Influence of different types of heating systems on particulate air pollutant deposition: The case of churches situated in a cold climate

The influence of three types of heating systems (electrically heated pews, hot air blow heating and provisory electrical (infrared) heaters) on the transport and deposition of particulate pollution was investigated in churches located in a cold climate. Two methods were applied for the analysis of aerosol samples collected inside and outside the churches: energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence analysis and electron probe X-ray microanalysis. The results show that all the heating systems re-suspend the particulate matter brought from outside. However, the extent of re-suspension of the systems is different. It is also shown that the hot air blow heating, – the oldest design of the studied systems, – warming the church by blowing in hot air could generate organic particles. Such particles can cause soiling, and/or blackening of works of art present in the church. The application of this heating system also provoked the deterioration of the plastered walls, thus leading to the creation of an extra internal source of Ca. The other two heating systems (more modern) demonstrate less influence on the works of art regarding aerosol deposition.