Size distribution and total number concentration of ultrafine and accumulation mode particles and hospital admissions in children and the elderly in Copenhagen, Denmark

Abstract

The adverse health effects of particulate matter on CVD and RD hospital admissions in the elderly were mainly mediated by PM(10) and accumulation mode particles with lack of effects for NC(100). For paediatric asthma, accumulation mode particles, NC(100) and nitrogen oxides (mainly from traffic related sources) were relevant, whereas PM(10) appeared to have little effect. Our results suggest that particle volume/mass from long-range transported air pollution is relevant for CVD and RD admissions in the elderly, and possibly particle numbers from traffic sources for paediatric asthma.