Ultrafine Particles – an evidence based contribution to the development of regional and European environmental and health policy

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Air quality is a topic of concern for all citizens. It directly influences life-quality and span. In order to meet the challenges resulting from increased air pollution, regional authorities have to adapt to innovative interdisciplinary approaches. A little attention has however been paid so far to the measurement of ultrafine particles and to providing knowledge-based contributions to regional policy development to reduce ultrafine particle emission even though significance of adverse health effects resulting from ultrafine particle exposure has been underlined in recent epidemiological studies. This task can only be solved by thorough co-operation between health institutions that normally provide the basis for political decision-making and regional environmental authorities in charge of refining measurement techniques. In particular attention should be paid to effects of ultrafine particle exposure in urban environments. A number of recent studies have addressed the association between ambient ultrafine particle concentrations and mortality and morbidity of urban populations. The number of these studies is however relatively small and the available knowledge is limited. The project UFIREG sets as its main task to tackle these problems and to improve the sensitivity of environment and health care authorities of targeted regions to ultrafine particles and to encourage better co-operation between involved actors in order to better protect local populations from this exposure. The issue of air pollution and adverse health effects resulting from ultrafine particles is of cross border relevance and therefore calls for transnational cooperation

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