Regional Inhaled Deposited Dose of Urban Aerosols in an Eastern Mediterranean City

Abstract

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 10(10)-10(11) particles/h (10(1)-10(2) mu g/h). The PM10 dose rate was 49-439 mu g/h for males and 36-381 mu g/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 PM2.5 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 mu g/h PM2.5 and 220 mu g/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 PM2.5 and PM10 dose rates (100 mu g/h and -425 mu g/h, respectively).