AAAR 37th Annual Conference October 14 - October 18, 2019 Oregon Convention Center Portland, Oregon, USA
Abstract View
Friedlander Lecture: Airborne Ultrafine Particles and Nanomaterials: Adverse Effects on the Respiratory System and Beyond
FLEMMING R. CASSEE, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment
Abstract Number: 39 Working Group: Invited by Conference Chair
Abstract The adverse effects of air pollution on respiratory and cardiovascular health have been established in a series of major observational studies. Even short term exposures to particulate matter (PM) pollution have been associated with marked increases in cardiovascular morbidity and deaths from myocardial ischemia, arrhythmia and heart failure. However, these observational data are limited by imprecision in the measurement of pollution exposure, and the potential for environmental and social factors to confound these apparent associations. Much attention has been paid to the role of tail pipe emissions on pulmonary and cardiovascular toxicity. Examples will be shown on the implications of particles traps, catalytic converters and changing fuels (biodiesel) on the toxicity and health risk associated with tailpipe emissions. Although the focus in the past few years has been on road traffic emissions, mainly from diesel engine, PM is emitted from other sources like brakes as well as well as e.g. aviation. Some sources have been shown to have a much higher oxidative potential compared to diesel soot. This will also include BioPM, a suspension of particles containing living microorganisms or parts thereof released in air. Very little is known as to what extent such effects are different for PM obtained from other sources. Similarities and differences with engineered nanomaterials will be discussed. For a causal association to have scientific credence, a clear mechanism must be defined. Oxidative stress has been suggested as a key aspect leading to cardiovascular toxicity and worsening of diseases. This presentation will provide information on the effects of inhaled ultrafine particles and nanomaterials (including the role of physical and chemical properties) on the respiratory system as well as on cardiovascular health, neurodegeneration and reproduction.