2. Other Pollutants: BC/EC, UFP, and SDS
BC/EC, a measure of airborne soot-like carbon, is formed from the incomplete combustion of fossil fuels, biofuel, and biomass. Both short-term and long-term exposures have been linked to adverse cardiovascular health effects and premature death.1,7UFPs, defined as particulates with a diameter less than or equal to 0.1µm, are largely generated from combustion. Short-term and long-term exposures have been associated with mortality and various morbidities.1,8 SDS exposure, which affects desert regions and countries affected by desert dust, may lead to an increased risk for inflammatory and allergic lung diseases such as asthma and cardiovascular mortality.1,9
The GDG determined that evidence was insufficient to establish quantitative AQG and interim target levels. Instead, the following good practice statements were formulated to aid the management of the health and environmental concerns associated with these types of PM.