TITLE:
The EuroLifeNet Study: How Different Microenvironments Influence Personal Exposure to PM2.5 among High-School Students in Milan
AUTHORS:
Alessandro Borgini, Cristian Ricci, Martina Bertoldi, Paolo Crosignani, Andrea Tittarelli
KEYWORDS:
Personal Exposure, Air Pollution, Fine Particles, Students, Schools, Indoor/Outdoor, Microenvironments
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Air Pollution,
Vol.4 No.1,
March
13,
2015
ABSTRACT: Epidemiological studies show that long-term exposure to PM is associated with
an increased risk of cancer. The EuroLifeNet study measured the personal
exposure to PM2.5 in 90 pupils attending three schools in Milan,
using a portable nephelometer, over a three-week period spanning November and
December 2006. Background levels explained 40% of the variability of the
exposure. Methods: As a second part of that study we analyzed the role of
different microenvironments as determinants of personal exposure to PM2.5.
Results: Exposure was influenced by the time of day, zone of the city and
different microenvironments. Exposure was higher indoors than out, and indoors
it was higher in the kitchen, particularly during cooking. In outdoor environments
exposure was higher at bus stops where road traffic was heavy. Conclusions:
Even though background concentration can be a good predictor of personal
exposure to PM, students’ personal exposure is strongly influenced by different
microenvironments and should be considered in population studies. The
EuroLifeNet experience gives a contribution to personal exposure measure
methodology.