Title: Application of atmospheric dispersion models to evaluate population exposure to NO₂ concentration in Buenos Aires

Authors: Laura E. Venegas, Nicolas A. Mazzeo

Addresses: National Scientific and Technological Research Council (CONICET), Department of Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, University of Buenos Aires, Ciudad Universitaria, Pabellon 2, 1428-Buenos Aires, Argentina. ' National Scientific and Technological Research Council (CONICET), Department of Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, University of Buenos Aires, Ciudad Universitaria, Pabellon 2, 1428-Buenos Aires, Argentina

Abstract: Chronic or repeated exposure to low concentrations of NO₂ may increase the incidence of respiratory infections especially in the most sensitive persons. Air pollution monitoring data obtained in Buenos Aires City reveal that sometimes NO₂ Air Quality Guidelines (AQGs) recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) is exceeded. We estimate hourly background concentrations (C_h) of NO_x (expressed as NO₂) using atmospheric dispersion models and obtain a first evaluation of the possible human exposure to NO₂ in the city. This study reveals that 30% of the population (900,000 inhabitants) can be exposed to C_h > AQG during 20–30% of the year and 4% of children and 5.1% of those older than 65 years old can be exposed to this condition for more than 36 consecutive hours.

Keywords: urban air pollution; population exposure; atmospheric dispersion modelling; nitrogen dioxide; Buenos Aires; Argentina; air quality; pollutant concentrations; pollution monitoring.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEP.2005.007669

International Journal of Environment and Pollution, 2005 Vol.25 No.1/2/3/4, pp.224 - 238

Published online: 31 Aug 2005 *

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