Small (<2.5 micron) particulate matter concentration of ambient air and early death in Hungary

Abstract

The small (<2.5 micron) particulate matter concentration of ambient air is constantly measured and estimated over Europe, based on the recommendations of the WHO and the Council of Europe. Concentration of small size particulate matter has been found to be very high in Central and Eastern Europe, including central and eastern regions of Hungary. Epidemiologic evidence indicates strong direct correlation between small size particulate matter pollution and incidences of cardiopulmonary disease and lung cancer. As compared to Slovakia or the Czech Republic and after correction for population size, Hungary has the highest number of years of life lost due to small size particulate matter pollution related cardiopulmonary disease and lung cancer. Orv. Hetil., 2012, 153, 285–288.