TagUltrafine Particulates(66)
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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). -
ultrafine 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. -
2022-08-01Urban ultrafine – advisory group meeting, August 2022
A University of Washington research team held an advisory group meeting in August 2022 to discuss ultrafine particle (UFP) pollution in urban areas near airports. The meeting covered topics including indoor air quality in schools affected by aircraft emissions, short-term health effects of UFPs, and plans for mobile air quality monitoring. The multidisciplinary team includes environmental health scientists, researchers, and public health experts examining how aviation-related pollution impacts surrounding communities. -
2021-12-01MATES V draft report, chapter 5: Ultrafine particles and black carbon measurements
This report chapter examines measurements of ultrafine particles (UFPs) — very tiny airborne particles smaller than 0.1 micrometers — and their potential health effects, including risks to neurological, respiratory, and cardiovascular health. UFPs make up roughly 90% of all airborne particles and are primarily produced by fuel combustion sources such as diesel engines, gasoline engines, and jet engines. People living near heavily trafficked roads, airports, refineries, and railyards may face elevated exposure to these particles.