Many large-scale developments, such as road infrastructure, are subject to community concern due to their ongoing emission of particulate matter that may lead to adverse health impacts. Particulate matter, also known as particle pollution or PM, is a term that describes extremely small solid particles and liquid droplets suspended in air. Particulate matter can be made up of a variety of components and mainly comes from motor vehicles, wood-burning heaters, bushfires and industry. A component of many developments such as transport infrastructure involves the ongoing generation of particulate matter. This particulate matter will enter the atmosphere and may travel offsite to impact local communities.
Particulate matter has been associated with a number of adverse health outcomes both from short-term and long-term exposure, including mortality, cardiovascular effects and respiratory effects. Changes in particulate matter concentrations can effect the health of exposed people even below guideline values. No threshold has been identified and any exposure is associated with a risk.
This webinar will discuss the evaluation of the potential incremental health impacts from changes in airborne particulate matter concentrations and how this can inform planning and development decisions.
Presenter:
Nathan Aust – Principal, Toxicology and Risk Assessment, WSP in Australia
