Characterization of particulate matter and nitrogen oxides exposure in the environment of young children in urban areas for different transportation modes

• Applicants: Dr. Janis Dröge; Professor Dr. David Groneberg
• Subject Area: Toxicology, Laboratory Medicine
• Term: since 2023
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 520114711

In the course of this study, particulate matter as well as nitrogen oxides exposure in the surroundings of young children as a very vulnerable group, will be analyzed within an urban setting. Several types of transportation modes for young children will be compared to each other on different routes with a length of 2 kilometers. These particular routes are chosen because children could be easily transported here in a everyday situation both by bicycle along a well-developed cycling path or a road with low traffic, in a stroller on the sidewalk, and by subway.The particle matter, as well as nitrogen oxide measurements, are to be carried out at those positions within the vehicles (bicycle, stroller, subway) where the transported children would normally be located. Due to the different possibilities of transporting a child by bicycle, a separate analysis will be performed for the position in a bicycle trailer, on a child seat as well as in a cargo bike in the basket in front of the bicycle. The modes of transportation are chosen so that there are differences in distance from motorized traffic and height above street level. Differences in air exchange are also to be expected, for example, in the case of strollers and bicycle trailers due to their different design and speed of travel.Since the toxicity of airborne particles strongly depends on their chemical composition and morphology, an electron microscopic analysis together with an elemental analysis will be performed in addition to concentration measurements. The data obtained from this project will be used to carry out a comprehensive exposure risk analysis differentiated by transport type. Based on the results of this study, it should be possible to develop recommendations to minimize particulate matter and nitrogen oxides exposure to young children in urban environments.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants