Termin:
23.02.2003

Particulate Matter and Health

Organized by the Austrian Technion Society in cooperation with the Austrian Federal Ministry of Education, Science and Culture, the Austrian Academy of Sciences and the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa

For about ten years research on airborne particulate matter (PM) has increased considerably. Some studies demonstrate that particulate matter in the atmosphere, especially fine and ultrafine particles, have an impact on human health. Epidemiology studies show roughly an increase in the risk of mortality around 10% for each additional 10 µg/m3 of fine PM. In the US major research programs started on recommendation by the National Research Council, research centers on PM and health have been established and "PM supersites" were created. In Europe and Asia research efforts intensified; it is to be expected that a large amount of data will result from new investigations during the past few years.

In 1998, the Austrian Academy of Sciences started the Austrian Project on Health Effects of Particulates (AUPHEP). PM mass concentrations have been measured for more than one year at four different locations with high time resolution. Simultaneously, health data on lung functions of school children and toddlers were measured in the areas surrounding the measurement stations.

The 5th International Technion Symposium aims to bring together experts not only from Austria and Israel but also their neighbours and the international scientific and industrial community. Recent surveys and research results will be presented on a wide range of issues related to "Particulate Matter and Health".

More information

Austrian Project on Health Effect of Particles (AUPHEP)

Austrian Technion Society

Clean Air Commission of the Austrian Academy of Sciences

Technion - Israel Institute of Technology

Information:

President Dipl.-Ing.Helmut Gutmann

Austrian Technion Society

Obkirchergasse 11/12, 1190 Vienna

phone: (+43 1) 3698097, fax: (+43 1) 3687542

email: h.gutmann@technion.org