The risks of acute exposure to black carbon in Southern Europe: results from the MED-PARTICLES project

Ostro, Bart; Tobías, Aurelio; Karanasiou, Angeliki; Samoli, Evangelia; Querol, Xavier; Rodopoulou, Sophia; Basagaña, Xavier; Eleftheriadis, Konstantinos; Diapouli, Evangelia; Vratolis, Stergios; Jacquemin, Bénédicte; Katsouyanni, Klea; Sunyer, Jordi; Forastiére, Francesco; Stafoggia, Massimo

doi:10.1136/oemed-2014-102184

Cited by 52 publications

(19 citation statements)

References 29 publications

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“…Based on a systematic review and meta-analysis of data on PM and BC exposures and related health effects, Janssen et al proposed the use of BC as an additional air quality indicator for health impact assessment [8]. Ostro et al [9] also highlighted the health risks associated with increased exposures to BC, especially in large urban centres.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Annual Variability of Black Carbon Concentrations Originating from Biomass and Fossil Fuel Combustion for the Suburban Aerosol in Athens, Greece

et al. 2017

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Abstract:The objective of this work was to assess the yearly contribution of fossil fuel combustion (BC ff ) and wood burning (BC wb ) to equivalent black carbon (eBC) concentrations, in Athens, Greece. Measurements were conducted at a suburban site from March 2013 to February 2014 and included absorption coefficients at seven wavelengths and PM 2.5 chemical composition data for key biomass burning markers, i.e., levoglucosan, potassium (K) and elemental and organic carbon (EC, OC). A well-documented methodology of corrections for aethalometer attenuation coefficients was applied with a resulting annual dataset of derived absorption coefficients for the suburban Athens' atmospheric aerosol. The Aethalometer model was applied for the source apportionment of eBC. An optimum Ångström exponent for fossil fuel (α ff ) was found, based on the combined use of the model with levoglucosan data. The measured eBC concentrations were equal to 2.4 ± 1.0 µg m −3 and 1.6 ± 0.6 µg m −3 , during the cold and the warm period respectively. The contribution from wood burning was significantly higher during the cold period (21 ± 11%, versus 6 ± 7% in the warm period). BC ff displayed a clear diurnal pattern with a morning peak between 8 and 10 a.m. (during morning rush hour) and a second peak during the evening and night hours, due to the shallowing of the mixing layer. Regression analysis between BC wb concentrations and biomass burning markers (levoglucosan, K and OC/EC ratio) supported the validity of the results.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Annual Variability of Black Carbon Concentrations Originating from Biomass and Fossil Fuel Combustion for the Suburban Aerosol in Athens, Greece

et al. 2017

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“…According to European Directives, the concentrations of NO x , CO 2 , and particulate matter significantly exceed the specified limit values (Ostro et al 2015; Kim et al 2004; Lim et al 2011). Increased levels of air pollution can negatively affect human health, especially prolonged exposure to polluted air may cause respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Chemical content and estimated sources of fine fraction of particulate matter collected in Krakow

Samek

Stęgowski

Furman

et al. 2016

Air Qual Atmos Health

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The monitored level of pollution remains high in Krakow, Poland. Alerts regarding increased levels of pollution, which advise asthmatics, the elderly, and children to limit their exposure to open air, continue to be issued on numerous days. In this work, seasonal variations in PM2.5 (particulate matter containing particles with aerodynamic diameter no higher than 2.5 μm) concentrations are shown. An increasing trend is reported, which is enhanced during the colder seasons. The mean PM2.5 concentrations in Krakow exceeded the target value of 25 μg/m3 specified for 2015 in the spring, autumn, and winter seasons. For this reason, particulate matter pollution is of special concern. Elemental concentrations as well as the presence of black carbon (BC) and black smoke (BS) in PM2.5 samples were determined. Seasonal variations of Cl, K, Ca, Ti, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, Br, Rb, Sr, and Pb concentrations were observed whereas V, Cr, Ni, BC, and BS concentrations did not significantly change with the time of year. Seven factors were identified by the positive matrix factorization (PMF) technique, and one was non-identified. They were attributed to the following sources of pollution: steel industry, traffic (diesel exhaust), traffic (gasoline exhaust, brake wear), road dust, construction dust, combustion (biomass, coal), and non-ferrous metallurgical industry. The last, non-identified source, could be attributed to secondary aerosols. It is worth to mention that combustion shows significant seasonal variations with a high impact in winter. The reported results of the completed studies may significantly aid in solving air quality issues in the city by highlighting major sources of air pollution.

