Development of a novel technology for in-vitro assessment of exposure to fine and ultrafine particulate matter

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Air pollution has a major impact on the health of Canadians that, in Ontario alone, costs an estimated at $8 billion dollars annually. Particulate matter has been implicated as one of the major air pollutants causing this illness. However, very little is actually known about which chemical or physical characteristics of the particulate matter are causing these adverse health impacts. It is believed that following inhalation of particulate matter, our body responds at a cellular level triggering a cascade of biological processes that lead to the impact that we experience, impacts that range from discomfort in breathing to fatal heart attacks. In addition, particulate matter from some sources is likely much more toxic than that from others. Hence studying the relationship between particulate matter composition and cellular response, at locations where the particulate matter is expected to be more toxic or concentrated, will provide a key link between our health and our environment. The overall goal of this collaborative health research project is to develop a transportable system for exposing lung cells to particulate matter at different locations of interest. The system will separate the particulate matter by size into two fractions prior to contact with the cells. The first fraction, called the "fine" fraction, will contain the particles smaller than 2.5 mm in diameter (PM2.5) whereas the second fraction, called the ultrafine fraction, will contain particles that are over 100 times smaller. This sized based distinction is very important, as these fractions are quite different both in the environment and in our bodies. We will use it this system to explore the biological response of cells when exposed to different concentrations of particulate matter and to assess different locations in which the particulate matter is believed to be more hazardous. The project will bring together a multidisciplinary team from medicine, engineering and science, along with collaborators from different levels of government. The understanding arising from this project will support the development of more effective air quality and emission regulations so as to protect the public without unnecessarily constraining economic growth.