Urban Exposure

Coordinator: Dr Trond Bøhler, Norwegian Institute for Air Research (NILU), Norway

Title: Integrated Exposure Management Tool Characterizing Air Pollution-Relevant Human Exposure In Urban Environment.

Aim: To characterise human exposure from air-pollution compounds and to develop an integrated exposure management tool.

www: http://www.nilu.no/urban_exposure

Project Summary

1. Problem to be solved

One of the most important environmental concerns of today is the negative impact of pollution on human health. This is reflected in priorities for DG Environment “Clean Air for Europe”, and in the Programme of Community action in the field of public health (COM(2000) 285 final) that specifies urban particulate matter as an important factor. Directive 1999/30/EC sets human health-based standards for particulate matter in ambient air.

While the air quality guidelines of WHO and EC standards are relevant to outdoor pollution levels, the underlying epidemiological studies need to rely on correct exposure estimation. In order to implement the environmental legislation at local level, relevant information on good practice and appropriate tools have to be available. For effective management there needs to be correct characterization of the chemical composition of air and characterization of actual human exposure, taking into account all important routes of exposure (air, water, others).

2. Scientific objectives and approach

Based on knowledge generated from a number of previous and ongoing projects, a comprehensive state-of-the-science model for quantifying human exposure in urban areas will be developed. The model will cover combined exposure from air pollutants (specifically particulate matter) and from house water use (specifically chloroform) not addressed previously. The model will be scientifically validated and developed in a form of management tool interface. It will be implemented within an existing management tool, and used for two case studies. An exposure database for Europe will be compiled from existing sources, and this database will be used to demonstrate the management tool for stakeholders and end-users in Europe.

3. Expected impacts

The project will provide better understanding of exposure, translated into an advanced science-based tool for management of urban air quality, and the tool will be operationally implemented. In this way, the assessment of human exposure from indoor and outdoor air to particulate matter, and the assessment of human exposure from house water and ambient air to drinking water disinfection by-products, will become available as a support mechanism for urban management decisions.

Main deliverables from the project include a scientific basis for exposure assessment tool, a validated exposure model, implementation of this model for use in air quality management systems and a database of European exposures. The tool will be implemented with an existing air quality management tool, installed in two urban areas and made ready for use by the local authorities. Further dissemination to the stakeholders will use demonstrations in other urban areas without the implemented tool. Scientific dissemination is also part of the project.