The Effect Of Air Pollution On Children's Health: A Comparative Study Between La Plata And Bahia Blanca, Buenos Aires Province, Argentina

We present the results of a study of outdoor air quality in two comparable regions of Buenos Aires province (Argentina); La Plata and Bahia Blanca, developed jointly by researchers of the National University in both cities, and of the Hospital of Bahia Blanca, between 2009 and 2011. Both regions are characterized by a large petrochemical complex and a village with outstanding traffic. In this study, we measure levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), particulate matter suspended in air (PM) in air outdoor and affectation of respiratory system in children between 6 and 12 years. Also, analysis of the effect of the air pollution exposure was made through the calculation of potentially increased life time cancer risk (LCR) in children. In both regions, including three areas: urban, industrial and residential (reference area), 20 VOCs were sampled by passive monitoring (3M 3500), and determined by GC/FID, comprising n-alkanes, cycloalkanes, aromatics, chlorinated compounds,