Work Package 1

There is convincing epidemiological evidence that short-term exposure to ambient inhalable particles is associated with increased mortality and morbidity. However, relatively little is known about the physiochemical characteristics of these particles or their biological activity.

Particle size, composition and number concentration vary according to emission sources, atmospheric processes, secondary chemical reactions in the atmosphere, weather conditions and other factors. For the protection of public health it would be desirable to know which component(s) of the particulate mixture to target with regulation.

This work package will therefore aim to:

1. Determine PM oxidative potential and metal composition on daily PM filters from the ClearfLo project
2. Construct an analytic dataset of daily time-series measurements comprising a comprehensive range of particle metrics
3. Use time-series techniques to investigate the relative effects of different particle metrics and components, including oxidative potential on daily mortality and hospital admissions for cardio-respiratory condition

Staff Involved

• Lead: Professor Frank Kelly
• Module 1: Dr Ian Mudway
• Module 2: Dr Gary Fuller
• Module 3: Dr Richard Atkinson