Characterization of fine particulate matter and associations between particulate chemical constituents and mortality in Seoul, Korea.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Numerous studies have linked fine particles [≤ 2.5 µm in aerodynamic diameter (PM(2.5))] and health. Most studies focused on the total mass of the particles, although the chemical composition of the particles varies substantially. Which chemical components of fine particles that are the most harmful is not well understood, and research on the chemical composition of PM(2.5) and the components that are the most harmful is particularly limited in Asia.

Objectives

We characterized PM(2.5) chemical composition and estimated the effects of cause-specific mortality of PM(2.5) mass and constituents in Seoul, Korea. We compared the chemical composition of particles to those of the eastern and western United States.

Methods

We examined temporal variability of PM(2.5

SUBMITTER: Son JY 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3385433 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature