Characterization of ultrafine copper oxide aerosols for animal exposure studies

Abstract

People are exposed to complex mixtures of air pollutants in the urban environment. The inhalation of acid-coated metal oxide fine particles is a well-recognized health effects problem, but the mechanisms of toxicity remain undefined. Ultrafine particles (<100 nm in diameter) are difficult to detect by conventional air sampling methodology. In order to characterize such particles, electron microscopy techniques are needed. In this abstract, we outline techniques to produce, characterize, and expose animals to ultrafine (1-30 nm) copper oxide aerosols.The ultrafine copper oxide aerosols were generated using a high temperature tube furnace with molybdenum windings (0.93 m long), capable of operating at 1923° K. The temperature at the center of the furnace was maintained at 1709° K during the experiments. Copper metal shot of 99.99+ purity (Aldrich Chemical Co. Inc.) and 2-8 mm in size was used as the copper source. An alumina boat (30 x 8 x 3 mm) containing 2 g copper was placed at 0.187 m from the center of the furnace where the measured temperature was 1683° K. The copper vapors from the boat were carried by a pure argon stream and were oxidized by added oxygen.