Ultrafine particles in ambient air of an urban area: Dose implications for elderly

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2014

Authors

Klara Slezakova (Author) FEUP; Jimmy Fonseca (Author) FEUP; Simone Morais (Author) Other; Maria do Carmo Pereira (Author) FEUP

Journal

Title: Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health - Part A

Vol. 77

Pages: 827-836

ISSN: 1528-7394

Publisher: Taylor & Francis

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 2 Citations

ISI Web of Science

Scopus - 3 Citations

Pubmed / Medline

Scientific classification

CORDIS: Health sciences ; Technological sciences

FOS: Engineering and technology

Associated Projects

UI0511 - PROJECTO ESTRATÉGICO - UI 511 - 2013-2014

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-009-RP9

DOI: 10.1080/15287394.2014.909303

Abstract (EN): Due to their detrimental effects on human health, the scientific interest in ultrafine particles (UFP) has been increasing, but available information is far from comprehensive. Compared to the remaining population, the elderly are potentially highly susceptible to the effects of outdoor air pollution. Thus, this study aimed to (1) determine the levels of outdoor pollutants in an urban area with emphasis on UFP concentrations and (2) estimate the respective dose rates of exposure for elderly populations. UFP were continuously measured over 3 weeks at 3 sites in north Portugal: 2 urban (U1 and U2) and 1 rural used as reference (R1). Meteorological parameters and outdoor pollutants including particulate matter (PM10), ozone (O-3), nitric oxide (NO), and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) were also measured. The dose rates of inhalation exposure to UFP were estimated for three different elderly age categories: 64-70, 71-80, and >81 years. Over the sampling period levels of PM10, O-3 and NO2 were in compliance with European legislation. Mean UFP were 1.7 x 104 and 1.2 x 104 particles/cm(3) at U1 and U2, respectively, whereas at rural site levels were 20-70% lower (mean of 1 x 10(4) particles/cm(3)). Vehicular traffic and local emissions were the predominant identified sources of UFP at urban sites. In addition, results of correlation analysis showed that UFP were meteorologically dependent. Exposure dose rates were 1.2- to 1.4-fold higher at urban than reference sites with the highest levels noted for adults at 71-80 yr, attributed mainly to higher inhalation rates.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 10