Ambient air pollution in Erzurum City Center during 2003-2006

BACKGROUND: Ambient air pollution in uban cities is an important public health problem. The aim of this study was to determine and evaluate the ambient air pollution levels during 2003-2006 winter seasons in Erzurum urban city center. METHODS: The parameters of air pollution were sulphur dioxide (SO2) and particulate matter (PM). The values of parameters between 2003 March and 2006 December were determined from the measurements performed by the Regional Directorate of Hifzisihha Institute - Erzurum. RESULTS: Mean SO2 and PM values of this four year period were 143.5±90.6 μgr/m3 and 79.5±71.9, respectively. Both SO2 and PM values were determined to exceed both short term and winter season National standarts between 2003 and 2006 winter seasons. The SO2 and PM values declined from 2003 to 2006, gradually (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: To decrease ambient air pollution in city center, the use of available natural gas should be encouraged. [TAF Prev Med Bull. 2008; 7(3): 237-242]