Urban air pollution

Measuring and managing human exposure

Urban air pollution has an impact on human health, but unless we can measure pollution accurately how can we reduce our exposure to it? This article looks at how urban pollution varies over time and space, problems with the way it is currently measured and a new, more accurate way of assessing the exposure of individuals to pollutants. It is useful for those studying health issues, urban issues and pollution, and for the insights it gives into sampling methods

Jenny Salmond and Kim Dirks

How much air pollution are you exposed to every day? How does your exposure change as you move around during your daily activities? What can you do to reduce the amount of pollutants you inhale? These are important questions to consider if we are to reduce the impact of poor air quality on our health.

The amount of air pollution in the atmosphere depends on the rate at which pollutants are produced and the rate at which they are dispersed (diluted) as they move away from their source. Box 1 lists the key air pollutants. Concentrations vary in time and space, because of variability in the sizes and locations of polluting sources.