ABSTRACT

This chapter discusses the possible, to identify areas of common ground in scientific terms, and also discusses the challenges to the policy maker presented by the rapidly developing science of atmospheric particulate matter. Department of Environment, Transport and the Regions in March 1998 set up the Airborne Particles Expert Group to review the rapidly evolving science on atmospheric particles and to advise on source apportionment, that is, to attempt to quantify the various source contributions to measured levels of particles in the UK. One can view the establishment of the association between particles and effects on health through the body of epidemiological studies referred to as a first phase, with the move towards a search for one or more mechanisms of action as a second phase. A crucial component of any air quality management strategy, but one which is often overlooked, is the measurement method for the pollutant in question.