Toxic effects and critical properties of airborne metal particles investigated in advanced exposure systems
Person photo Dr Karine Elihn
Atmospheric Science (Department of Applied Environmental Science)
Funding source: Formas - The Swedish Research Council for Environment, Agricultural Sciences and Spatial Planning
Period: 1/1/11 - 12/31/13
Funding: 4800000 SEK
Description:
There is a great concern in the society about exposure to airborne metal particles due to the increasing use of engineered nanoparticles and remaining high contribution of unintentionally spread particles in the air. It is well-known today that airborne particles cause several different health effects, mainly upon inhalation. In this project, toxicity studies will be performed in new in vitro exposure systems that mimic a real inhalation scenario and airborne particles are deposited directly onto cells. Particle characteristics e.g. size, concentration, chemical composition, surface reactivity and metal release, influence the toxicity and will be thoroughly characterized. Today, the knowledge is sparse about how different particle characteristics affect the toxicity. By combining the exposure system with toxicity and surface reactivity studies of well-defined metallic particles relevant for real exposure scenarios, it is possible to generate an improved understanding of why particles can be harmful, with the ultimate goal to reduce adverse health effects from particles. An enhanced understanding of toxicity mechanisms through in vitro investigations will also enable the possibility of grouping metals with similar properties and allow read-across possibilities for risk- and hazard assessment and management. The benefit is a reduced need for animal testing of a vast amount of metal particles existing and developed for different applications on the market.
  
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Dr Göran Lidén