Ultrafine Particles -Air Quality and Climate

International Symposium

2022, July 5th and 6th

Brussels, Belgium

Ultrafine Particles

Ultrafine particles (UFP), the nano fraction of airborne particulate matter, are considered to be causing serious health problems and environmental effects. Combustion

is a major source, also by producing volatile organic pollutants which are converted in the atmosphere by photochemical reactions. Increasing applications of man-made nanomaterials add to the problem. A further interest results from their specific role in atmospheric processes such as cloud formation and precipitation and, in fact, in climate. The relation between UFP and human health and that of UFP and climate are both areas of active research and cross-links between these fields are found nowadays.

The political objective to decrease exposure to particulate matter makes use of the mass-based metrics PM10/PM2.5, which do not properly represent all risks for human health. EFCA is, therefore, in favor of the development of a fraction-by-fraction approach on particulate matter, both with respect to size and chemical composition. It already recommended European policymakers the introduction of Black Carbon Particles as additional metric in the Air Quality Directive.

EFCA’s 8th Ultra- Fine Particles Symposium 2022 will again feature the most recent scientific progress and improve the dialogue with policy- and rule makers in Europe. The Symposium has gained visibility by its venue at the Baden-Württemberg State Representation in Brussels and attracts an effective mix of EU representatives and scientists. EFCA and KIT, together with GUS and CEEES are pleased to organize this event again. We cordially invite all experts to contribute actively and hope to see you again at the State representation of Baden-Württemberg in Brussels in July 2022.

Scientific Focus of the 2022 Symposium

Hopefully back to normal meeting conditions and following the short online event in 2021 due to the pandemic restrictions the scientific focus of the 2022 symposium will cover again entire topics on interactions between Ultra Fine Particles and air quality, recent findings, hypothesis, monitoring results, health and impact assessments. Volatile particles and toxic effects, release of UFP, exposure assessment and the effect of lock-down episodes shall be treated.

More information will be provided early 2022 along with the ‘Call for Papers’ but it would be wise to save the symposium date already today.

Thomas Leisner and the UFP team

ufp@imk-aaf.kit.edu