Abstract
Particulate matter (PM) exposure is associated with the development of cardiopulmonary disease. Our group has studied the adverse health effects of World Trade Center particulate matter (WTC-PM) exposure on firefighters. To fully understand the complex interplay between exposure, organism, and resultant disease phenotype, it is vital to analyze the underlying role of genomics in mediating this relationship. A PubMed search was performed focused on environmental exposure, genomics, and cardiopulmonary disease. We included original research published within 10 years, on epigenetic modifications and specific genetic or allelic variants. The initial search resulted in 95 studies. We excluded manuscripts that focused on work-related chemicals, heavy metals and tobacco smoke as primary sources of exposure, as well as reviews, prenatal research, and secondary research studies. Seven full-text articles met pre-determined inclusion criteria, and were reviewed. The effects of air pollution were evaluated in terms of methylation (n = 3), oxidative stress (n = 2), and genetic variants (n = 2). There is evidence to suggest that genomics plays a meditating role in the formation of adverse cardiopulmonary symptoms and diseases that surface after exposure events. Genomic modifications and variations affect the association between environmental exposure and cardiopulmonary disease, but additional research is needed to further define this relationship.
Highlights
The adverse effects of particulate matter (PM) exposure are a global health concern
More than 300,000 workers, local residents, and rescue workers were exposed to about 10 million tons of material that was aerosolized after the collapse of the World Trade Center (WTC) [8]
World Trade Center particulate matter (WTC-PM) differed from ambient PM in composition and in its significantly higher concentration; it was comprised of debris from construction buildings containing concrete, pulverized glass, alkaline metals, asbestos, and components of jet fuel [9,10]
Summary
The adverse effects of particulate matter (PM) exposure are a global health concern. PM is a heterogeneous mixture classified by aerodynamic diameter as fine (≤2.5 μm) or coarse (2.5–10 μm) [1].Respirable PM can cause damage to multiple organs, primarily to the lungs [2,3]. The adverse effects of particulate matter (PM) exposure are a global health concern. Black carbon, and traffic-related air pollutants (TRAP) have been associated with increased risk of lung injury [4,5,6,7]. Concern of exposure to PM and other air pollutants was heightened after the events that took place on September 11th, 2001 (9/11). More than 300,000 workers, local residents, and rescue workers were exposed to about 10 million tons of material that was aerosolized after the collapse of the World Trade Center (WTC) [8]. World Trade Center particulate matter (WTC-PM) differed from ambient PM in composition and in its significantly higher concentration; it was comprised of debris from construction buildings containing concrete, pulverized glass, alkaline metals, asbestos, and components of jet fuel [9,10]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
