Levels of ultrafine particles in different microenvironments — Implications to children exposure

Indoor and outdoor ultrafine particles (UFPs) (0.01 to greater than 1 μm) concentration levels were examined in the area of Athens during cold period of 2003 and 2004. Seven primary schools, located in areas with different characteristics of urbanization and traffic density, as well as a typical suburban residence, were monitored. Moreover, in-vehicle concentration levels, while driving along major avenues and in the heavy-trafficked centre of Athens, were measured (mean route duration: 45 min). UFPs number concentration was monitored by condensation particle counter (model CPC 3007), with a logging time interval of 1 min. The highest mean indoor concentrations were observed in a small carpet-covered library and a teachers' office (8-hour mean equal to 52.6 · 103 particles/cm3 and 50.2 · 103 particles/cm3, respectively), at the same school unit. The highest outdoor concentrations (8-hour mean equal to 36.9 · 103 particles/cm3 and 38.8 · 103 particles/cm3) were measured at two schools, both affected by heavy traffic. Finally, the highest in-vehicle concentrations (148.0 · 103–173.0 · 103 particles/cm3) were measured in central commercial areas of Athens during, on average, 55 min drives. Indoor-to-outdoor concentration (I/O) ratios were below 1.00 at all sites. The largest ratio (0.88) was observed in the residence, during a day when there was cleaning activity in the room monitored. Outdoor concentrations diurnal cycles, both outside the schools and the residence, were closely related to traffic. Indoor concentrations inside schools were relatively stable in classrooms. Nevertheless, number concentrations exhibited variability when there were significant changes in room occupancy. Diurnal variation of indoor concentrations at the residence followed the respective outdoor one with a delay of 1 h or less, in the absence of strong indoor sources, indicating the major contribution of outdoor UFPs to the indoor concentration levels. The present work is the first effort to examine UFPs indoor and outdoor concentration levels in the area of Athens. The obtained concentration data give an insight on the concentration levels to which children may be exposed. They may be also very useful in epidemiological studies, in order to estimate children total personal exposure though the calculation of exposures received in different microenvironments. This kind of studies may contribute to the design of effective policies and mitigation measures for the protection of public health.