Abstract
The health impacts of suspended particulate matter (SPM) are significantly associated with size—the smaller the aerosol particles, the stronger the biological effect. Quantitative evaluation of fine and ultrafine particles (FP and UFP) is, therefore, an integral part of ongoing epidemiological studies. The mass concentrations of SPM fractions (especially PM2.5, PM1.0, PM0.25) were measured in an industrial area using cascade personal samplers and a gravimetric method, and their mass ratio was determined. The results of PM2.5, PM1.0 were also compared with the reference measurement at stationary stations. The mean ratios PM2.5/SPM, PM1.0/SPM, and PM1.0/PM2.5 were 0.76, 0.65, and 0.86, respectively. Surprisingly, a mass dominance of UFP with an aerodynamic diameter <0.25 μm (PM0.25) was found with mean ratios of 0.43, 0.57, 0.67 in SPM, PM2.5 and PM1.0. The method used showed satisfactory agreement in comparison with reference measurements. The respirable fraction may consist predominantly of UFP. Despite the measures currently being taken to improve air quality, the most biologically efficient UFP can escape and remain in the air. UFP are currently determined primarily as particle number as opposed to the mass concentration used for conventional fractions. This complicates their mutual comparison and determination of individual fraction ratios.
Highlights
Data adjusted according to the detection limit were used, i.e., if a value below the detection limit was measured, it was replaced by half the value of the given detection limit
The results showed that the ratios of PM1.0 /PM10, PM2.5 /PM10, PM1.0 /PM2.5 calculated from the particle number concentrations were almost identical (0.978, 0.995 and 0.983) and the mass ratios (0.289, 0.400, 0.650) were completely different in comparison to those from particle number concentrations
The respirable fraction may predominantly consist of Ultrafine particles (UFP)
Summary
A number of epidemiological studies have shown associations between exposure to suspended particulate matter and sometimes total suspended particulate matter, i.e., all particles surrounded by air in a given volume of air [1], hereinafter SPM, and premature death or an increased incidence of disease [2]. Long-term exposure to SPM increases overall mortality and has negative health effects, especially on the respiratory, cardiovascular, and metabolic systems, and on cognitive health and early childhood development [3] in association with the respirable fraction (PM2.5 ). New epidemiological studies point to a possible link between PM2.5 and the development of dementia, even at relatively low exposure levels [4,5]. Exposure to SPM, especially to so-called fine particles, Int. J.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
