Children's exposure to size-fractioned particulate matter: Chemical composition and internal dose

The health effects of the particulate matter (PM) depend not only on its aerodynamic diameter (AD) and chemical composition, but also on the time activity pattern of the individuals and on their age. The main objective of this work was to assess the exposure of children to aerosol particles by using personal instruments, to study the particle size and composition of the inhaled PM, and to estimate their transport and deposition into the human respiratory tract (HRT). The average daily PM2.5 exposure was 19 μg/m3 and the size fractions with the greatest contribution to PM2.5 concentrations were 1 < AD <2.5 μm and AD <0.25 μm. Results indicated a contribution of 9% from the mineral aerosol, 7.2% from anthropogenic sulphate, 6.7% from black carbon and 5% from anthropogenic trace elements to the daily exposure to PM2.5. The levels of mineral and marine elements increased with increasing particle size, while anthropogenic elements were present in higher concentrations in the finest particles. Particle size has been shown to influence the variability of daily dose deposited between the extrathoracic and alveolar-interstitial zones. On average, 3% of the PM deposited in the bronchial region, whereas 5% to 8% were found in the bronchiolar region. The level of physical activity had a significant contribution to the total daily dose.

This work was supported by LIFE Index-Air project (LIFE15 ENV/PT/000674). This work reflects only the authors' view and EASME is not responsible for any use that may be made of the information it contains. Authors also gratefully acknowledge the FCT support through the UIDB/04349/2020 project and the PhD grants SFRH/BD/129149/2017 and SFRH/BD/147074/2019. M. Pilou's research is co-financed by Greece and the European Union (European Social Fund - ESF) through the Operational Programme “Human Resources Development, Education and Lifelong Learning” in the context of the project “Reinforcement of Postdoctoral Researchers - 2nd Cycle” (MIS-5033021), implemented by the State Scholarships Foundation (ΙΚΥ). The authors are also grateful for the support to CESAM (UIDB/50017/2020 & UIDP/50017/2020) to FCT/MCTES through national funds, and co-funding by FEDER, within the PT2020 Partnership Agreement and Compete 2020.

Peer reviewed