The science of the total environment

The diversity of ambient particle size and chemical composition considerably complicates pinpointing the specific causal associations between exposure to particles and adverse human health effects, the contribution of different sources to ambient particles at different locations, and the consequent formulation of policy action to most cost-effectively reduce harm caused by airborne particles. Nevertheless, the coupling of increasingly sophisticated measurements and models of particle composition and epidemiology continue to demonstrate associations between particle components and sources (and at lower concentrations) and a wide range of adverse health outcomes. This article reviews the current approaches to source apportionment of ambient particles and the latest evidence for their health effects, and describes the current metrics, policies and legislation for the protection of public health from ambient particles. A particular focus is placed on particles in the ultrafine fraction. The review concludes with an extended evaluation of emerging challenges and future requirements in methods, metrics and policy for understanding and abating adverse health outcomes from ambient particles.

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Particles, air quality, policy and health

http://web.as.uky.edu/Biology/faculty/cooper/Epigenetics/Ultrafine%20particles%20in%20cities.pdf

Ultrafine particles in cities

Fine particulate matter and carbon monoxide exposure concentrations in urban street transport microenvironments

CFD Simulation of Near-Field Pollutant Dispersion in the Urban Environment: A Review of Current Modeling Techniques

Personal exposure of street canyon intersection users to PM2.5, ultrafine particle counts and carbon monoxide in Central London, UK

Introduction to the DAPPLE Air Pollution Project.

DAPPLE (Dispersion of Air Pollution and Penetration into the Local Environment, http://www.dapple.org.uk) is a major research project that will provide the understanding necessary to assess the sustainability of urban road transport in terms of exposure to traffic-related air pollution as an alternative to current indicators based on emissions, roadside, or far-fromroad air pollution levels. The methodology is described, which combines on-street and laboratory measurement with modelling of the movement of air, vehicles, and vehicle exhaust emissions. The relationship between this kind of assessment and more realistic indicators of sustainability is discussed. The value of large-scale interdisciplinary research in this area is thus demonstrated. D 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

S. Kaur

Papers

Personal exposure of street canyon intersection users to PM2.5, ultrafine particle counts and carbon monoxide in Central London, UK

Introduction to the DAPPLE Air Pollution Project.

Short communication Sustainable development of urban transport systems and human exposure to air pollution