Ultrafine Particles in Ambient Air of an Urban Area: Dose Implications for Elderly

Abstract

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 (O₃), 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, O₃ and NO₂ were in compliance with European legislation. Mean UFP were 1.7 × 10⁴ and 1.2 × 10⁴ particles/cm³ at U1 and U2, respectively, whereas at rural site levels were 20–70% lower (mean of 1 ×10⁴ particles/cm³). 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.