ACTA FAC MED NAISS 2019;36(3):229-234

Original article

UDC: 614.71:616.2 (497.11)

DOI: 10.5937/afmnai1903230S

The Importance of Monitoring of Suspended Particles in the Ambient Air of the City of Niš

Ljiljana Stošić^1,2, Dušica Stojanović^1,2

¹University of Niš, Faculty of Medicine, Niš, Serbia
²Public Health Institute Niš, Serbia

summary


The aim of this paper was to show the results of monitoring of the concentration of suspended PM10 particles and heavy metals in the PM10 fraction in the City of Niš and to identify possible seasonal variations of PM10 concentrations in the same period. The goal was also to point out the importance of monitoring of these pollutants by reviewing the results of epidemiological studies that have investigated the impact of suspended particles on human health. Monitoring was carried out at one measuring point in the city, once a week, over a five-year period. It was found that the average annual concentration of PM10 was above the allowed values. Daily PM10 concentrations exceeded the limit and tolerant values in more than 50% of the measurements during the heating season. The studies conducted so far have indicated that particulate matter significantly affects the health of the exposed population (especially children, elderly, and people with heart or lung disease). The most common health consequences are inflammatory reactions of the respiratory system, decreased pulmonary function, damages to the cardiovascular system, changes in immunological response, frequent visits to the emergency medicine centers, as well as frequent hospitalizations. Therefore, it is very important to continue monitoring of the concentration of these pollutants in accordance with the financial possibilities, to increase the number of measuring points and the dynamics of sampling. The assessment of the harmful impact is also important considering that no research has been carried out in Niš so far.

Key words: ambient air, particulate matter PM10, health outcomes