Measurement Report : Air Quality Monitoring During the Remeo Fire in Rusko, Tampere (November 6–9, 2024)

Abstract

This report presents air quality measurements conducted during the Remeo waste management facility fire in Rusko, Tampere (November 6–9, 2024). The study aimed to assess the impact of smoke on local air quality using mobile laboratory measurements and electron microscopy analyses. Real-time monitoring included particle number concentration, PM₂.₅ mass, black carbon and lung-deposited surface area (LDSA). Measurements revealed highly elevated PM₂.₅ and black carbon concentrations near the fire site, with peak values reaching 500 μg/m³ and 20 μg/m³, respectively. Smoke dispersion varied daily: eastward on November 6, toward Lintuhytti on November 7, and across Rusko and Hirvikallio on November 8. LDSA results indicated exposure several times higher than typical urban levels. Electron microscopy showed diverse particle morphology and elemental composition, including carbon, nitrogen, sulfur, and trace metals, reflecting heterogeneous combustion conditions. The findings highlight the importance of protective measures for individuals near fire sites and demonstrate that PM₂.₅ and black carbon are more reliable indicators of smoke exposure than particle number concentration.

This is an English translation of the original measurement report published February 19th 2025: <a href="https://urn.fi/URN:ISBN:978-952-03-3832-9" target="_blank"> https://urn.fi/URN:ISBN:978-952-03-3832-9 </a>.