We derive general-purpose mathematical model for pollution concentration studies. The model is based on the aerosol general dynamic equation (GDE). It accounts for aerosol processes like coagulation and growth by deposition and is therefore suited for suspended-particle monitoring. Our model is validated by controlled experiments done using standard aerosol monitoring devices that measure PM10, particle cross section, particle-bound polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PPAHs) and number concentration, showing an excellent agreement with the experimental data in a 77-m3 room with a time sequence of cigarettes smoked. As an example of an application, we calculated the mean PPAH emission rate in environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) for a “smolder-smoked” cigarette and found it to be 8 ng/s for a total emission of 5.28 μg per cigarette. The results show that real aerosol dynamics should be taken into account when monitoring suspended particles.
