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Objectives: The objective of this study was to identify the potential and definite sources of transmission of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Methods: Due to time constraints and the acute nature of the pandemic, we searched only PubMed/MEDLINE from inception until January 28, 2021. We analyzed the level of evidence and risk of bias in each category and made suggestions accordingly. Results: The virus was traced from its potential origin via possible ways of transmission to the last host. Symptomatic human-to-human transmission remains the driver of the epidemic, but asymptomatic transmission can potentially contribute in a substantial manner. Feces and fomites have both been found to contain viable virus; even though transmission through these routes has not been documented, their contribution cannot be ruled out. Finally, transmission from pregnant women to their children has been found to be low (up to 3%). Conclusion: Even though robust outcomes cannot be easily assessed, medical personnel must maintain awareness of the main routes of transmission (via droplets and aerosols from even asymptomatic patients). This is the first attempt to systematically review the existing knowledge to produce a paper with a potentially significant clinical impact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lab-on-a-Chip (LoC) devices are described as versatile, fast, accurate, and low-cost platforms for the handling, detection, characterization, and analysis of a wide range of suspended particles in water-based environments. However, for gas-based applications, particularly in atmospheric aerosols science, LoC platforms are rarely developed. This review summarizes emerging LoC devices for the classification, measurement, and identification of airborne particles, especially those known as Particulate Matter (PM), which are linked to increased morbidity and mortality levels from cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. For these devices, their operating principles and performance parameters are introduced and compared while highlighting their advantages and disadvantages. Discussing the current applications will allow us to identify challenges and determine future directions for developing more robust LoC devices to monitor and analyze airborne PM.

Particulate matter is the mixture of solid and liquid particles. It may at times cause adverse effects to human health, in the climate, ecosystem and materials. The objective of this study was to identify the sources emitting particulate matter that contributes to environmental pollution at two sites in Belo Horizonte city. The metropolitan region of Belo Horizonte is characterized by numerous mining activities and other industries, high population and, consequently, a high number of vehicles. There are therefore several sources emitting pollutants into the atmosphere. Airborne particulate matter was collected in air filters during approximately one year using a high-volume sampler in strategic points. The concentration of particulate matter results showed that, in general, the values were 40% higher than the values recommended by legislation. During the summer rainy season, no sample exceeded the recommended limits at both sampling sites. The elemental composition was determined through neutron activation analysis and these values were considered variables in the multivariate statistical analysis for the identification of the main sources of particle emission and their contributions. The results confirmed a significant influence of the soil and motor vehicles in the degradation of the region’s air quality.

Abstract Background The present study aims to compare the pulmonary function of residents of Seoul special city (Seoul) and Jeju special self-governing province including Jeju city and Seogwipo city (Jeju), characterized by vastly different annual average airborne particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter less ≤10 μm (PM10) concentrations, with the annual average PM10 concentration in Seoul being significantly higher than that in Jeju. Methods This cross-sectional study analyzed the pulmonary function test results and sociodemographic data of Korean adults ≥19 years of age derived from the 4th KNHANES, 2007–2009. A total of 830 individuals residing in Seoul or Jeju were included in this study. T-tests were used to analyze predicted values of forced expiratory volume in 1 sec (FEV1p), predicted values of forced vital capacity (FVCp) and FEV1/FVC ratio (FEV1/FVC), as dependent variables, to examine the differences in the subjects’ pulmonary function according to the city of residence. Stratified analysis was then performed to adjust for variables potentially affecting pulmonary function. The analysis was performed on subjects as a group and also following stratification according to sex and other variables. Results Seoul residents had a significantly lower FVCp than that of the Jeju residents (difference: 3.48%, p = 0.002). FEV1p, FVCp and FEV1/FVC of male Seoul residents were significantly lower than those of male Jeju residents (difference: 6.99, 5.11% and 0.03, respectively; p

BACKGROUND: Although studies have demonstrated that air pollution is associated with exacerbation of asthma symptoms in children with asthma, little is known about the susceptibility of subgroups, particularly those with atopy. OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to evaluate our a priori hypothesis that identifiable subgroups of asthmatic children are more likely to wheeze with exposure to ambient air pollution. METHODS: A cohort of 315 children with asthma, 6-11 years of age, was recruited for longitudinal follow-up in Fresno, California (USA). During the baseline visit, children were administered a respiratory symptom questionnaire and allergen skin-prick test. Three times a year, participants completed 14-day panels during which they answered symptom questions twice daily. Ambient air quality data from a central monitoring station were used to assign exposures to the following pollutants: particulate matter

Increased concentration of airborne particulate matter (PM) in the atmosphere alters the degree of polarization of skylight which is used by honeybees for navigation during their foraging trips. However, little has empirically shown whether poor air quality indeed affects foraging performance (foraging trip duration) of honeybee. Here, we show apparent increases in the average duration of honeybee foraging during and after a heavy air pollution event compared with that of the pre‐event period. The average foraging duration of honeybees during the event increased by 32 min compared with the pre‐event conditions, indicating that 71% more time was spent on foraging. Moreover, the average foraging duration measured after the event did not recover to its pre‐event level. We further investigated whether an optical property (Depolarization Ratio, DR) of dominant PM in the atmosphere and level of air pollution (fine PM mass concentration) affect foraging trip duration. The result demonstrates the DR and fine PM mass concentration have significant effects on honeybee foraging trip duration. Foraging trip duration increases with decreasing DR while it increases with increasing fine PM mass concentration. In addition, the effects of fine PM mass concentration are synergistic with overcast skies. Our study implies that poor air quality could pose a new threat to bee foraging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Airborne particulate matter (PM) is a pollutant of concern not only because of its adverse effects on human health but because of its ability to reduce visibility and soil buildings and materials. It can be regarded as a suite of pollutants since PM covers a very wide range of particle sizes and also has a diverse chemical composition. Historically, much of the PM arose from coal burning and was measured as black smoke. However, in the second half of the twentieth