Establishment of Regional Concentration-Duration-Frequency Relationships of Air Pollution: A Case Study for PM2.5.

Hone-Jay Chu,Muhammad Zeeshan Ali

doi:10.3390/ijerph17041419

Abstract

Poor air quality usually leads to PM2.5 warnings and affects human health. The impact of frequency and duration of extreme air quality has received considerable attention. The extreme concentration of air pollution is related to its duration and annual frequency of occurrence known as concentration–duration–frequency (CDF) relationships. However, the CDF formulas are empirical equations representing the relationship between the maximum concentration as a dependent variable and other parameters of interest, i.e., duration and annual frequency of occurrence. As a basis for deducing the extreme CDF relationship of PM2.5, the function assumes that the extreme concentration is related to the duration and frequency. In addition, the spatial pattern estimation of extreme PM2.5 is identified. The regional CDF identifies the regional extreme concentration with a specified duration and return period. The spatial pattern of extreme air pollution over 8 h duration shows the hotspots of air quality in the central and southwestern areas. Central and southwestern Taiwan is at high risk of exposure to air pollution. Use of the regional CDF analysis is highly recommended for efficient design of air quality management and control.

Highlights

Air pollution has become a worldwide environmental health risk [1,2], especially in the developing countries
According to the spatial results, central and southwestern Taiwan is at high risk of long-duration exposure of air pollution
This study presented the derivation of the CDF curves of fine aerosols, PM2.5

Summary

Introduction

Air pollution has become a worldwide environmental health risk [1,2], especially in the developing countries. An essential task is to understand the duration, frequency, and intensity of air pollution [3,4]. Poor air quality usually affects human health [5,6,7]. Acute exposure to PM2.5 is associated with various health outcomes, such as respiratory symptoms [8,9], hospital admissions, or death [10]. Chronic exposure to PM2.5 can lead to chronic diseases or reduced life expectancy [12]. The risk that extreme pollutant concentrations pose to human health is the subject of environmental concern [10]

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Discussion

Conclusion