MED-PARTICLES Particles size and composition in Mediterranean countries: geographical variability and shortterm health effects

Duration

2011-2013

Coordinator

Massimo Stafoggia Dipartimento di Epidemiologia del Servizio Sanitario Regionale Regione Lazio

Funded by

European Comission

Airborne particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5) has been linked to severe short-term and long- term health effects.

In particular, MED-PARTICLES aims to demonstrate the feasibility:

1. To evaluate the geographical differences in particles size (PM10, fine particles PM2.5, and coarse particles, PM2.5-10) and composition (Elemental Carbon, EC, Organic Carbon, OC, nitrates, sulphates, and metals, e.g. Al, Ca, Fe, As, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, Ti, V, Zn) in different areas of Mediterranean countries

2. To evaluate the frequency of Saharan dust days and forest fires days in different areas of Mediterranean countries

3. To compare particles sizes and composition in different areas of Mediterranean countries according to Saharan dust/no dust days and to forest fires/no fires days

4. To evaluate the short term effects of PM10, fine and coarse particles on daily mortality and emergency hospitalizations for cardiovascular and respiratory diseases

Website project: http://www.epidemiologia.lazio.it/medparticles/index.php/en/