Source Apportionment of PM10-Bound Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons by Positive Matrix Factorization in Córdoba City, Argentina.

The composition and concentration of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) adsorbed on particles smaller than 10 microns (PM10) were analyzed in an urban area during a 2-year period from August 2011 to August 2013. Diagnostic ratios (DR) and positive matrix factorization (PMF) were employed to assess emission sources. To discount weather influence, a multiple linear regression model was generated and also a photodecomposition index was calculated for each sample. Despite the fact that mean PM10 levels showed a similar pattern all around the year, majority of PAHs showed higher concentrations during the cold than the warm period, indicating a strong seasonal variation. A 38% of PAHs variation could be explained by meteorological variables, with wind speed, wind direction, and dew point being the significant regressor variables in the model. The source apportionment of PAHs was performed using PMF although they are photosensitive compounds. The sampling period was separated in warm and cold seasons according to a photodecomposition index and cold period was used. Also, DR were calculated. DR as well as PMF analysis suggested that both gasoline and diesel vehicular emissions are the main PAHs emission sources in this urban area.

Exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in urban environments: health risk assessment by age groups.

A detailed investigation was conducted into the concentration of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) associated with PM10 particles collected during 2012 in an urban area in Cordoba, Argentina. Their composition was studied and the lifetime lung cancer risk resulting from exposure to total and individual PAHs was estimated. Samples of PM10 were collected daily on fiber glass filters with PAHs being extracted with methylene chloride and analyzed by HPLC. Mean PAH concentrations were higher during autumn and winter. In contrast, during warm months, high ambient temperature and wind speed contributed to a decrease in the PAH ambient concentrations. The PAH levels found in the present study were within the range of those reported in other polluted urban areas. However risk factors calculated for exposure to individual and cumulative PAHs exceeded the carcinogenic benchmark level of 1×10(-6) early in childhood, implying that these PAH concentrations represent a serious risk to public health.

The effect of airborne particles and weather conditions on pediatric respiratory infections in Cordoba, Argentine.

We studied the effect of estimated PM(10) on respiratory infections in children from Cordoba, Argentine as well as the influence of weather factors, socio-economic conditions and education. We analyzed upper and lower respiratory infections and applied a time-series analysis with a quasi-Poisson distribution link function. To control for seasonally varying factors we fitted cubic smoothing splines of date. We also examined community-specific parameters and differences in susceptibility by sex. We found a significant association between particles and respiratory infections. This relationship was affected by mean temperature, atmospheric pressure and wind speed. These effects were stronger in fall, winter and spring for upper respiratory infections while for lower respiratory infections the association was significant only during spring. Low socio-economic conditions and low education levels increased the risk of respiratory infections. These findings add useful information to understand the influence of airborne particles on children health in developing countries.