century in developed countries, there was a reduction in black smoke emissions from coal burning and PM steadily became dominated by carbonaceous particles from road traffic exhaust and the secondary pollutants, ammonium salts and secondary organic carbon. This is exemplified by the composition of fine particles (referred to as PM2.5) as measured in London, Delhi and Beijing. Steadily, as control strategies have addressed the more tractable sources of emissions, so sources previously regarded as unconventional have emerged and have been seen to make a significant contribution to airborne PM concentrations. Among these are non-exhaust particles from road traffic, cooking aerosol and wood smoke. The particle size distribution of airborne PM is hugely diverse, ranging from newly formed particles of a few nanometres in diameter through to particles of tens of micrometres in diameter. There has been a great deal of interest in ultrafine (nano) particles because of suspicions of enhanced toxicity, and as traffic emissions decrease as a source, so regional nucleation processes have become much bigger relative contributors to particle number, but not mass. This article is part of a discussion meeting issue 'Air quality, past present and future'. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Featured Application: This work contains relevant data for advanced simulation analysis such as computational fluid dynamics (CFD) that help to understand and mitigate dental aerosol particles towards a safe clinical environment. The ongoing Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has triggered the paralysis of dental services ascribed to the potential spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)-CoV-2. Aerosol-generating procedures (AGPs) are common in dentistry, which in turn increase the risk of infection of the dental personnel due to the salivary presence of SARS-CoV-2 in COVID-19 patients. The use of rubber dam isolation (RDI) and high-volume evacuators (HVE) during AGPs is recommended to control dental aerosols, but the evidence about their effectiveness is scarce. This first study aimed to compare, in a simulated patient, the effectiveness of the following strategies: standard suction (SS), RDI and RDI + HVE. Using the laser diffraction technique, the effect of each condition on the volume distribution, average size and concentration of coarse (PM10), fine (PM2.5) and ultrafine (PM0.1) particles were evaluated. During the teeth drilling, the highest volume fraction of dental aerosol particles with SS was below 1 μm of aerodynamic diameter. Additionally, the RDI + HVE significantly reduced both the ultrafine dental aerosol particles and the concentration of total particulate matter. AGPs represent a potential risk for airborne infections in dentistry. Taken together, these preliminary results suggest that isolation and high-volume suction are effective to reduce ultrafine dental aerosol particles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To determine the prevalence of moderate-to-severe hepatic steatosis (HS) and associated risk factors in members of the World Trade Center (WTC) General Responder Cohort (GRC) who qualify for low-dose non-contrast computed tomography for lung cancer screening and compare them to non-WTC participants in the same screening program. All participants gave written informed consent before participating in this IRB-approved study. Clinical variables and laboratory values were recorded. Hepatic attenuation measurement (Hounsfield unit; HU) was measured on low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) and a threshold attenuation value <40HU indicated moderate-to-severe HS. Bivariate and multivariable linear and logistic regression analyses were performed. Propensity scores (PS) were calculated and inverse probability weighting (IPW) was used to adjust for potential confounders when comparing the WTC with non-WTC participants. The prevalence of moderate-to-severe HS was 16.2% among 154 WTC participants compared to 5.3% among 170 non-WTC participants. In WTC members, moderate-to-severe HS was associated with higher BMI, higher laboratory liver function tests, and former smoking status. Using PS analysis and IPW to account for potential confounders, the odds ratio for moderate-to-severe HS was 3.4-fold higher (95% confidence interval: 1.7–6.7) in the WTC participants compared with non-WTC participants. Moderate-to-severe HS was also associated with higher BMI and former smoker status. Prevalence of moderate-to-severe HS was >3-fold higher in the WTC-GRC group than in other participants. • LDCT images can provide important information about hepatic steatosis non-invasively and at no additional cost. • Individuals with liver attenuation < 40HU on LDCT should be advised of the high likelihood of having excess liver fat. • Patients with liver attenuation < 40HU should contact their referring physician or a liver specialist for further work up. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Some of the recent researches show that air pollutants such as particulate matter (PM), including fine particles (PM<2.5µm, PM2.5) and very fine particles (PM <0.1µm, PM 0.1) can reach the brain and affect CNS health. Neurological complications with Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) have been observed. The aim of this review the relationship between air pollutants exposure and COVID-19 was focused on the role of airborne aerosols particles in the prevalence of the disease, as well as the neurological effects of COVID-19. It is not yet clear how the virus is transmitted from one sick person to another and why it is so transmissible. Viruses can be probably transmitted through speech and exhalation aerosols. Findings show that SARS-CoV-2 aerosol transmission is possible. Spike (S) proteins of SARS-CoV-2 determine tissue tropism using an angiotensinconverting enzyme receptor type2 (ACE-2) to bind to the cells. ACE-2 receptor is found in the tissues of the nervous system. Neurological disorders that occur with COVID-19 can have many pathophysiological backgrounds. Some are the result of a direct viral attack on tissues of the nervous system, others appear to be an autoimmune process post-viral, and still others appear to be the result of systemic and metabolic complications associated with critical illness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Airborne particulate matter with a size of 10 μm or less (PM10) can cause oxidative damages and inflammatory reactions in the skin. This study was conducted to discover natural products that are potentially useful in protecting the skin from PM10. Among the hot water extracts of a total of 23 medicinal plants, Siegesbeckiae Herba extract (SHE), which showed the strongest protective effect against PM10 cytotoxicity, was selected, and its mechanism of action and active constituents were explored. SHE ameliorated PM10-induced cell death, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release, lipid peroxidation, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in HaCaT cells. SHE decreased the expression of KEAP1, a negative regulator of NRF2, and increased the expression of NRF2 target genes, such as HMOX1 and NQO1. SHE selectively induced the enzymes involved in the synthesis of GSH (GCL-c and GCL-m), the regeneration of GSH (GSR and G6PDH), and GSH conjugation of xenobiotics (GSTκ1), rather than the enzymes that directly scavenge ROS (SOD1, CAT, and GPX1). SHE increased the cellular content of GSH and mitigated the oxidation of GSH to GSSG caused by PM10 exposure. Of the solvent fractions of SHE, the n-butyl alcohol (BA) fraction ameliorated cell death in both the absence and presence of PM10. The BA fraction contained a high amount of chlorogenic acid. Chlorogenic acid reduced PM10-induced cell death, LDH release, and ROS production. This study suggests that SHE protects cells from PM10 toxicity by increasing the cellular antioxidant capacity and that chlorogenic acid may be an active phytochemical of SHE.

