AbstractObjectives. This study aimed to investigate the longitudinal associations between chronic pain and NO2, O3, PM1, PM2.5 and PM10 amongst middle-aged

How effective are Germany’s energy access programs in Sub-Saharan Africa?

BackgroundThere is indirect evidence that inhaled traffic-related particulate matter (PM) penetrates into the human circulation. Since nanoparticles readily adhere to red blood cells (RBCs) in vitro, we sought to determine whether a mechanism of systemic transport of translocated traffic-related particles is via adherence to RBCs in vivo.MethodsAdult volunteers were exposed to traffic-related emissions from a main road for 1 h. Volunteers were also exposed to emissions wearing a FFP2 mask. Exposure to black carbon PM was assessed by portable aethalometer. The mean area (μm2) of adherent black PM per RBC was determined from unstained blood smears from 3000 cells by light microscopy. Particle composition was determined by scanning transmission electron microscopy and energy dispersive x-ray analyses. The capacity of diesel exhaust particles (DEP) to adhere to human RBCs in vitro was determined, and RBCs were examined after intratracheal instillation of DEP to a mouse model.ResultsExposure to traffic-related emissions increased personal black carbon PM (n=12, p=0.001 vs. baseline). Exposure increased the area of particles adherent to RBCs (p<0.001 versus baseline), and this was reduced by wearing a FFP2 mask (p=0.002 versus no mask). Traffic exposure increased the abundance of metal-bearing nanoparticles associated with RBCs. Diesel exhaust particles adhered to RBCs in vitro in a dose-dependent manner. Particles were found adherent to circulating RBCs after intratracheal diesel exhaust particles.ConclusionAdhesion of traffic-related PM to RBCs is a systemic transport mechanism. Quantification of particles on RBCs is a putative practical biomarker of inhaled dose.

Global metastudy finds long-term exposure to pollutants is linked to shorter or lower-quality rest