Regional inhaled deposited dose of urban aerosols in an eastern Mediterranean city

Summary, in English

We calculated the regional deposited dose of inhaled particulate matter based on number/mass concentrations in Amman, Jordan. The dose rate was the highest during exercising but was generally lower for females compared to males. The fine particles dose rate was 10¹⁰-10¹¹ particles/h (10¹-10² μg/h). The PM₁₀ dose rate was 49-439 μg/h for males and 36-381 μg/h for females. While resting, the PM₁₀ deposited in the head airways was 67-77% and 8-12% in the tracheobronchial region. When exercising, the head airways received 37-44% of the PM₁₀, whereas the tracheobronchial region received 31-35%. About 8% (exercise) and 14-16% (rest) of the PM_2.5 was received in the head airways, whereas the alveolar received 74-76% (exercise) and 54-62% (rest). Extending the results for common exposure scenarios in the city revealed alarming results for service workers and police officers; they might receive 50 μg/h PM_2.5 and 220 μg/h PM₁₀ while doing their duty on main roads adjacent to traffic. This is especially critical for a pregnant police officer. Outdoor athletic activities (e.g., jogging along main roads) are associated with high PM_2.5 and PM₁₀ dose rates (100 μg/h and ~425 μg/h, respectively).