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Ground level ozone (O3) associated with radon (222Rn) and particulate matter (PM) concentrations in Bucharest metropolitan area and adverse health effects

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Abstract

The aim of this paper is to contribute with new information in the application of ground based radon (222Rn) observations to atmospheric research, namely its relation with air pollution due to ground-level ozone (O3) and particle matter in two size fractions (PM10 and PM2.5) for Bucharest metropolitan area in Romania. During January 1–December 31, 2011, ground levels of radon, ozone and particulate matter (PM) have been continuously monitored in synergy with the main meteorological parameters (air temperature, humidity and pressure), and daily global air quality indices. A systematic analysis of surface ozone observations of ground level radon, ozone and PM is presented. Observational results indicate the following yearly daily mean ground level concentrations: 40.26 ± 7.54 Bq/m3 for radon, 90.51 μg/m3 for ozone, 35.96 μg/m3 for PM2.5, and 40.91 μg/m3 for PM10. The assessment of the results showed the influence of local and meteorological conditions on the daily mean radon, ozone and PM concentrations. However, in densely populated metropolitan area of Bucharest the mean daily values of ozone, PM2.5, PM10, and attached 222Rn are sometimes higher than European Community limit values leading to serious public concern during the last years. Due to the high risk of increased levels of O3, PM2.5, PM10, and attached 222Rn on human health respiratory function (especially for children and older persons), and urban green, the results are very useful for atmospheric, radiological protection, epidemiological and environmental studies.

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Acknowledgments

This work was supported by Romanian National Authority for Scientific Research, Program STAR, Contract 46/2012 BUGREEN and Program STAR, Contract ID 249/2013 VRAFORECAST and Program NUCLEU PN 270203/2014.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. National Institute of Research and Development for Optoelectronics, 409 Atomistilor Street, Bucharest, P.O. BOX MG5, 077125, Magurele, Romania

    Maria Zoran, Roxana Savastru & Dan Savastru

  2. University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, Craiova, Romania

    Mariana Rodica Dida

  3. University Transylvania of Brasov, Brasov, Romania

    Adrian Dida & Ovidiu Ionescu

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  1. Maria Zoran
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  2. Mariana Rodica Dida
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Correspondence to Maria Zoran.

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Zoran, M., Dida, M.R., Savastru, R. et al. Ground level ozone (O3) associated with radon (222Rn) and particulate matter (PM) concentrations in Bucharest metropolitan area and adverse health effects. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 300, 729–746 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10967-014-3041-1

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