An analytical method using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with fluorescence (FL) detection was developed for simultaneously analyzing 10 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and 18 nitro-derivatives of PAHs (NPAHs). The two-dimensional HPLC system consists of an on-line clean-up and reduction for NPAHs in the 1st dimension, and separation of the PAHs and the reduced NPAHs and their FL detection in the 2nd dimension after column-switching. To identify an ideal clean-up column for removing sample matrix that may interfere with detection of the analytes, the characteristics of 8 reversed-phase columns were evaluated. The nitrophenylethyl (NPE)-bonded silica column was selected because of its shorter elution band and larger retention factors of the analytes due to strong dipole-dipole interactions. The amino-substituted PAHs (reduced NPAHs), PAHs and deuterated internal standards were separated on polymeric octadecyl-bonded silica (ODS) columns and by dual-channel detection within 120 min including clean-up and reduction steps. The limits of detection were 0.1-9.2 pg per injection for PAHs and 0.1-140 pg per injection for NPAHs. For validation, the method was applied to analyze crude extracts of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) samples and achieved good analytical precision and accuracy. Moreover, the standard reference material (SRM1649b, urban dust) was analyzed by this method and the observed concentrations of PAHs and NPAHs were similar to those in previous reports. Thus, the method developed herein has the potential to become a standard HPLC-based method, especially for NPAHs.

Abstract Background Recently, Asian dust (AD) has become a serious health problem and several studies have clearly proven that AD can aggravate asthma. However, it remains unclear as to which components of AD have a strong effect on the asthma exacerbation caused by AD exposure. Outdoor fungi can increase emergency department visits and hospitalization for asthma exacerbation and can aggravate asthma symptoms. Therefore, this study was aimed at investigating the relationship between AD and outdoor fungi and determining the potential of fungi to cause airborne particulate matter (PM)-related inflammatory responses. Methods Airborne PM was collected each day from January 26, 2015 to February 27, 2015. Daily levels of outdoor fungi-associated PM were calculated using a culture-based method. Production of cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α was assessed in THP1 cells stimulated by the collected airborne PM each day. Results Daily levels of AD particles were assessed using Light Detection and Ranging and did not correlate with outdoor fungi (r = −0.17, P = 0.94). There was also no association between outdoor fungi and the daily production of IL-6 (r = 0.16, P = 0.37), IL-8 (r = 0.19, P = 0.30), or TNF-α induced by collected PM (r = 0.07, P = 0.70). However, the daily levels of AD particles were significantly associated with IL-6 (r = 0.91, P

Atmospheric particulate matters (PM) caused by urban traffic system put residents' health at serious risk. As a method of phytoremediation to mitigate this risk, roadside plants show significant potential to remove PM from the air. However, the relationship between traffic pressure, height, and leaves' capturing capacity is rarely reported. In this study, two common effective roadside plants (Hedera helix, Taxus baccata) with typical leaf shapes (broad and needle-leaved) were selected to explore the foliage capacity under high, middle and low traffic burden. A green wall covered by H. helix was tested to find out the relationship between heights and the amount of accumulated PM. Although the PM capturing capacity varied between different traffic pressures, needle-leaved species generally accumulated more PM than broad-leaved species. For PM10 capturing, needle-leaved species showed higher capacity under all traffic pressures except under the low traffic pressure. For PM2.5 capturing, needle-leaved species accumulated more PM only under the high traffic pressure. Needle-leaved plants were more sensitive to the change of traffic pressures, its PM capturing capacity changed notably between different traffic pressures because its leaf wax is more susceptible to be corroded. Leaf surface contact angle was slightly affected by the change of traffic pressure for broad-leaved species, but for needle-leaved species, it changed greatly. Leaf surface was the main zone for large PM capturing because the large PM was more likely to be stuck in grooves on the leaf surface, while leaf wax was mainly for fine PM absorption because PM with small sizes could adhere to the surface of the wax crystal. By comparing the amount of captured PM by leaf surface of urban roadside plants under different traffic pressures and height ranges, this study optimizes the benefits of roadside plants as traffic-related PM filter under different traffic conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Airborne particulate matter (APM) was collected in four seasons at five different areas of the city of Chengdu, China to study the spatial and seasonal contamination pattern of perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs). The results showed that ∑PFAA concentrations in Downtown Chengdu (mean value: 297 ± 238 pg/m3) were higher than concentrations in suburban areas. The highest concentrations of PFAAs occurred during spring (97.5–709 pg/L; arithmetic mean concentration: 297 ± 191 pg/L) while the lowest concentration occurred during autumn (9.27–105 pg/L; arithmetic mean concentration 41.1 ± 24.8 pg/L). Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) was the main PFAA quantified during winter, summer and autumn, and perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA) was the predominant PFAA in spring. Relative humidity (RH) and average daily precipitation (PRE) showed significant negative correlations with PFAA concentrations in winter and summer, suggesting that they played an important role in controlling PFAA concentrations in APM. The linear structural isomer of PFOA (n -PFOA) was the most abundant isomer in APM in Chengdu, with the average proportion of 85.6% ± 6.13%, higher than the proportion in ECF PFOA commercial products (74.3–77.6%). However, the consistent fingerprint of branched PFOA in the APM implies that ECF PFOA makes a significant contribution to the PFOA in APM. PFOS in the APM collected throughout the year had a mean proportion of 54.0 ± 8.81% of n -PFOS. This proportion of n -PFOS is lower than commercial ECF products (62.9–78.2%), suggesting an additional proportion of branched PFOS isomers in APM in Chengdu. Unlabelled Image • PFAAs concentration in downtown was higher than suburbs in APM. • PFOA was main PFAA in winter, summer and autumn while PFNA was the predominant one in spring. • The fingerprint of PFOA branch isomers in APM was similar to that in ECF products. • The proportion of n -PFOS in APM was lower than that of ECF products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Airborne particulate matter (PM), especially PM2.5, can be easily adsorbed by human respiratory system. Their roles in carrying pathogens for spreading epidemic diseases has attracted great concern. Herein, we developed a novel gelatin filter-based and culture-independent method for investigation of the microbial diversity in PM samples during a haze episode in Tianjin, China. This method involves particle capture by gelatin filters, filter dissolution for DNA extraction, and high-throughput sequencing for analysis of the microbial diversity. A total of 584 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) of bacteria and 370 OTUs of fungi at the genus level were identified during hazy days. The results showed that both bacterial and fungal diversities could be evaluated by this method. This study provides a convenient strategy for investigation of microbial biodiversity in haze, facilitating accurate evaluation of airborne epidemic diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work explores the use of Raman micro-spectroscopy to determine sources of airborne particulate matter collected on PM 2.5 air filters in Imperial Valley, California. The goal is to examine if nearby soil is a potential source of particles sampled on air filters deployed in an urbanized desert area during events of unusually high PM 2.5 excursions. Particle specific composition information can be an indicator of potential origin. This can provide insights into the source of unexpectedly high proportion of large particles sampled on PM 2.5 filters in the vicinity of Imperial Valley. The measured spectral correspondence between the filter and soil particles, in the size range of 2.5–10 μm, is consistent with windblown dust being a likely source of the larger (>2.5 μm) particles collected on the PM 2.5 filters. Additionally, these particles were identified as components of commonly occurring crustal minerals in the vicinity of the sampling site, such as iron oxides, hydroxides, sulfides, titanium dioxides and aluminosilicates. A substantial portion of the analyzed filter particles displayed a strong broadband fluorescence signal, which is consistent with the presence of organic matter and has been recognized as a marker for soil related origin of the filter particles. Elemental carbon (soot) was found to be prevalent among the particles as well, suggesting the existence of combustion related sources. Comparison between a heavily loaded filter sample and a filter with a more typical, lower loading did not show any obvious difference in chemical compositions. In both cases the particles appeared to be of crustal origin with the prevalence of elemental carbon. The primary difference between these two filter samples appear to be their particle size distribution - the heavily loaded filter sample contained greater proportion of large particles (>2.5 μm), and was more consistent with spectral signature of soils analyzed from the region. Image 1 • Molecular ID of airborne PM and soil demonstrates the intrusion of windblown soil in air sampling. • Greater incidence of windblown soil inclusions on days with unusually high wind speeds. • Presence of soil derived intrusion supported by the observance of strong broadband fluorescence. Nearby soil is identified as a source of particles sampled on PM 2.5 air filters deployed in an urbanized desert area (Imperial Valley, California) during events of PM excursions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It has been known for some years now that the occurrence of lameness in horses is closely related to the characteristics of the riding surface and that respiratory tract diseases can be induced by airborne particles. To ensure both optimal rideability (e.g., grip, elasticity, etc.) and low dust production, riding surfaces have to be regularly attended to, which also includes watering the floor. However, at present, it is not known what the individual moisture content of the various types of riding surface should be to ensure optimal rideability or what their potential for releasing dust is at the time of optimal rideability. The aim of the present study was to determine the moisture content, the density as weight/liter, particle size distribution and the release of airborne particulate matter (APM) with a diameter <10 μm (PM10) of the footing material from three types of indoor riding arena surfaces considered to have optimal rideability. Loose footing material samples were taken from the surfaces of 25 indoor riding arenas [5 pure sand (S), 10 sand-wood chips (SW), and 10 sand-fibre (SF)] and investigated under standardized conditions. The evaluation of the surface's rideability was carried out subjectively by the respective facility manager. The ambient particulate monitor TEOM 1400a was used to measure the PM10 production from the footing samples. Although, according to the facility managers, all of the investigated riding surfaces had optimal rideability at the time of sampling; obvious differences could be found with respect to their moisture content, density, particle size distribution, and release of APM, both between and within the 25 indoor arenas. The moisture content of SW (14.96 ± 4.00%) was significantly higher than that of SF (8.99 ± 2.95%; P =.0046), but the S moisture content (10.82 ± 2.65%) was not significantly different to either of them (S vs. SW: P =.0982 and S vs. SF: P =.2446). With respect to the release of APM, it could be shown that the average release from SF was 2.50–5.47 times higher than either for the S or SW (C Sum —S: 12.81 mg/m³air, SW: 5.86 mg/m³air, and SF: 32.06 mg/m³air; t -test—S vs. SW: P =.3882, S vs. SF: P =.2560, and SW vs. SF: P =.0031). The reason for this was the extremely high APM release in three of the ten investigated SF samples. In addition, significant differences were also observed in the APM release within the three individual types of footing. Although no factors significantly affected the release of APM in either the S or SW footings, the density of the SF footing was found to have a significant influence on its APM production: the higher the density, the lower