The current study describes a method for assessing the oxidative potential of common environmental stressors (ambient air particulate matter), using a plasmid relaxation assay where the extract caused single-strand breaks, easily visualised through electrophoresis. This assay utilises a miniscule amount (11 µg) of particulate matter (PM) extract compared to other, cell‑based methods (~3,000 µg)...

In this research, we investigated the public health risks associated with atmospheric exposure to PM2.5 for different subpopulations (black, white, Hispanic, youth, adults, and elderly) in the Washington, DC area. Washington, DC has long been considered a non-healthy place to live according to the American Lung Association due to its poor air quality. This recognition clearly includes the negat...

Since the year 2000, evaluation of the impact of air pollution on people's health has drawn the attention of the general public and has led decision-makers to develop specific health policies. In most of the health impact assessment literature, investigators have reported on long- and short-term effects of air pollution. Here the authors present results of a health impact assessment of short-te...

There is increasing concern about health effects of particulate matter, PM, emitted from Diesel engines [1, 2, 3, 4]. PM is suspected of causing detrimental acute and chronic damage to the pulmonary and the cardiovascular system. Based on scientific proof, clean air legislation of many countries [5] therefore classifies Diesel soot as carcinogenic. Hence, it is mandatory to deploy the best avai...

Atmospheric particulate matter (PM) is one of the leading health risks worldwide [...]

Particulate air pollution at commonly occurring concentrations is associated with daily deaths. Recent attention has focused on the shape of the concentration-response curve, particularly at low doses. Several recent articles have reported that particulate matter with aerodynamic diameter < or = 10 microm (PM(10)) was associated with daily deaths with no evidence of a threshold. These reports h...

Recent studies have shown that particulate air pollution is a risk factor for hospitalization for heart and lung disease; however, little is known about what subpopulations are most sensitive to this pollutant. We analyzed Medicare hospital admissions for heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disorders (COPD) and pneumonia in Chicago, Cook County, Illinois, between 1985 and 1994. We exam...

The increasingly stringent emissions regulations require that engine manufacturers must reduce emissions of particulate matter (PM). PM is made up mainly of carbon in the form of PM and complex compound that are absorbed into the PM particles. Significant quantities PM poses a threat to health. Technologies available for PM reduction are heavily dependent on after-treatment systems, which are r...

Santiago, Chile has the distinction of having among the worst urban air pollution problems in Latin America. As part of an atmospheric pollution reduction plan, the Santiago Regional Metropolitan government defined an environmental policy goal of using urban forests to remove particulate matter less than 10 microm (PM(10)) in the Gran Santiago area. We used cost effectiveness, or the process of...