Publications (5) View all
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Article: PAHs sources contribution to the air quality of an office environment: experimental results and receptor model (PMF) application
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ABSTRACT: The objectives of this study were to measure the concentrations of PAHs (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons) in three particle fractions [particulate matter (PM) <1 μm in diameter (PM1), PM <2.5 μm in diameter (PM2.5) and the respirable fraction (<4μm in diameter)] in the air of offices in which smoking was allowed and forbidden, respectively, and to identify the potential sources by applying the Positive Matrix Factorization (PMF) model. We sampled the indoor air of both environments during 24-h periods for PM1 and PM2.5 and conducted personal exposure measurements for the respirable PM fraction during working hours. The measurements indicated a clear difference in the levels of carcinogenic PAHs (PAHcancer) in the two office environments. In the smokers’ office, PAHcancer levels fell by >70% during the weekend relative to working days, implying the importance of smoking and dust resuspension sources. The PMF model identified four contributory factors–sources: smoking, dust resuspension and two different vehicle-related sources. For 15 PAHs, the same factor made the largest contribution to both the PM1 and PM2.5 fractions, implying a common origin and further supporting the validity of the proposed approach. For the majority of the carcinogenic PAHs, smoking and dust resuspension made the strongest contribution (>90%) to both the PM1 and PM2.5 fractions. Although our PMF analysis confirmed the well-known contribution of smoking and traffic-related sources to levels of PAHs, the identification of dust resuspension as a separate source of PAHs is of great interest and requires further study. KeywordsOffice environment-PAHs-Particulate matter-PMF-SmokingAir Quality Atmosphere & Health 04/2012; 3(4):225-234. -
Article: PAHs sources contribution to the air quality of an office environment: experimental results and receptor model (PMF) application.
Journal of Air Quality, Atmosphere and Health. 01/2010; 3:225. -
Article: Secondary organic particles formation from ozone-terpenes reaction: a case study in a residence of a Mediterranean city.
Fresenius Environmental Bulletin. 01/2010; 19. -
Article: PM1 and PM2.5 ionic composition and VOCs measurements in two typical apartments in Athens, Greece: investigation of smoking contribution to indoor air concentrations.
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ABSTRACT: During the last decades, the air quality of the city of Athens has been quite aggravated. Scientific interest has been focused on health effects caused by both outdoor and indoor air pollution. The purpose of this study was the presentation of results from air quality measurements in two similar typical Athenian apartments in the same suburban area. In addition, smoking contribution is investigated, as it is the main factor which differentiates the two apartments. The results showed that it is the outdoor environment that mainly contributes to the air quality of the non-smokers' house. In the second apartment, PM2.5, PM1, and benzene concentrations were found significantly higher due to smoking activity. In contrast, no clear difference in particulate matter ionic composition between the two areas was observed, although in the smoker's house, ion concentrations were found elevated. This observation amplifies the assumption that in the smoker's apartment, significant outdoor sources' contribution cannot be excluded.Environmental Monitoring and Assessment 08/2009; 167(1-4):321-31. · 1.40 Impact Factor -
Article: Mortality and pollution in several Greek cities.
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ABSTRACT: This study examined the atmospheric pollution created by industry and traffic areas nearby the city of Kavala and the mortality of citizens in the region. The mortality data spanned over a period of 30 years. The statistical data on mortality was collected from 1968 to 1998. The causes of mortality analyzed in this study were cancer, cardiovascular deaths and pulmonary deaths. The results of this study were compared with other Greek cities. Air measurements were made over a period of 6 months and included levels of gaseous emissions as well as concentrations of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), near the city of Kavala, where reservoirs of petroleum and exploitation of crude oil were present. Samples of air were collected from ambient surroundings near the industrial area and fuel oil facilities. The results obtained from the study indicated the presence of aromatic and aliphatic hydrocarbons and other gaseous pollutants such as, methane, o-, m-, p-xylene and ethylbenzene, etc. In some cases the levels exceeded the concentration limits specified by the air quality standards. Offensive odors were also detected (H2S). The study revealed that adverse environmental impact of air pollutants is a major concern in the industrial centers more than in the rural areas. This poses a threat to the public health and may induce disease and premature deaths. These air pollutants play an important role in air quality.Journal of Environmental Science and Health Part A 06/2007; 42(6):741-6. · 1.19 Impact Factor