the APM release. The density itself was related to both the footing's moisture content and fiber content. The reason why SF footings with a low density (associated with a high fibrous material content) and a high moisture content tended to cause a greater release of APM is that there was a segregation of the fibrous material caused by the measuring technique used. This led to the fibrous material rising to the top of the sample resulting in a release of APM directly from this material. To prevent such a high release of particles from SF footings with a high fiber content occurring in practice, such footings should be regularly and adequately watered, and any segregation of the fibrous material should be prevented using suitable arena grooming techniques. • A prerequisite for the optimal rideability of an arena surface is its moisture content. • The average moisture content of the three types of footing lay between 9% and 15%. • Airborne particulate matter (APM) release from sand-fibre footings was higher than for the sand or sand-wood chip footings. • Sand-fibre footings showed the highest variations in APM release. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, fast sequential determination and chemical speciation analysis of inorganic arsenic and antimony in airborne particulate matter collected in outdoor and indoor environments using slurry sampling and detection by hydride generation atomic absorption spectrometry (HG-AAS) is proposed. A Doehlert design was applied to optimise the hydride generation conditions of As and Sb for fast sequential determination in the same aliquot of particulate matter samples after preparation of the slurry. The limits of quantification (LoQ) obtained for As and Sb were 0.3 and 0.9 ng m−3, respectively. The accuracy of the analytical method was confirmed by analysis of the certified reference material of urban particulate matter (SRM NIST 1648a), presenting concordance with certified values of 92.7±7.7% for As and 91.2±9.5% for Sb. Precision was expressed as relative standard deviation (% RSD, n=3), with our results presenting values better than 3.4% and 4.2% for total inorganic As and Sb, respectively. For all analysed samples, total As concentrations and its inorganic species were below the LoQ of the analytical method (<0.3 ng m−3). However, the averages of total inorganic Sb concentrations in airborne particulate matter, collected as total suspended outdoor particles (TSPoutdoor), inhalable particulate matter (PM10), and total suspended indoor particles (TSPindoor), were 3.1±0.5, 2.4±0.6, and 2.6±0.4 ng m−3, respectively. Trivalent Sb (Sb3+) was the predominant inorganic species in all samples investigated, with mean percentages of 76%, 72%, and 73% in TSPoutdoor, PM10, and TSPindoor, respectively. The presence of Sb and its predominant inorganic form (Sb3+) can be attributed to vehicular traffic close to the sampled urban areas. Therefore, fast sequential determination of As and Sb and their inorganic species in particulate matter samples prepared as slurry by FS-HG-AAS is an efficient, accurate, and precise method and can be successfully applied to routine analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Air pollution is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). This study aims to evaluate the correlation between air pollutants and hospitalization due to myocardial infarction (MI) as part of "correlation of air pollution with hospitalization and mortality of CVDs and respiratory diseases (CAPACITY) study". METHODS: This case-crossover study analyzed the data of 319 patients who were admitted with diagnosis of ST-elevation MI (STEMI) or non-ST-elevation MI (NSTEMI) in three main hospitals of Isfahan, Iran. The data of airborne pollutants including particulate matter < 10 μm (PM10), particulate matter < 2.5 μm (PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), carbon monoxide (CO), and ozone (O3) as well as climatic indices (temperature, wind speed, and humidity) at 24 hours, 48 hours, and one week before admission were extracted from CAPACITY study. The conditional logistic regression method was used to evaluate the correlation between air pollutants and MI hospitalization. RESULTS: 319 patients with mean age of 63.15 ± 28.14 years, including 238 men (74.6%), and 207 patients (64.8%) with STEMI. The risk of hospitalization significantly increased in STEMI patients with 10-unit increment in PM2.5 at 48 hours before admission [odds ratio (OR) = 3.70, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.69-7.69]. Although, majority of air pollutants had positive association with hospitalization in patients with NSTEMI, they were not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: This study showed significant association between elevated PM2.5 at 48 hours with hospitalization of patients with STEMI. This finding can warn policy makers to design and provide better care services for patients at risk of acute MI during the times of increased air pollution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: There is significant concern about the respiratory health of deployed military service members given the reported airborne hazards in southwest Asia, which range from geologic dusts, burn pit emissions, chemical exposures, and increased rates of smoking. There has been no previous comparison of pre- and post-deployment lung function in these individuals. METHODS: Military personnel who deployed to southwest Asia in support of ongoing military operations were recruited from the Soldier Readiness Processing Center at Fort Hood, Texas, from 2011 to 2014. The participants were asked to complete a brief survey on their respiratory health and perform both spirometry and impulse oscillometry studies at baseline with repeated survey and testing after deployment. RESULTS: Of the 1,693 deployed personnel who completed baseline examinations, 843 (50%) completed post-deployment testing. Post-deployment values demonstrated no statistical or clinical change in spirometry, with an increase in mean ± SD FEV1 (% predicted) from 95.2 ± 12.6 to 96.1 ± 12.4 (P = .14), increase in mean ± SD FVC (% predicted) from 95.9 ± 11.8 to 96.4 ± 11.9 (P = .32), and increase in mean ± SD FEV1/FVC from 81.5 ± 5.9 to 81.8 ± 6.1 (P = .29). Impulse oscillometry values showed statistical improvement with reduction in resistance (at 5 Hz and 20 Hz) and reactance (at 5 Hz). The presence of pre-deployment obstruction, self-reported asthma, smoking history, or increased body mass index also did not change spirometry values after deployment. DISCUSSION: To our knowledge, this was