Ultrafine Particles – Air Quality and Climate 2017, Bruxelles (Belgio)

Ultrafine particles (UFP), the nano fraction of airborne particulate matter, are considered to be causing serious health problems and environmental effects. Combustion is a major source, also by producing volatile organic pollutants, which are converted in the atmosphere through photochemical reactions. Increasing applications of man-made nanomaterials add to the problem, e.g. after incineration at the end of their lifetime.

A further interest in UFP results from their specific role in atmospheric processes such as cloud formation and precipitation and, in fact, in climate. The relation between UFP and human health and that of UFP and climate are both areas of active research, and cross-links between these fields are found nowadays.

The subtitle of the conference series: “air quality and climate” reflects this development. Present policies to decrease exposure to particulate matter make use of the mass-based metrics PM10/PM2.5, which do not properly represent all risks for human health. EFCA is, therefore, in favour of the development of a fraction-by-fraction approach on particulate matter, both with respect to size and chemical composition. It already recommended European policymakers the introduction of Black Carbon Particles as additional metric in the Air Quality Directive. The organizers trust that EFCA’s 6th Ultrafine Particles Symposium 2017 will again feature the most recent scientific progress in the field and so contribute to policy-relevant developments that improve the dialogue with policymakers in Europe. The Symposium has gained visibility by permanently moving to Brussels and attracts an effective mix of EU representatives and scientists.

EFCA and KIT, together with GUS and CEEES are pleased to organize this event again. We cordially invite all experts to contribute actively and hope to see you again at the State representation of Baden-Württemberg in Brussels in May 2017.

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