TagUltrafine Particulates(77)
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Study shows traffic-related air pollution in Irvine weakens brain function
Anna Aldrich, University of California, Irvine The brains of wild type (WT) and Alzheimer’s (APP) mouse models were analyzed after exposure to purified air (Con) and ultrafine particulate matter (PM) for the presence of astrocyte cells. These were visualized by staining them green (left column), with potentially harmful and activated astrocytes appearing in red (middle -
2023-05-01Impact of airport-related pollution on health of near-by communities: LAX as an emerging case study
A 2023 Tufts University study examined how living near major airports like LAX exposes millions of Americans to harmful levels of noise and air pollution. Research links this proximity to higher rates of hypertension, cardiovascular disease, poor learning outcomes in children, and emerging evidence of pre-term birth and brain cancer. With over 33 million people living within 10 miles of the 23 busiest U.S. airports, the findings carry significant public health implications for communities near facilities like Sea-Tac. -
2023-03-29Community health & airport operations noise & air pollution: The King County Health Study
The King County Health Study is a publicly funded research effort that examines how SeaTac Airport operations affect the health of surrounding communities through noise and air pollution. The study analyzes existing health data within one, five, and ten miles of the airport, reviews scientific literature on airport-related health effects, and incorporates findings from a University of Washington study on ultrafine particulate matter. It concludes with recommendations for addressing health impacts linked to airport operations. -
2023-02-10Ultrafine particle monitoring (Seattle and TBD) – Member Requested Local Community Project Information Form
A 2023 Washington State legislative funding request of $412,000 seeks to establish two ultrafine particle air quality monitors near Sea-Tac Airport and the I-5/I-90 interchange in Seattle, operated by the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency. The project aims to measure tiny airborne particles — particularly those produced by aircraft and vehicle traffic — that are not currently tracked routinely in Washington State. The University of Washington would analyze the collected data to identify pollution sources and establish health-impact baselines, with monitoring expected to begin in spring 2024. -
UWDEOHS-particle deposition
An educational infographic titled 'Particle Size & Lung Deposition' illustrating how airborne particles of different sizes deposit in various regions of the respiratory tract: particles >10 μm in the nose and throat, 2.5–10 μm in the windpipe and large airways, 0.1–2.5 μm in small airways, and <0.1 μm in small airways and alveolar sacs. The diagram includes an anatomical illustration of the human respiratory system with a magnified inset of alveolar sacs. -
UWDEOHS-PM particle size
An educational diagram comparing the sizes of airborne particulate matter categories: PM0.1 (ultrafine particles, 0.1 microns), PM2.5 (combustion particles, organic compounds, metals; <2.5 microns), and PM10 (dust, pollen, mold; <10 microns). These are shown relative to a human hair (50–70 microns in diameter) and fine beach sand (90 microns in diameter). -
ultra-fine-particles
Infographic comparing sizes of airborne particulate matter relative to a human hair (50 micrometres in diameter): ultrafine particles (<100 nanometers), fine particles (<2.5 micrometres), and coarse fine particles (<10 micrometres). The diagram uses scaled spheres to visually illustrate how these pollution particles relate in size to a strand of human hair. -
Effects of Ultrafine Particles
Infographic from Daily News, illustrated by staff artist Warren Huskey, explaining how atmospheric ultrafine particles (diameter less than 0.1 micrometers) enter the human body and cause adverse health effects including possible brain cancer, heart attacks, and liver invasion. It details particle size comparisons (PM10, PM2.5, and ultrafines) relative to human hair thickness of 60 microns. -
2022-08-13
*Where’s my Clair Patterson?
There is this form of air pollution, which you probably have not heard of, called ultrafine particulates (UFPs). Though they are invisible, they seem to have some particularly nasty effects on human health. UFPs have not been well-studied, they are unregulated, and yet they are prevalent in commercial jet engine emissions. But this is not -
2022-08-08UFP Advisory Group Meeting Minutes: August 8, 2022
A University of Washington research team presented findings to a community advisory group showing that HEPA air purifiers in classrooms near Sea-Tac Airport reduced ultrafine particle (UFP) levels from 50% down to just 10% of outdoor concentrations. The meeting, held August 8, 2022, also covered a small pilot health study suggesting short-term cardiovascular and respiratory differences in people exposed to aircraft UFPs while walking under flight paths. Participants from government agencies, community organizations, and public health departments discussed next steps including expanded outdoor monitoring, wildfire response planning, and potential new funding through the HEAL Act.