the first prospective evaluation of deploying military by using spirometry as an indicator for the possible development of pulmonary disease related to environmental exposures. Pre-deployment testing with spirometry and impulse oscillometry was unable to detect any significant change. In those with abnormal spirometry pre-deployment or asthma history, there was also not identifiable change that indicated worsening lung function. CONCLUSIONS: Utilization of spirometry for the deploying military population had little benefit and did not identify individuals with lung disease after deployment. Routine use was not warranted before or after deployment in the absence of pulmonary symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many epidemiological studies have associated bioaerosol exposures with a variety of adverse health effects; however, the role of bioaerosol components in the development and manifestation of hypersensitivity and non-infectious respiratory diseases remains unclear. Despite many studies which have examined allergic responses to bioaerosols, less is known about non-allergenic effects. In order to elucidate the mechanisms by which bioaerosols can exert non-atopic stresses on a cellular level, there is a need for improving existing in vitro approaches. In response, a cohort of toxicology assays were optimized to create a robust analytical suite for studying the effects that biogenic atmospheric pollutants generate on two model human lung cell lines (A549 epithelial line and GDM-1 immature macrophage line). To demonstrate the utility for studying the cellular responses to select bioaerosols, cells exposed to curdlan (a linear (1 → 3)-β-glucan) were examined in a composite cytometry platform. Results suggest that curdlan has the potential to elicit significant responses in A549 and GDM-1 in two or more toxicological modes associated with exposure to airborne particulate matter. As designed, this suite provided a more powerful tool for characterizing curdlan-induced toxicological potential than any individual assay. Responses to curdlan were distinctly modal and cell line dependent, suggesting that the use of a suite of toxicological assays, in a common platform on different cell lines, can help provide important insights into the formative toxigenic responses that primary bioaerosols can induce in respiratory cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract In order to investigate the relationship between air pollution and the respiratory tract microbiota, 114 healthy volunteers aged 18–21 years were selected during the winter heating period in Northeast China; 35 from a lightly polluted region (group A), 40 from a moderately polluted region (group B) and 39 from a heavily polluted region (group C). Microbial genome DNA was extracted from throat swab samples to study the oral flora composition of the volunteers by amplifying and sequencing the V3 regions of prokaryotic 16S rRNA. Lung function tests were also performed. The relative abundance of Bacteroidetes and Fusobacteria were significantly lower and Firmicutes Proteonacteria and Actinobacteria higher in participants from polluted regions. Within bacteria classes, Bacterioida abundance was lower and Clostridia abundance higher in polluted areas, which was also reflected in the order of abundance. In samples from region C, the abundance of Prevotellaceae , Veillonellaceae , Porphyromonadaceae , Fusobacteriaceae Paraprevollaceae and Flavobacteriaceae were lowest among the 3 regions studied, whereas the abundance of Lachnospiraceae and Ruminococcaceae were the highest. From group A to group C, the relative class abundances of Prevotella , Veillonella, Fusobacterium, Camphylobacter and Capnocytophaga Porphyromonas, Peptostreptococcus and Moraxella became lower in polluted areas. Pulmonary function correlated with air pollution and the oropharyngeal microbiota differed within regions of high, medium and low air pollution. Thus, during the winter heating period in Northeast China, the imbalance of the oropharyngeal microbiota might be caused by air pollution and is likely associated with impairment of lung function in young people. Graphical abstract Image 1 Highlights • There were different air pollutions in 3 areas of Northeast China. • The oropharyngeal microbiota differed according to the air pollution. • Pulmonary function had a declining trend in moderately- and heavily-polluted areas. • Oropharyngeal microbiotic imbalance by air pollution might cause lung impairment. The oropharyngeal microbiota in healthy participants differed according to the extent of air pollution in 3 regions of Northeastern China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Road tunnel construction involves the use of explosives and diesel-powered machines in a very limited indoor space. Tunnel construction workers are thus exposed to a variety of toxic substances, including dust, asbestos, silica, concrete, diesel fumes, and oil mist. In this study, the low noise miniaturized Sioutas Cascade Impactor (SKC) has been used to collect PM samples as a function of particle size (i.e., aerodynamic diameter). Airborne particulates were sampled into a road tunnel (final length 2391 m) under construction near the village of Pale, Municipality of Foligno, Umbrian Apennines (State Highway 77 "Val di Chienti"). Three sampling sessions were performed: (i) in the West yard, during dislodging of rocks; (ii) in the East yard during drilling of rocks, and (iii) during scaling and grouting with quick-drying shotcrete. The aim of this study was to characterize size-fractionated PM samples for their cytotoxic/genotoxic potentials. Toxicological evaluation was carried out in vitro on A549 lung carcinoma cells: cytotoxicity was assessed by Trypan blue dye exclusion assay, whereas genotoxicity was assessed by comet assay (primary DNA damage) and cytokinesis-block micronucleus (CBMN) Cytome assay (cytogenetic effects). Primary DNA damage (i.e., strand breakage) was mainly caused by coarse fractions A (Ø > 2.5 μm) sampled in the West yard (sample i) and in the East yard (sample iii). Cytogenetic effects were mainly caused by the fine fractions AF (aerodynamic Ø < 0.25 μm) sampled in the East yard (sample ii). Results reported in this article show that particulate matter (PM) samples collected underground (i.e., during road tunnel construction) may trigger various cytotoxic/genotoxic effects. The recent classification of air pollution and PM itself as carcinogenic to humans (group 1) by the IARC makes indoor/outdoor air pollution a growing matter of concern. Our results highlight the need in this occupational setting for a reduction, if applicable, of PM emission (prevention), or an implementation of work practices by stressing the importance of proper use of protective equipment (protection). