Abstract
Ultrafine particles are particles that are less than 0.1 micrometres (µm) in diameter. Due to their very small size they can penetrate deep into the lungs, and potentially cause more damage than larger particles. The Ultrafine Particles from Traffic Emissions and Children’s Health (UPTECH) study is the first Australian epidemiological study to assess the health effects of ultrafine particles on children’s health in general and peripheral airways in particular. The study is being conducted in Brisbane, Australia. Continuous indoor and outdoor air pollution monitoring was conducted within each of the twenty five participating school campuses to measure particulate matter, including in the ultrafine size range, and gases. Respiratory health effects were evaluated by conducting the following tests on participating children at each school: spirometry, forced oscillation technique (FOT) and multiple breath nitrogen washout test (MBNW) (to assess airway function), fraction of exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO, to assess airway inflammation), blood cotinine levels (to assess exposure to second-hand tobacco smoke), and serum C-reactive protein (CRP) levels (to measure systemic inflammation). A pilot study was conducted prior to commencing the main study to assess the feasibility and reliably of measurement of some of the clinical tests that have been proposed for the main study. Air pollutant exposure measurements were not included in the pilot study.
Highlights
Ultrafine particles (UFP) are particles that are less than 0.1 micrometres in diameter
This paper describes the methods used in the UPTECH study and presents the findings of a pilot study that was performed to evaluate some aspects of the study methodology
The prevalence of atopy in the pilot study population is similar to the reported prevalence in other Australian populations [33] and the prevalence of asthma in this study population is similar to the reported prevalence of ever diagnosed asthma in children aged 0 to 15 years, which ranged between 13% and
Summary
Ultrafine particles (UFP) are particles that are less than 0.1 micrometres (μm) in diameter. UFP have a larger relative surface area This may be associated with greater toxicity, compared to larger particles, because their smaller diameter means they are more likely to deposit in the lung parenchyma and their greater surface area means they are potentially more reactive [1]. The. World Health Organization (WHO) has concluded, based on a review of toxicological evidence, that it is likely that UFP do have adverse effects on human health [3]. There are currently no health-based guidelines recommending threshold concentrations of UFP that should not be exceeded [1] Some previous studies have not allowed separate estimation of the specific health effects of UFP, apart from the effect of larger particle fractions, such as those measured as PM2.5 and PM10 [2]. One study that looked at the effects of UFP on cyclists found a non-significant association with increased exhaled nitric oxide and decreased lung function [4], another study found no association with UFP and hospital admission for asthma but a significant association with larger particles and other pollutants [5], while a third study in 1997 found that decrease in peak expiratory flow among children was associated with PM10 rather than UFP [6], other studies have found health effects mainly in people with asthma [7,8]
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