Atmospheric particulate matter is a critical factor for many regional urban areas of Umbria (Central Italy region). During 2013 the monitoring air quality network, managed by ARPA Umbria, has been upgraded to Legislative Decree of 13 August 2010, n.155 and an analytical study about chemical composition of PM10 (Particulate Matter with diameter of 10 micrometres or less) over all the region has been started. The PM10 filters have been analyzed for Benzo(α)Pyrene, Pb, Cr, Ni and Cd to check compliance with limits or target values defined in Italian regulation (Legislative Decree of 13 August 2010, n.155); other parameters, like US-EPA list Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs), Polychlorinated Dibenzo-p-Dioxins and Polychlorinated Dibenzo Furans (PCDD/ Fs), Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs), Organic Carbon/Elemental Carbon (OC/EC) and Levoglucosan were analyzed because they are toxic or because they identify particular pollutant sources. The data obtained showed a large and diffusive biomass burning contribution, widely used in the Umbria Region both for domestic heating in traditional fireplaces and for combustion of pruning residues. In particular the urban sites of Terni and suburban site near Terni (Narni), both lying in the Terni basin called “Conca Ternana”, showed a chemical composition of PM10 that suggests a very large anthropization. This area is the principal industrial reality in the Central Italy because there is a steel production plant, a Municipal solid waste (MSW) burning plant and a chemical plant.
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