1. Project name: Assessment of the level of atmospheric air pollution with micro-fine solids (PM class) in the territory of Minsk

2. Project implementation period: 2022-2030

3. Applicant organization that proposes the project: The Minsk City Center for Hygiene and Epidemiology, state-owned institution; room 208, block 1, building 13, Petrus Brovka Street, 220013 Minsk

4. Project goal:

Study of the level of atmospheric air pollution with micro-fine solids (PM class) in the territory of Minsk

5. Tasks to be performed within the project implementation:

1) Purchase of measuring equipment;

2) Measurement of РМ_2,5 and РМ₁₀ content in atmospheric air in Minsk;

3) Hygienic assessment of levels of atmospheric air pollution with micro-fine solids (PM class) in the territory of Minsk;

4) Ranking of territories of Minsk by levels of pollution with micro-fine solids (PM class);

5) Provision of information on obtained results to stakeholders for managerial decision-making

6. Target group: Adult and child population of Minsk

7. Brief description of activities within the project:

1. Purchase of three devices fitted out with consumable materials, for mobile measurement of РМ_2,5 and РМ₁₀  solids concentration in contrasting functional zones of Minsk.

2. Choice of control points for laboratory control of micro-fine solids content. Development of the monitoring plan.

3. Hygienic assessment of research results. Ranking of territories of Minsk by levels of atmospheric air pollution with micro-fine solids (PM class); identification of critical areas (territories).

4. Documenting of results.

5. Provision of information to stakeholders for making managerial decisions on selection of strategy for abatement and control of levels of pollution with micro-fine solids (PM class), and potential development and adjustment of measures aimed at minimization of risks of adverse effects on public health.

Project relevance:

Suspended solids (РМ) represent a pervasive air pollutant consisting of mixture of liquid and solid particles suspended in the air. Such particles can either be emitted into atmospheric air (their sources are internal-combustion engines, solid fuels, erosion of road pavement, industrial activities) or formed in the atmosphere from gaseous precursors (they are formed in atmosphere as a result of chemical reactions of gaseous pollutants emitted by motor transport, some industrial processes, sulfur-bearing fuel consumption).

РМ₁₀ and РМ_2,5 contain particles which diameter is small enough to penetrate the thoracic segment of the respiratory system. PM health effects are fully documented. Such effects are conditional upon both short-term (hours, days) and long term (months, years) impact, and include the following:

1. Respiratory diseases and cardiovascular morbidity;

2. Mortality rate due to cardiovascular morbidity, respiratory diseases, and carcinoma of lung.

РМ₁₀ and РМ_2,5  health effects were proved by many studies. There is no factual evidence of existence of any safe exposure level or threshold level below which health effects do not occur.

34 EU member-states have monitored РМ₁₀ and РМ_2,5  in different cities/towns and peri-urban areas since 2010. Data furnished by EU member-states and monitoring data provide the basis for formation of WHO’s Environment and Health Information System (ENHIS). Only in 9 of 34 member-states and only in some cities РМ₁₀ concentration levels were below the annual level of 20 µg/m3 recommended by WHO. Almost 83% of the population in the cities where PM concentration has been measured are exposed to РМ₁₀ at levels exceeding the recommended ones.

The Republic of Belarus has only a limited number of monitoring stations. Correct assessment of PM concentration and trends requires РМ₁₀ and РМ_2,5 monitoring at more locations.

Purchase of measuring equipment for assessment of the level of atmospheric air pollution will enable to improve РМ₁₀ and РМ_2,5 monitoring in Minsk so that to assess severity of exposure of the population and assist local authorities in development and introduction of measures for improvement of air quality.

8. Total amount of funding in US dollars: 32 000

Source of funding

Amount of funding (in US dollars)

Donor’s funds

30 000

Co-funding

2 000

9. Place of the project implementation: Minsk, the Minsk City Center for Hygiene and Epidemiology, state-owned institution

10. Contact person: Sergey Vladimirovich Kozyrevich, chief medical officer,

tel. 235-43-62