Investigating of the Particulate Matter Size and the Relation of Black Smoke Near Traffic

Abstract

The overall harmful effects of particulate matter on human health depend on the exposure time and the chemical and physical properties of the particulate. There is a high exposure to fine particulates near the micro environments with heavy traffic in cities. The airborne particulate matter is consisted of fine particles (PM2.5), coarse particles (PM10) and black smoke particles sourced from different sources. In past, the black smoke method was widely used to measure the airborne particles. It is known that there is a relation between the darkness of the smoke stain and elemental carbon particles. Therefore nowadays black smoke is accepted for an indicative of primary particles sourced by combustion, secondary inorganic particles and coarse particles. The persistent strong association between adverse health outcomes of air pollution sourced traffic and the black smoke has recently prompted the World Health Organization to re-evaluation of black smoke. Black smoke can be in high concentrations especially near roads depending on the number of diesel motor vehicles.