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Particulate matter (PM) pollution is a major environmental factor to global health problems. It exposes to the skin of human body, induces skin diseases and aging. Sargassum fusiforme is rich in a variety of bioactive substances and possesses the potential to protect skin against PM-stimulated damage. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of the fucoidan (SF-F4) isolated from S. fusiforme on PM-stimulated skin damage in human keratinocytes (HaCaT cells) and human dermal fibroblasts (HDF cells). The results show that PM significantly increased ROS level and promoted the cell death in both HaCaT cells and HDF cells. However, SF-F4 effectively increased the viability of PM-treated HaCaT cells by inhibiting apoptosis via scavenging intracellular ROS. In addition, SF-F4 regulated the expressions of MMPs and pro-inflammatory molecules in PM-stimulated HDF cells in a concentration-dependent manner, thus, it increasing pro-collagen content of PM-stimulated HDF cells. In conclusion, the current findings indicate that SF-F4 can effective inhibit PM-induced oxidative stress and reduce the secretion of pro-inflammatory factors and MMPs in cells, thereby slowing down the triggering of skin damage, suggesting that SF-F4 may be a potential pharmaceutical or cosmetic ingredient. • The fucoidan suppressed particulate matter-stimulated oxidative damage in epidermal and dermal skin cells. • The fucoidan improved pro-collagen synthesis in particulate matter-stimulated dermal skin cells. • The fucoidan inhibited the expressions of MMPs and pro-inflammatory cytokines in particulate matter-stimulated dermal skin cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Air quality and concentration of airborne particles in internal wards of hospital are considered as factors affecting the health of patients and medical staff. Objective: To determine the air quality and airborne particles concentrations in internal wards of Qazvin Bu-Ali Sina hospital. Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out in Qazvin Bu-Ali Sina hospital from September to December 2015. Sampling gathered twice a week with hand held real time instrument (micro-dust pro. model HP3275-05, Casella Co), using by airborne particles samplers probe with a diameter of less than 2.5 and less than 10 microns in the air flow 3.5 liters per minute for 10 minutes. Air Quality Index was measured with "Air Quality Index calculator" software and analysis of results was done using statistical paired-T and Pearson tests. Findings: The highest average concentration of 24-hour airborne particles with a diameter of 2.5 and 10 micrometer was 46.38 and 13.49 micrograms per cubic meter respectively in men hearts ward and the lowest was in the laboratory and eyes wards. There was a positive significant correlation between the concentration of suspended particles with size less than 2.5 micrometers in indoor and outdoor environment (r=0.93). Conclusion: The findings indicate poor ventilation and impact of outdoor air quality and internal emission sources on internal wards air quality. Facilitating the spread and transmission of infectious agents grounds for infection transmission outside the hospital, in addition to endangering the health of staff and prolonging period of patients’ hospitalization.

Objectives: Concentrations of particulate matter that contains particles with diameter ≤ 10 mm (PM10) and diameter ≤ 2.5 mm (PM2.5) as well as nitrogen dioxide (NO2) have considerable impact on human mortality, especially in the cases when cardiovascular or respiratory causes are attributed. Additionally, they affect morbidity. An estimation of human mortality and morbidity due to the increased concentrations of PM10, PM2.5 and NO2 between the years 2005–2013 was performed for the city of Kraków, Poland. For this purpose the Air Quality Health Impact Assessment Tool (AirQ) software was successfully applied. Material and Methods: The Air Quality Health Impact Assessment Tool was used for the calculation of the total, cardiovascular and respiratory mortality as well as hospital admissions related to cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. Data on concentrations of PM10, PM2.5 and NO2, which was obtained from the website of the Voivodeship Inspectorate for Environmental Protection (WIOS) in Kraków, was used in this study. Results: Total mortality due to exposure to PM10 in 2005 was found to be 41 deaths per 100 000 and dropped to 30 deaths per 100 000 in 2013. Cardiovascular mortality was 2 times lower than the total mortality. However, hospital admissions due to respiratory diseases were more than an order of magnitude higher than the respiratory mortality. Conclusions: The calculated total mortality due to PM2.5 was higher than that due to PM10. Air pollution was determined to have a significant effect on human health. The values obtained by the use of the AirQ software for the city of Kraków imply that exposure to polluted air can result in serious health problems.

The study aims to determine the inorganic and organic phases in airborne particulate matter (PM) collected near a landf ill facility. The establishments within the vicinity of the landfill considered in the study were a junk shop, a school, and a money changer shop. From the elemental analysis using inductively-coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), lead and cadmium were discovered to be more abundant in the total suspended particulate (TSP) fraction, whereas copper was more abundant in the smaller PM2.5. Manganese, arsenic, strontium, cadmium, and lead were more abundant in the PM10 fraction than in PM2.5. The results of the chemical characterization were compiled and evaluated in a geochemical modelling code (PHREEQC) to determine the potential speciation of these chemical constituents. Solution complexes of As, Pb, Cd and phthalates, and metal species, such as H2AsO3- , Cd2OH3+, Pb(OH)3-, were predicted to form by the PHREEQC simulation runs once the endmember components interact with water. The results contribute to the background information on the potential impacts from exposure to airborne PM at workplaces around landfill facilities. Moreover, the data gathered provide a baseline for the chemical characterization and behavior of chemical constituents of PM possibly present in this specific type of environment.

