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Guidelines for concentration and exposure-response measurement of fine and ultra fine particulate matter for use in epidemiological studies
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Guidelines for concentration and exposure-response measurement of fine and ultra fine particulate matter for use in epidemiological studies

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There is increasing scientific and medical evidence that exposure to fine and ultra fine particulate matter could have relatively more significant health implications than exposure to larger particles or to other airborne pollutants. At present there is, however, not enough information available on the exposure-response relationship for fine and ultra fine particulate matter to consider appropriate guidelines, which would protect the whole population or at least the most susceptible groups. One important reason for the current difficulties relate to the scientific complexity of exposure assessment to fine particulate matter at all levels of approaches, including: instrumentation, measurement, modelling, model validation and data interpretation. In particular: The range of parameters which could be measured to characterize airborne particles, as well as the choice of instruments to do this is such, that it is almost impossible, for those who are not experts in particle science, to take an informed decision as to what to measure and how to do it. The difficulty is, however, often not realized by those who are outside the field of particle science, and who develop a simplistic view on particle measurements, based on limited knowledge acquired in this area. At present, there is not enough information available to explain the mechanisms by which inhaled particles cause a range of health effects. Particle characterization for epidemiological studies can be costly, because extended time-series are needed for these studies including parameters that are not routinely monitored. Inclusion of these parameters in a study programme could add to the costs and complexity of the programme. Due to budget limitation often only routine data is used, which does not necessarily expand the existing knowledge. These and other related issues should be brought to the attention of the scientific community undertaking new epidemiological studies, together with some broad guidelines to help the researchers in directing their studies. To facilitate this WHO undertook the task of developing Guidelines for Concentration and Exposure-Response Measurement of Fine and Ultra Fine Particulate Matter for Use in Epidemiological Studies to be used by national and international organizations undertaking studies in this area.
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ISSN 1018-5593
ISBN 978-92-894-3490-4
Catalogue number EU-NA-20238-EN-C
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ISSN 1018-5593 ISBN 978-92-894-3490-4 DOI Catalogue number EU-NA-20238-EN-C
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