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“…Apart from environmental reporting, quantification of natural contributions to PM levels is important in terms of exposure assessment as well. Many epidemiological studies have demonstrated the detrimental effects of particulate matter pollutants to human health (Ostro et al, 2015;Samoli et al, 2013). The distinct physico-chemical and toxic properties of anthropogenic and naturally emitted aerosol call for a differentiation of peak concentration days due to anthropogenic pollution or natural events, when assessing population exposure and dose-effect relationships.…”

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AIRUSE-LIFE +: estimation of natural source contributions to urban ambient air PM<sub>10</sub> and PM<sub>2. 5</sub> concentrations in southern Europe – implications to compliance with limit values

et al. 2017

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Abstract. The contribution of natural sources to ambient air particulate matter (PM) concentrations is often not considered; however, it may be significant for certain areas and during specific periods of the year. In the framework of the AIRUSE-LIFE+ project, state-of-the-art methods have been employed for assessing the contribution of major natural sources (African dust, sea salt and forest fires) to PM concentrations, in southern European urban areas. 24 h measurements of PM 10 and PM 2.5 mass and chemical composition were performed over the course of a year in five cities: Porto, Barcelona, Milan, Florence and Athens. Net African dust and sea-salt concentrations were calculated based on the methodologies proposed by the EC (SEC 2011/208). The contribution of uncontrolled forest fires was calculated through receptor modelling. Sensitivity analysis with respect to the calculation of African dust was also performed, in order to identify major parameters affecting the estimated net dust concentrations. African dust contribution to PM concentrations was more pronounced in the eastern Mediterranean, with the mean annual relative contribution to PM 10 decreasing from 21 % in Athens, to 5 % in Florence, and around 2 % in Milan, Barcelona and Porto. The respective contribution to PM 2.5 was calculated equal to 14 % in Athens and from 1.3 to 2.4 % in all other cities. High seasonal variability of contributions was observed, with dust transport events occurring at different periods in the western and eastern Mediterranean basin. Sea salt was mostly related to the coarse mode and also exhibited significant seasonal variability. Sea-salt concentrations were highest in Porto, with average relative contributions equal to 12.3 % for PM 10 . Contributions from uncontrolled forest fires were quantified only for Porto and were low on an annual basis (1.4 and 1.9 % to PM 10 and PM 2.5 , respectively); nevertheless, contributions were greatly increased during events, reaching 20 and 22 % of 24 h PM 10 and PM 2.5 concentrations, respectively.

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The risks of acute exposure to black carbon in Southern Europe: results from the MED-PARTICLES project

Abstract: Our findings suggest that BC, derived in western industrialised nations primarily from diesel engines and biomass burning, poses a significant burden to public health, particularly in European cities with high-traffic density.

Cited by 52 publications

References 29 publications

Annual Variability of Black Carbon Concentrations Originating from Biomass and Fossil Fuel Combustion for the Suburban Aerosol in Athens, Greece

Annual Variability of Black Carbon Concentrations Originating from Biomass and Fossil Fuel Combustion for the Suburban Aerosol in Athens, Greece

Chemical content and estimated sources of fine fraction of particulate matter collected in Krakow

AIRUSE-LIFE +: estimation of natural source contributions to urban ambient air PM<sub>10</sub> and PM<sub>2. 5</sub> concentrations in southern Europe – implications to compliance with limit values

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The risks of acute exposure to black carbon in Southern Europe: results from the MED-PARTICLES project

Abstract: Our findings suggest that BC, derived in western industrialised nations primarily from diesel engines and biomass burning, poses a significant burden to public health, particularly in European cities with high-traffic density.

Cited by 52 publications

References 29 publications

Annual Variability of Black Carbon Concentrations Originating from Biomass and Fossil Fuel Combustion for the Suburban Aerosol in Athens, Greece

Annual Variability of Black Carbon Concentrations Originating from Biomass and Fossil Fuel Combustion for the Suburban Aerosol in Athens, Greece

Chemical content and estimated sources of fine fraction of particulate matter collected in Krakow

AIRUSE-LIFE +: estimation of natural source contributions to urban ambient air PM&lt;sub&gt;10&lt;/sub&gt; and PM&lt;sub&gt;2. 5&lt;/sub&gt; concentrations in southern Europe – implications to compliance with limit values

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AIRUSE-LIFE +: estimation of natural source contributions to urban ambient air PM<sub>10</sub> and PM<sub>2. 5</sub> concentrations in southern Europe – implications to compliance with limit values