Abstract
Exposure to ultrafine particles (UFPs size < 100 nm) in life and work environments can contribute to adverse health effects also in terms of health burden of related diseases over time. The choice of parameters which better characterize UFPs is challenging, due to their physical-chemical properties and their variable size. It is also strictly related to the availability of different instrumental techniques. In the present study we focus on real time high frequency (1 Hz) UFPs particle size distribution (PSD) and their relationship with total particle number concentration (TPNC) and mean particle diameter (Davg) as a contribution characterizing by size the human exposure to UFPs in an indoor site of the University of Rome “Sapienza” (Italy). Further considerations about UFPs contribution to nucleation mode (NM) and accumulation mode (AM) have been highlighted, also in order to investigate the contribution of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) surface-adsorbed on indoor air particles (pPAHs). High indoor TPNC values were registered during the rush hours (early morning and mid/late afternoon) according to the outdoor influences originated from anthropogenic activities. AM mainly contribute to the indoor TPNC during working days showing high correlation with pPAHs. These findings may provide useful indications in terms of occupational exposure to UFPs since there are many evidences that indoor exposures to such pollutants may be associated with adverse health effects also in working environments.
Highlights
Ambient particulate matter (PM) is considered one of the leading environmental health risk factors, associated with several health impacts worldwide [1]
ultrafine particles (UFPs) formation may happen through nucleation and condensation of VOCs or semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs) released by the fuser, which comprises siloxanes and fluorinated compounds, or emitted from the chassis, which holds flame retardants, lubricants, and plasticizers, in a typical bimodal particle size distribution (PSD), with a smaller mode
total particle number concentration (TPNC) time series show everyday a similar trend that is evident from Monday to Thursday: TPNC reach the highest values about at midnight, they decrease to a relative minimum between 6 a.m. and 8 a.m., going up to a relative maximum between
Summary
Ambient particulate matter (PM) is considered one of the leading environmental health risk factors, associated with several health impacts worldwide [1]. UFPs can pass through the respiratory tract with high efficiency down to the alveoli due to their small size. A fraction of UFPs penetrates the alveolar–capillary barrier and can be distributed throughout the body via the circulatory system [14]. Because of this property of UFPs, extra-pulmonary diseases related. Large surface area and high surface reactivity enable UFPs to adsorb, for a given mass of PM, greater quantities of hazardous metals, and organic compounds that can generate oxidative stress [5]. (2020) [16] concluded that pro-inflammatory and oxidative responses occurred when the aerosol was dominated by a UFP type apportioned to fossil fuel combustion with number size distribution dominated by particles smaller than 20 nm
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