Search

Epidemiological studies have shown a linear relationship between airborne particulates and effects on human health. This study examines the risk that can be run by populations which are exposed to significant pollutant sources such as excavation in urban areas for renovation work. The health risk assessment methodology defined by the WHO air quality guidelines for Europe was applied to assess the possible health effects from exposure to PM10 for daily average concentrations greater than 50 µg m-3 and greater than 100 µg m-3 for three consecutive days and for increments of 10 µg m-3. The methodology adopted was based on daily average concentrations detected in a monitoring period of 8 months in different areas in and around the excavation work site with concentrations of PM10 below or above the legal limits. The exposure estimates calculated show that urban areas with excavation work sites are damaging to human health, due to the large number of people exposed and the already high concentrations of PM10 within cities. It was found that even when in parts of a work site legal limits of PM10 are not exceeded, adverse effects on health still occur. The application, in the present study, of the WHO methodology of exposure assessment indicates the risk ratio for effects on human health. Epidemiological data do not suggest exposition threshold values below which there are no adverse health effects. It is not possible to identify a PM10 concentration value, attributable to an additional source, such as an excavation work site, below which there is no damage. The purpose of this research is therefore to stimulate debate and decisions by public authorities, in order to deepen knowledge and to address issues related to airborne particulates.

Problem statement: Excavation work sites in urban areas for infrastructures and buildings cause a great deal of disturbance and damage due to the emission of particulate matter, in particular in the area involved in urban renovation work. Under Italian legislation limits currently exist for PM10 and PM2, 5 but, in the case of excavation work sites, it would be also necessary to consider limits for Total Suspended Particulate Matter (TSP), but these no longer exist. Approach: A 20-month monitoring period near the exposed population was carried out measuring and analyzing the concentration of TSP, PM10 and PM2, 5. This monitoring was done in order to determine statistically significant results, to find out what the pollutant sources are and the microclimate conditions and the particle-size values to take into account as a critical condition to be managed and controlled inside excavation work sites in an urban area. Results: The data obtained shows that excavation work sites increase particulate matter concentration, which may already be high. PM10 measured near the excavation work site and urban traffic, represented about 70% of TSP. In the city measurement of PM10 were usually around 10% higher. TSP concentration values depended on the type of work activity and, although they were similar to TSP concentration values in the city, sometimes they were 60% higher. Conclusion: The high levels of particulate matter due to the excavation work sites in urban areas can significantly increase the health risk effect. In the roads near the excavation work sites, even when there is no excavation work activity, the resurgence of dust from the ground by vehicles results in high levels of TSP. The results of this study are of interest for local government as a basis for prevention, monitoring and control of environmental impacts due to the dispersion of dust into the atmosphere, generated by excavation work site