Chalupa DC, Morrow PE, Oberdorster G, Utell MJ, Frampton MW.
2004.
Ultrafine Particle Deposition in Subjects with Asthma.
Environmental Health Perspectives (EHP), 112 (8): pp. 879-882.
This paper describes a controlled environmental exposure study with 16 informed and consenting adult human subjects with mild to moderate doctor-diagnosed asthma while at rest and while exercising. Subjects were exposed by mouthpiece to ultrafine carbon particles; ultrafine particles (PM(0.1)) are a size fraction of fine particles (PM2.5) found in high numbers but low gravimetric mass. The researchers studied the deposition of the PM(0.1) through the airways deep into the lungs via alveoli. They reported the number deposition fraction increased as particle size decreased within the PM0.1 range, and during exercise. Furthermore, deposition at rest was higher in these 16 asthmatic adult subjects than in previously studied healthy adult subjects.
The basic implication of these data are asthmatic adults, and likely children, may be exposed to more PM0.1 deep in the lungs (i.e., internal dose), including chemical compounds adsorbed to the particles as a function of the source of the particles, which may lead to acute and chronic adverse health outcomes. |
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