Black Carbon and Ultrafine Particles: Key Findings from the Defra Evidence Review

The Institute of Air Quality Management (IAQM) recently hosted an event that presented key findings from the national evidence review of black carbon (BC) and ultrafine particles (UFP), delivered jointly by AtkinsRéalis and the University of Birmingham.

The session summarised the current scientific understanding of BC and UFP, including sources, health and environmental impacts, monitoring approaches, and the strength and limitations of the existing evidence base. Drawing on an extensive review of UK and international literature, the webinar also explored how these pollutants relate to existing air quality metrics (such as PM₂.₅), identified key evidence gaps, and discussed the implications for air quality management, policy development, and future research.

The webinar was aimed at air quality practitioners, researchers, policymakers, and regulators with an interest in emerging air pollutants and their relevance to air quality assessment and management.

The event featured insightful presentations from the following speakers, which were recorded and can be viewed at the bottom of this page:

• Daniel Francis, Senior Air Quality Consultant at AtkinsRéalis. 
• Francis Pope, Professor of Atmospheric Science at the University of Birmingham and Environmental Health Sciences Research Lead.
• Roy M Harrison OBE, FRS Professor of Environmental Health at the University of Birmingham.

The presentations were followed by a brief Q&A session with our speakers. 

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