Environmental monitoring of ultrafine particles in NW Europe (Joaquin project)

• A major part of the North West European (NWE) region is considered as a major hot spot zone for particulate matter. • Research shows that pollutant metrics not often measured in air quality monitoring networks such as the number and characteristics of airborne ultrafine particles (UFP) constitute better links to human health effects than e.g. NO2 and PM10. • However, there is little understanding of the spatial distribution of these metrics and their relationship with health aspects. This hampers decision makers from taking effective measures.