The reduction of summer sulfate and switch from summertime to wintertime PM_2.5 concentration maxima in the United States.

ABSTRACT: Exposure to particulate matter air pollution with a nominal mean aerodynamic diameter less than or equal to 2.5 μm (PM_2.5) has been associated with health effects including cardiovascular disease and death. Here, we add to the understanding of urban and rural PM_2.5 concentrations over large spatial and temporal scales in recent years. We used high-quality, publicly-available air quality monitoring data to evaluate PM_2.5 concentration patterns and changes during the years 2000-2015. Compiling and averaging measurements collected across the U.S. revealed that PM_2.5 concentrations from urban sites experienced seasonal maxima in both winter and summer. Within each year from 2000 to 2008, the maxima of urban summer peaks were greater than winter peaks

SUBMITTER: Chan EAW 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6134864 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature