Chronic Health Risk Assessment of PM2.5 in the Urban Core of Novi Sad, Serbia

Abstract

Air pollution remains one of the leading environmental threats to public health, with fine particulate matter (PM2.5) being a major contributor to chronic health risks. This study investigates spatial-seasonal variations in PM2.5 concentrations and their associated health risks for pedestrians in the urban core of Novi Sad, Serbia. Low-cost sensors were deployed at seven urban locations to measure PM2.5 levels during winter and summer. The results indicate significantly higher PM2.5 concentrations in winter, with average values ranging from 23,11 to 43,03 µg/m³, compared to 11,06 to 17,07 µg/m³ in summer. A preliminary health risk assessment was conducted by calculating the lifetime average daily dose (LADD) and hazard quotient (HQ) for different age groups and genders. In winter, HQ values exceeded 3 for most age groups, indicating potential chronic health risks, while summer values were lower but still above 1 at certain locations. The highest risks were observed for males aged 30 - 59 and elderly individuals, particularly at locations influenced by mixed heating systems and traffic. These findings emphasize the need for targeted air pollution mitigation measures and improved urban air quality management strategies.

Keywords

• low-cost measurements
• PM2.5
• short-term campaign
• summer season
• winter season