Collection and analytical procedures were developed for the measurement of five polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons at three locations in the conurbation. The concentrations measured near the motorway interchange, in the city centre and in a suburban area were similar, leading to an exposure approximately equivalent to smoking one cigarette per day. An estimate was made of the proportion of the total pollution contributed by vehicles at each site. Measurements were also made inside a house in the suburban area and were found to be similar to the concentrations found outside. The reactivity of the materials was examined in the laboratory and it was found that the polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons in the presence of the oxides of nitrogen formed materials which may be non-carcinogenic. An investigation into the size and composition of the particles associated with polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons showed that they were principally sub-micron, carbon particulates probably derived from the combustion of coal and liquid fuels. (Author/publisher)
Abstract