The Effects of Fine Particle Species on Daily Mortality in Six California Counties: Results from CALFINE

摘要

Epidemiologic studies of daily mortality have reported associations with short- term exposures to both PM_10 and PM_2.5 (i.e., particles less than 10 and 2.5 microns in diameter). These air pollutants are generated from a multitude of sources including fossil fuel combustion, primary particles from diesel vehicles, wood smoke, agricultural and industrial processes and blowing dust. As such, they encompass a heterogeneous mix of components and there is little current information about the relative toxicity of the individual species. The determination of the toxicity in relation to different particle characteristics and sources has been cited as a priority for on-going research on particulate matter (PM). Differential toxicity can have important implications for both the establishment of ambient air quality standards and for a more targeted strategy for abating particulate matter.