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Published on: November 19, 2016
Particulate air pollution: possible relevance in asthma
M M Glovsky1, A G Miguel, G R Cass
1Huntington Memorial Hospital Asthma and Allergy Center, Pasadena, California, USA.
Allergy and Asthma Proceedings
|May 1, 1997
Summary
Airborne particles, not just gases, may trigger asthma. Research identifies diverse sources like vehicle exhaust and road dust, potentially containing allergens like latex and pollen fragments.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Pulmonology
- Toxicology
Background:
- The role of air pollution in asthma pathogenesis is well-studied, with a focus on gaseous pollutants.
- Limited research has explored the impact of respirable particles on asthma causation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the sources and composition of airborne particles in urban atmospheres (Los Angeles and Pasadena).
- To identify biologically active particles that may trigger asthma attacks.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of airborne particle composition in urban environments.
- Identification of combustion-derived and biologically-derived particle sources.
- Extraction and identification of allergens from various particle types, including tire and road dust.
Main Results:
- Urban atmospheres contain combustion particles (diesel, gasoline exhaust) and biologically-derived particles (plant debris, smoke, road dust).
- Paved road dust is a complex mixture including soil, tire particles, plant fragments, and pollen fragments.
- Latex allergens were detected in tire dust, roadside dust, and air samples.
Conclusions:
- Airborne particles, particularly from complex sources like paved road dust, are significant contributors to asthma.
- Further research is needed to identify a broader range of allergens in paved road dust and their role in asthma, including pollen fragments.
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