Determining the quality of ambient air

This is sampling data used by gravimetric methods to sample ambient PM2.5 at the School of Health Systems and Public Health. The mean average PM2.5 (23 µg/m3) and eleven PM2.5 bound trace elements were analysed for 34 months. Air pollutants were analysed by receptor source apportionment methods and HYSPLIT models. Sources included resuspended matrix, mining, exhaust, industry, biomass burning and vehicular emissions. Health studies included a health risk assessment for PM2.5 and eight trace elements and a case-crossover epidemiology study between respiratory hospital admissions and PM2.5, nine trace elements and sources of PM2.5. It was concluded that the population is at risk due to exposure to air pollutants in Pretoria and air quality policies should endeavour to be in line with the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines.