Comparison of PM10 Levels in Three of the Most Polluted Cities in Romania over the Periods Related to Lower Traffic—Implications for Human Health
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Published:2024-09-11
Issue:18
Volume:14
Page:8169
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ISSN:2076-3417
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Container-title:Applied Sciences
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language:en
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Short-container-title:Applied Sciences
Author:
Burghelea George-Bogdan12, Mărmureanu Luminita3ORCID, Iorga Gabriela14ORCID, Antonescu Bogdan15
Affiliation:
1. Faculty of Physics, University of Bucharest, 405 Atomiștilor, Măgurele, 077125 Bucharest, Romania 2. “Horia Hulubei” National Institute for R&D in Physics and Nuclear Engineering, 30 Reactorului, 077125 Măgurele, Romania 3. National Institute for Research and Development in Forestry “Marin Drăcea”, 128 Eroilor Boulevard, 077030 Voluntari, Romania 4. Faculty of Chemistry, University of Bucharest, 4–12 Regina Elisabeta Boulevard, 030018 Bucharest, Romania 5. National Institute for Earth Physics, 12 Călugăreni, 077125 Măgurele, Romania
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has provided an opportunity to examine the impact of reduced human activity on air quality. This study assesses the levels of particulate matter (PM10) in three cities—Bucharest, Brașov, and Iași—during the pandemic restrictions in 2020, comparing them with data from the pre-pandemic period (2017–2019) and post-lockdown period (2021–2022). The results show a significant decrease in PM10 levels during the lockdown, which is closely associated with reduced traffic and mobility. Notably, while PM10 concentrations initially spiked at the beginning of 2020, they markedly declined following the enforcement of lockdown measures, during which mobility to workplaces in these cities decreased by about 60% in Bucharest, 50% in Brașov, and 45% in Iași. Health risks related to PM10 exposure were evaluated using the hazard quotient method, following EU and WHO guidelines. Despite the reduction in pollution levels in 2020, the findings suggest long-term human health risks for residents of these cities. This research highlights the critical need for sustainable strategies to address air quality issues in urban areas and protect public health.
Funder
University of Bucharest Romanian National Core Program Contract FORCLIMSOC Programme INCDS ‘Marin Dracea’
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