Project PI
PRESS RELEASE Masaryk University scientists measure air quality and assess its impact on human health
Air quality measurements are currently being carried out in six municipalities in the South Moravian Region and in two districts of Brno. During the heating season we measure dust particles in order to investigate pollutants that come from local household heating. This currently represents one of the main air problems in the Czech Republic. The most problematic are old solid fuel boilers in which people burn what they shouldn't.
The project is unique by providing detailed information on air quality trends in areas of small settlements with local heating plants. In this project, new systems for sensory measurement of suspended particulate matter are combined with chemical analysis of collected samples to determine concentrations of carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. This analysis is carried out in the accredited RECETOX laboratories of Masaryk University. The measurement phase is followed by an anonymous household questionnaire surveys, which focus on the type and characteristics of housing, heating method and household behaviour with regard to the impact on air quality. The aim is to obtain information on residents' awareness of the relationship between air quality and health risks and their preferences for reducing them. Subsequently, semi-structured interviews will also be conducted with the representatives of the citizens of the municipality in order to gain a deeper understanding of the findings.
"We will assess the applicability of sensor technologies, the level and distribution of pollution within the municipalities, and the potential assessment of health impacts. At the same time, we will find out from the locals how they perceive the health and environmental risks and whether they are willing to change their heating methods," said Ondřej Mikeš from the RECETOX centre. It is also a form of spreading awareness among the inhabitants of the municipalities.
The research runs from September 2023 to April 2024, with a questionnaire survey and semi-structured interviews in January and February 2024. "We believe that the results will contribute to improving the environment and health of the population in the Czech Republic and we thank all the participants for their cooperation and willingness," added project leader Pavel Čupr.
For more information about the project, visit its webpage.
About the AIRSENS project.
- The cooperating institution is NILU - Norwegian Institute for Air Research.
Supported by Norway through the Norway Grants and the State Environmental Fund of the Czech Republic under the SGS-2 Svalbard Call.
Contact for media
Important links:
- Project web page: https://www.recetox.muni.cz/hear/projects/airsens
- State environmental fund of the Czech Republic - www.sfzp.cz/norskefondy
- Ministry of Finance CR - www.norskefondy.cz
- EHP & Norway Funds - www.eeagrants.org.
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