Ultrafine particles, Black Carbon

In this study, the Federal Environment Agency provides an overview of ultrafine particles (UFP) and black carbon (BC). These components of fine dust are currently being discussed because of their health relevance. They are mainly produced during combustion processes. UFP shows that the health effects cannot be separated from those of other pollutants from transport. Therefore, the World Health Organisation is not currently developing a benchmark for the UFP. BC, on the other hand, is an indicator of the impact of traffic measures. There are currently few systematic measurements of BC and UFP; the measurement methods are not yet standardised either. The available measurement results for concentrations of UFP and BC in Austria, Europe and worldwide as well as the necessary measuring instruments are presented and discussed.