Effects of Concentrated Ambient Particles in Rats and Hamsters: An ExploratoryStudy

摘要

Particulate matter (PM) is the term used to define the complex mixture of smallparticles in the atmosphere. The size, chemical components (such as metal, organic, and salt content), and other physical and biological properties of these particles are highly variable from place to place and from season to season. Particle properties are also influenced by their source (which may be either natural processes or human activities such as driving vehicles) as well as by changes the particles undergo in the atmosphere. Epidemiologic studies have indicated that exposure to PM is associated with increases in morbidity and mortality, particularly in individuals with compromised cardiopulmonary function. A plausible mechanism linking particles and pathophysiologic effects has not been established, however. Thus, toxicologic studies in appropriate animal models and in humans are critical in trying to establish how PM may exert its adverse health effects. An exploratory study was conducted to test the effects of exposure to PM derived from New York City air on the rodent cardiopulmonary system.