentrations, may become an air pollution concern. TSP range in size from 0.001 to 500 micrometres (a human hair is about 70 micrometres in diameter) and, depending on their size and other properties, may remain suspended in the air for a few seconds or indefinitely. TSP are primarily important from a nuisance perspective. Suspended particles may result from a variety of natural and human sources. These sources include vehicle exhaust emissions, industrial emission sources, soil, road dust, dust resulting from other human activities (i.e. agriculture), smoke from forest fires, smoke from recreational sources (i.e. campfires and fireplaces). Monitoring Method TSP are measured by the high volume sampler. The sampler consists of a vacuum system and filter housed in a shelter and operates on the same principle as a vacuum cleaner. The particulate matter in the atmosphere is collected by drawing a known volume of air through a pre-weighed filter for a 24-hour period every sixth day according to the NAPS monitoring schedule. The filter is then re-weighed to determine the mass of the particles collected. Objectives Objectives for TSP are based on nuisance effects. These Objectives are: 100 痢/m3 (micrograms per cubic meter) as a 24-hour total loading; and 60 痢/m3 as an annual geometric mean loading.