Examining the Particulate Matter (PM2.5 ve PM10) Pollution on the Playgrounds in Istanbul

Abstract

Air pollution produced from traffic congestion and intense industry is a major problem for inhabitants living in megacities like Istanbul. Children are more susceptible than adults to air pollution and its adverse effects, because they inhale and retain larger amounts of air pollutants per unit of body weight than adults. They spend much of their time outdoor, consequently their exposure to the concentrations of pollutants increases. For this purpose five playgrounds were chosen with respect to proximity to main arteries and size range (PM2.5 and PM10) between March and December 2009. Ambient air quality monitoring stations are located in each selected playground and measurements are evaluated in the defined periods. According to the results of these measurements; mass concentrations of PM2.5 and PM10 near main arteries has reached critical limits, near the seaside have lower values, and in the forestland has the concentrations under the air quality limits.