gms | German Medical Science

Background: Since 1999 epidemiological studies on short-term effects of fine and ultrafine particles were performed in Augsburg, Germany. The exposure to the particles was characterized only by the particle mass (PM2.5) or total number concentration taken on hourly base. Currently we set up a new measurement site for more detailed physical-chemical particle characterization of the ambient aerosol for future epidemiological studies.

Material and Methods: New measurement techniques were established including the measurements of volatile and non-volatile fraction of PM2.5 and PM10, the chemical composition of PM2.5 (particulate sulfate, nitrate and soot mass concentration), total particle number, particle length, particle surface (Fuchs surface), volatile and non-volatile particle number distribution between 3 nm and 800 nm and also the particle number distribution from 3 nm to 10 µm. Standard Operation Procedures (SOP’s) containing the time intervals for maintenance and calibration services for all instruments were developed in 2006.

Results: Preliminary findings reveal day-to-day variability in aerosol mass, particle number concentration and composition, but consistencies in seasonal average diurnal profiles and concentrations. For example, the seasonal average variations in the PM2.5 mass were predominately driven by the nitrate component.

Conclusion: On the basis of the collected data we will be able to further characterization of the ambient aerosol in Augsburg in terms of source apportionment and the daily variation of the impact of the specific particle source.

With the measuring data it is also possible to examine the influence of fine and ultrafine particles on health. Presently, the main focus is on health effects on the cardiovascular system; these examinations are conducted by the Cooperative Health Research in the region of Augsburg (KORA project).