RI-URBANS pilot 4

The RI-URBANS' pilot 4, focused on the health effects of novel air quality metrics, is deployed in 4 EU cities: Athens, Barcelona, Paris, and Zurich.

The studies carried out in these large, populated European cities, aim to identify particulate matter components and nanoparticles that could be especially dangerous for human health. These data will be used to evaluate premature mortality and morbidity by cause, gender, and age, and compared with the health outcomes of conventionally measured pollutants.

In order to get enough sampled material to perform all the analytical determinations planned, a similar strategy has been addressed at the pilot sites (Athens, Barcelona, and Paris), simultaneously sampling PM₁₀ and PM_2.5 by using high-volume samplers (30 m³/h) and low-volume samplers (1-2.3/h), as carried out in Zurich in 2018-2019.

In Barcelona, PM₁₀ and PM_2.5 is continuously sampled, with a daily frequency (24h samples every day) started on 2022 January 1^st.

In Paris, PM₁₀ and PM_2.5 is continuously sampled, with daily frequency (24h samples every day) starting on 2022 April 1^st. In parallel, PM_2.5 samples will be collected everyday by using low-volume samplers (1-2.3 m³/h).

In Athens, sampling of PM_2.5 initiated 2022 January 21^st, with a frequency of 1 24h filter every 3^rd day. PM₁₀ sampling, with the same frequency, started 2022 April 20^th, by using a High-volume sampler loaned by CSIC. In parallel, PM_2.5 samples are to be collected everyday by using low-volume samplers (1-2.3 m³/h).

The sampling campaign is expected for 1-1.5 yr period for representativeness. At a first step, samples collected every 3^rd-4^th day will be analysed, accounting for 274/365 filters per station; that means 822-1095 filters in total. Samples obtained at all cities will be analysed by the same institutes. Analysis of duplicates by different labs will allow intercomparison and quality assurance.