Ultrafine particles, Black Carbon

In this study, the Federal Environment Agency gives an overview of ultrafine particles (UFP) and Black Carbon (BC). These components of particulate matter are currently being discussed because of their health relevance. They are mainly produced during combustion processes. UFP shows that the health effects cannot be separated from those of other pollutants from traffic. The World Health Organisation is therefore currently not preparing a benchmark for the UFP. BC, on the other hand, is suitable as an indicator of the impact of transport measures. Currently, only a few systematic measurements of BC and UFP are available; the measurement methods are not yet standardised. The available measurement results for concentrations of UFP and BC in Austria, Europe and worldwide as well as the necessary measuring instruments are presented and discussed.