Changes in the air pollution levels during heating seasons in Krakow based on individual measurements of pollutants over the last 15 years

Abstract

TPS 651: Air pollution exposure modeling 1, Exhibition Hall, Ground floor, August 27, 2019, 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM Background: Epidemiological studies have confirmed the harmful effects of high concentrations of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) on health. For many years, Krakow has been struggling with high levels of these pollutants. After 2010, the activities of local authorities were significantly intensified in order to improve air quality. Objective: The aim was to verify whether in the last 15 years levels of air pollution with PM2.5 and PAH in the heating period (October - April) decreased. Methods: The level of PM2.5 and PAH air pollutants outside the flats was monitored as part of the cohort study “Environment and child development” in the years 2000-2006 and in the heating season 2015/16. Meteorological conditions such as temperature and wind speed were considered. Generalized estimation equations were used. Results: In the analyzed period an increase in the level of PM2.5 pollution in 2000-2006 was observed, followed by a drop in the 2015/16 season, also after taking into account meteorological conditions. The estimated PM2.5 level values (for average temperatures of 3.5°C and wind speeds of 1.8 m/s) were 41.0(95%CI: 34.8-43.4)μg/m3 in 2000-2004; 55.7(95%CI:48.1-64.4)μg/m3 in 2005/06 and 32.5(95%CI: 29.3-36.1)μg/m3 in 2015/16. In the case of airborne PAHs, an increase was observed for benzo(k)fluoranthene and benzo(b)fluoranthene. The airborne benzo(a)pyrene has not changed in studied period with vales 7.5(95%CI:5.8-9.6) ng/m3. Conclusions: In the season 2015/16, visible effects of actions aimed at improving the air quality in Kraków in relation to PM2.5 were observed. Unfortunately a disturbing increase in air pollution with fluoranthene compounds was also observed as well as no reduction of benzo(a)pyrene levels. It seems that the actions taken by local authorities bring effects in the case of dust, while they are ineffective in relation to the reduction of PAH levels.