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The spatial and temporal distributions of atmospheric aerosols have been simulated using the GEOS-Chem model over the sparsely investigated Eastern European region. The spatial distribution of the particulate matter (PM2.5) concentration, mineral dust, black carbon, organic aerosols, sea salt, as well as nitrate, sulfate, and ammonium aerosols during 2016–2017 were considered. The aerosols’ concentration, seasonality and spatial features were determined for the region. Particulate matter (PM2.5) contamination prevails in Poland in late autumn and winter. The monthly mean PM2.5 concentration reached 55 µg m−3 over the Moscow region in the early spring of both years. The mineral dust concentration varied significantly, reaching 40 µg m−3 over the southwestern part of Eastern Europe in March 2016. The areas most polluted by black carbon aerosols were the central and southern parts of Poland in the winter. The organic aerosols’ concentration was the largest in March and April, reaching 10 µg m−3 over East Belarus. The sea salt aerosol concentration increased in the coastal regions in winter due to the wind strength. Mineral dust aerosols in Eastern Europe are mainly composed of dust, partially transported from the Ukrainian steppe and partially from the Saharan Desert.

Historically, Ukraine has been a major source of industrial production for the former Soviet Union and the source of pollution associated with an aging industrial infrastructure. The US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) and the Ukrainian Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (MENR) entered into partnership to develop Ukrainian expertise and capacity in risk assessment so that Ukraine could more effectively use its National and Regional Environmental Protection Funds and set priorities for cleanup and regulation. Ukrainian scientists, local officials, and EPA consultants conducted a pilot study in the heavily industrialized Zaporizhzhia Oblast so that the process, analytical tools, and approach for a risk assessment could be developed for and tailored to Ukrainian needs. As a first step, site-specific information was obtained from multiple sources of air pollution and an emissions inventory of air pollution developed. Efforts by local officials were critical for emissions inventory construction. After refinements were made to the inventory, Ukrainian scientists then performed exposure modeling using this information so that ambient concentrations of pollutants could be estimated. 11 industry types (i.e., enterprises) were identified as a major emission source. Results of the modeling effort demonstrated that emissions estimates of particulate matter (as measured by particles of less than 10 micron diameter or "PM 10 ") and a number of carcinogens were consistent with those from other cities with high concentrations of metallurgical industries in former Soviet Union countries, and were above safety standards. Hazard information was gathered from international databases for each of the estimated pollutants. Using such data, prioritization and identification of potential health concerns can be made, but most importantly, the expertise and experience gained from the pilot allowed for continued support of risk assessment capacity building in the Ukraine and support by the World Bank.

Background/aimDue to lack of PM monitoring process in Ukraine the aim of this work was to obtain information on the actual concentrations of PM10 and PM2,5 in one of the Ukrainian cities with the population under coal power plant exposure.MethodsDefinition of air pollution by PM10 and PM2.5 was conducted in the seven points located in operation zone of the TPP which were selected according to the algorithm including relief, infrastructure, meteo data.The study was conducted throughout the 2015 as a result it was managed to get the average annual concentration. Measurements of PM2,5 and PM10 concentration levels in the ambient air carried out using portable handheld analyzers Con.Tec Personal Dust Monitor PM10-PM2.5-PM1 (Italy).Measurements were carried out at the height of 1.2 to 1.8 metres from the ground in the human breathing area. Gathered measurements in real-time mode were conducted within one hour with an average of 1 min for 3 sequences per day.ResultsAs a result of the research, it has been established that:concentrations of PM10 were determined in the range of 11 to 67 μg/m3, PM2.5 – from 4 to 47 μg/m3. In this case, the excess of the recommended by the WHO levels of averaged concentrations PM10 and PM2.5 in the ambient air observed in 43% of measurements especially in the autumn–winter heating period;every 10 µg of concentration above normative increases the death rate by 0.6%. Accordingly, in the worst scenario with a concentration of 67 μg/m3 the mortality rate may increase by 2.82%.ConclusionBased on the foregoing, conclusions can be drawn on the need for implementation and expansion of monitoring programs measurements of particulate matter (PM10 and PM2,5) in the ambient air of Ukraine settlements. Mandatory review and approval of hygienic standards for PM10 and PM2.5, in accordance with Directives 2008/50/EU, 2001/80/EU, recommendations and requirements of WHO.

Резюме. В Европейском регионе 40 % всех заболеваний и смертей обусловлено воздействием трех основ-ных факторов риска: курением, употреблением алкоголя и дорожно-транспортными происшествиями (которые зачастую связаны с употреблением алкоголя). Среди всех регионов Всемирной организации здравоохранения Европейский регион занимает лидирующие позиции по уровню распространенности ку-рения среди как взрослого населения (28,0 %), так и подростков (19,0 %). В период с 1999 по 2014 год в Украине проводились три серии международных экспериментов (ESPAD, GYTS, HBSC), содержавшие вопросы и о курении табака. По результатам Глобального опроса подростков 2010-2011 гг. Украина входила в тройку лидеров (после Чехии и Италии