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Air quality at outdoor community events: findings from fine particulate (PM2.5) sampling at festivals in Edmonton, Alberta
- Source :
- International Journal of Environmental Health Research. 24:215-225
- Publication Year :
- 2013
- Publisher :
- Informa UK Limited, 2013.
-
Abstract
- Exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is associated with a broad range of health risks. This study assessed the impacts of cooking smoke and environmental tobacco smoke on air quality at outdoor community events in Edmonton, Alberta (Canada). Data were collected at three festivals in July-August 2011 using a portable real-time airborne particle monitor. The pooled mean PM2.5 level was 12.41 μg/m(3). Peak readings varied from 52 to 1877 μg/m(3). Mean PM2.5 near food stalls was 35.42 μg/m(3), which exceeds the WHO limit for 24 h exposure. Mean PM2.5 levels with smokers present were 16.39 μg/m(3) (all points) and 9.64 μg/m(3) (excluding points near food stalls). Although some smokers withdrew from common spaces, on average 20 smokers/hour were observed within 3 m. Extending smoking bans would improve air quality and address related concerns. However, food preparation is a more pressing area for policy action to reduce PM2.5 exposure at these community events.
- Subjects :
- Smoke
Air Pollutants
Inhalation Exposure
Air pollutant concentrations
Fine particulate
Air
Health, Toxicology and Mutagenesis
Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health
Sampling (statistics)
General Medicine
Particulates
Pollution
Airborne particle
Tobacco smoke
Alberta
Environmental health
Environmental science
Particulate Matter
Tobacco Smoke Pollution
Cooking
Seasons
Particle Size
Air quality index
Environmental Monitoring
Holidays
Subjects
Details
- ISSN :
- 13691619 and 09603123
- Volume :
- 24
- Database :
- OpenAIRE
- Journal :
- International Journal of Environmental Health Research
- Accession number :
- edsair.doi.dedup.....20712390ea0eef700d045b9828476634