Characterisation of PAHs in Outdoor Air Pollution at Schools in a Medium-Sized Town, Hungary

Atmospheric particulate matter poses a high risk by carrying potentially toxic components such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The major sources of these potentially toxic compounds include traffic-related emissions and winter heating, implying the combustion of fossil fuels or biomass. Air pollution, especially chronic exposure, poses the most serious human health hazard in childhood, and several studies emphasise the importance of research on the potential impacts of air pollution in school environments. While indoor air quality studies are already available in Hungary, investigations on outdoor air pollution in school environments are missing. To fill this gap, in a medium-sized Hungarian town, Veszprém, six schools were selected to assess air quality in the outdoor environments where schoolchildren spend their breaks and have physical training. These schools represent different locations and conditions, from high-trafficked sites to suburban environments. Using resuspended dust samples, environmental quality was assessed based on PAH contents of the samples and ecotoxicity tests (Vibrio fischeri bacterial bioassay). Ecotoxicity of the samples moved in a wide range, from highly toxic to non-toxic. PAH measurements indicated considerable contamination in the case of one sample taken from a suburban area. Source apportionment demonstrated that winter heating is also an important pollution source.