BACKGROUND The potential impact of municipal solid waste incineration (MSWI), which is an anthropogenic source of aerosol emissions, is of great public health concern. This study investigated the characterization and cytotoxic effects of ambient ultrafine particles (PM<0.2), fine particles (PM0.2-2.5) and coarse particles (PM2.5-10) collected around a municipal solid waste incineration (MSWI) p...

One of the most important issues in materials science is to overcome strength–ductility trade-off engineering alloys. The formation heterogeneous and complex microstructures a useful approach achieving this purpose. In investigation, CoCrFeNiMn high-entropy alloy was processed via cold rolling followed by post-deformation annealing over temperature range 650–750 °C, which led wide grain sizes. ...

The cardiovascular system is currently considered a target for particulate matter, especially for ultrafine particles. In addition to autonomic or cytokine mediated effects, the direct interaction of inhaled materials with the target tissue must be examined to understand the underlying mechanisms. In the first approach, pulmonary and systemic distribution of inhaled ultrafine elemental silver (...

BACKGROUND Ultrafine particles (<100 nm) are ubiquitous present in the air and may contribute to adverse cardiovascular effects. Exposure to air pollutants can alter miRNA expression, which can affect downstream signaling pathways. miRNAs are present both in the intracellular and extracellular environment. In adults, miR-222 and miR-146a were identified as associated with particulate matter exp...

Building activities generate coarse (PM10≤10μm), fine (PM2.5≤2.5μm) and ultrafine particles (<100nm) making it necessary to understand both the exposure levels of operatives on site and the dispersion of ultrafine particles into the surrounding environment. This study investigates the release of particulate matter, including ultrafine particles, during the mixing of fresh concrete (incorporatin...

Protection of the human lung from infectious agents, allergens, and ultrafine particles is difficult with current technologies. High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters remove airborne particles of >0.3 μm with 99.97% efficiency, but they are expensive to maintain. Electrostatic precipitation has been used as an inexpensive approach to remove large particles from airflows, but it has a co...

This study characterizes the size distribution and composition of metals in diesel exhaust particulates (DEPs) emitting from four driving conditions. We quantified 17 metals in DEPs (34-1000 nm) with a total concentration ranging from 5.4-7.0 microg/m(3). Depending on driving conditions, ultrafine (<100 nm) and accumulation-mode DEPs carried up to 41% and 75% of the quantified metals, respectiv...

BACKGROUND Digital maps are instrumental in conveying information about environmental hazards geographically. For laypersons, computer-based maps can serve as tools to promote environmental health literacy about invisible traffic-related air pollution and ultrafine particles. Concentrations of these pollutants are higher near major roadways and increasingly linked to adverse health effects. Int...