Atmospheric Aerosol and Gas Measurements at the Westernmost Large City, Fukuoka, Japan—Transboundary/Local Air Pollution and Health Effects—

Abstract

Long-term observations of atmospheric aerosols and gaseous species have been conducted in Fukuoka, located in westernmost Japan, to understand the atmospheric environment of the region and to elucidate their health effects. Fukuoka represents an ideal site for studying interaction between urban air pollution originating from local urban areas in Japan and transboundary air masses from the Asian continent. Fukuoka air quality is strongly affected by transboundary transport from the Asian continent. Diurnal variations of atmospheric composition in Fukuoka are also affected by local emissions, atmospheric reactions, and local circulation. The health effects of aerosols have been investigated through epidemiological and toxicological studies. This report presents comprehensive summary of research findings obtained from studies conducted in the Fukuoka region.