Biomass burning contribution to PAHs concentration in the urban area of Rome. Main findings from the LIFE+ EXPAH project and further observations.

Abstract

The main findings of EU LIFE+ EXPAH project, aimed to assess PAHs exposure and their health effects on the population living in urban areas, are presented. Domestic heating and biomass burning were found to be the main contribution to PAH levels observed in Rome urban area. Introduction Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) are a class of complex organic chemicals of increasing concern due to their occurrence in the environment. They are ubiquitous in ambient air and some of them have been identified as carcinogens or suspected carcinogens for human. Domestic heating, mobile sources and vehicles, are the largest contributors of PAHs in highly urbanized areas. Therefore, population living in cities are particularly exposed to these pollutants. The EXPAH project, funded by the EU LIFE+ program, aims to assess the population exposure to PAHs in the city of Rome and the consequent health effects on the inhabitants by means of an integrated approach including measurements, modeling techniques and epidemiologic investigations