[Experience in the use of data of air quality monitoring networks]

An evaluation of environmental data for use in epidemiologic studies has been made, based on the experience of air pollution monitoring networks management. Univocal criteria are necessary for networks project and their management to have comparable data, underlining the importance of Quality Insurance Control Laboratories. Data elaborations to verify the Air Quality Standards observance are often not sufficient for exposure assessment. Some methods to explain to general populations environmental phenomena are shown from an experience carried out recently in Reggio Emilia and Milan. Finally, it is emphasised the importance to establish a cooperation between air pollution network managers and the data users to understand the representativeness and the correct use of data from monitoring systems.