Air pollution, climate and pollen comparisons in urban, rural and alpine regions in Switzerland (SAPALDIA study)

The aim of this paper is to show spatial differences and correlations in long- term air pollution measurements in the eight SAPALDIA sites (Swiss Study on Air Pollution and Lung Diseases in Adults, SAPALDIA). In addition, a comparison with climatic parameters and pollen counts are presented in a descriptive way. SAPALDIA investigated health effects from air pollutants and climate in a cross-sectional study (1991) and in a follow-up longitudinal study (1992–1993). Over the period 1991–1993, urban–rural–Alpine concentration gradients were found for SO2, NO2, PM10 and HNO3. For O3, average levels were higher in the Alps but peak levels were higher at sites on the Swiss Plateau. Levels of sulphuric acid were negligibly small; acidity was mainly determined by the content of HNO3. A statistical analysis of long-term data for SO2, NO2, TSP, PM10, HNO3 and size-fractions of suspended particulate matter (SPM) indicated strong correlations