gms | German Medical Science

Background: In the “Second Position Paper on Particulate Matter” (EU Commission, 2004) it was state that the Member States will be asked in the coming years to carry out additional research to establish more information on ultrafine particle (UFP) concentration levels across Europe. The objective of this project is to develop an applicable and affordable measuring device for UFP that can be used in local and regional networks all over Europe.

Material and Methods: The project brings together six partners from three countries: Germany, the Czech Republic and Sweden. In a first step a new measurement system was assembled (Ultrafine Particle Monitor UFP 330), calibrated and maintained. Secondly, four UFP 330 prototypes were produced and installed at different measuring sites (Dresden, Augsburg, Prague and Stockholm), representing different climatic situations and composition of the vehicle fleet to compare and evaluate the data.

Results: We present the first results of the comparison between the particle number concentrations (NC) measured in parallel by the UFP 330 (NC(UFP)) and by a twin Scanning Mobility Particle Sizer SMPS (NC(SMPS)) in Augsburg. The linear regression for the first measurement month shows good correlations between NC(UFP) and NC(SMPS) (R2=0.91) with a regression equation of NC(UFP) = 1.44 x NC(SMPS) +751. We will evaluate the preliminary results during the next months and analyse possible reasons for the differences.

Conclusion: With the successful implementation of a new, reliable and applicable measuring instrument for UFP, which can be easily integrated in the existing measurement stations, the project will provide the basis for a future network of measuring stations for UFP and make a strong contribution to research and scientific studies on the effects of UFP on human health.

UFIPOLNET (http://www.ufipolnet.eu) is financed by the LIFE financial instrument of the European Community under No. LIFE04 ENV/D/000054.