A fluidized bed aerosol generator was connected to a 13-stage cascade impactor (nanoMOUDI) for the size fractionation of urban dust (10 (thoracic) fraction of road dust sampled from expressways, arterial roads and local roads in Toronto, Canada. The fine particle fractions (10 (by weight). Elemental analysis using ICP-MS and ICP-OES revealed an overall trend of element enrichment in the p < 0.05) for Zn when using Gamble solution, and for seven out of the 14 target elements when using ammonium citrate. These results show the importance of characterizing the fine fraction of road dust.

The ongoing Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has triggered the paralysis of dental services ascribed to the potential spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)-CoV-2. Aerosol-generating procedures (AGPs) are common in dentistry, which in turn increase the risk of infection of the dental personnel due to the salivary presence of SARS-CoV-2 in COVID-19 patients. The use of rubber dam isolation (RDI) and high-volume evacuators (HVE) during AGPs is recommended to control dental aerosols, but the evidence about their effectiveness is scarce. This first study aimed to compare, in a simulated patient, the effectiveness of the following strategies: standard suction (SS), RDI and RDI + HVE. Using the laser diffraction technique, the effect of each condition on the volume distribution, average size and concentration of coarse (PM10), fine (PM2.5) and ultrafine (PM0.1) particles were evaluated. During the teeth drilling, the highest volume fraction of dental aerosol particles with SS was below 1 μm of aerodynamic diameter. Additionally, the RDI + HVE significantly reduced both the ultrafine dental aerosol particles and the concentration of total particulate matter. AGPs represent a potential risk for airborne infections in dentistry. Taken together, these preliminary results suggest that isolation and high-volume suction are effective to reduce ultrafine dental aerosol particles.

Pesticides are frequently sprayed in greenhouses to ensure crop yields, where airborne particulate matter (PM) may serve as a carrier in depositing and transporting pesticides. However, little is known about the occurrence and fate of PM-borne pesticides in greenhouses. Herein, we examined the distribution, dissipation, and transformation of six commonly used pesticides (imidacloprid, acetamiprid, prochloraz, triadimefon, hexaconazole, and tebuconazole) in greenhouse PM (PM 1 , PM 2.5 , and PM 10 ) after application as well as the associated human exposure risks via inhalation. During 35 days of experiment, the six pesticides were detected in all PM samples, and exhibited size- and time-dependent distribution characteristics, with the majority of them (>64.6%) accumulated in PM 1 . About 1.0-16.4% of initially measured pesticides in PM remained after 35 days, and a total of 12 major transformation products were elucidated, with six of them newly identified. The inhalation of PM could be an important route of human exposure to pesticides in the greenhouse, where the estimated average daily human inhalation dose (ADD inh ) of the six individual pesticides was 2.1-1.2 × 10 4 pg/kg day -1 after application (1-35 days). Our findings highlight the occurrence of pesticides/transformation products in greenhouse PM, and their potential inhalation risks should be further concerned.

This study was conducted to quantitatively examine the effects of respiratory protective equipment (respirators) and various other types of protectors in preventing the scattering of vocalization droplets. Each of 12 adult male volunteers was asked to vocalize intermittently for 1 min at a target intensity of approximately 100 dBA in an experimental room adjusted to a humidity of approximately 60-70%. The subjects vocalized while wearing respirators, other types of protectors, or no protectors at all. The droplet concentration in a particle size range of 0.3 to 10 μm was measured under each experimental condition, and the transmitted particle concentration and penetration were calculated. The concentration and penetration of particles transmitted from the respirators were lower than those transmitted from the other protectors examined. The probability of infection reduction through the use of the protectors was estimated from the data obtained on the effectiveness of the protectors in preventing the scattering of droplets. We concluded that there is no need for additional droplet scattering prevention in various work settings when appropriate respirators are used under optimal conditions.

This study measured both PM10 and surface dust concentrations at roadside in the Central Business District of Baguio City. A total of 66 PM10 filters and 25 surface dust samples were analyzed for 14 metals (Na, Mg, Al, Ca, Cr, Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Sr, Cd and Pb) using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer ICP-MS to characterize sources of airborne particulate matter (APM). Calculation of enrichment factors indicated elements Zn, Cd, Pb and As to be enriched in both PM10 and surface dust samples. The compositional signature of local surface dust was found to be strongly correlated with that of PM10 particles. Enrichment Factor, Conditional Probability Function (CPF), Correlation Analysis and Principal component analysis were applied to determine sources affecting the Baguio CBD area, and results indicate three APM contributing sources (1) soil sources and (2) soil-road dust resuspension and vehicular emissions (3) vehicular emissions. The NE and SW wind sectors were dominant for most of the identified sources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An important contributor to non-exhaust emissions in urban areas is airborne particulate matter originating from brake systems. A well-established way to test such systems in industry is to use inertia dynamometer benches; although they are quite expensive to run. Pin-on-disc tribometers, on the other hand, are relatively cheap to run, but simplify the real system. The literature indicates promising correlations between these two test stands with regard to measured airborne number distribution. Recent studies also show a strong dependency between the airborne number concentration and the disc temperature. However, a direct comparison that also takes into account temperature effects is missing. The aim of this paper is, therefore, to investigate how the transition temperature is affected by the different test scales, under dragging conditions, and the effects on total concentration and size distribution. New and used low-steel pins/pads were tested against cast iron discs/rotors on both the aforementioned test stands, appositely designed for particulate emission studies. A constant normal load and constant rotational velocity were imposed in both test stands. Results show that a transition temperature can always be identified. However, it is influenced by the test scale and the frictional pair status. Nevertheless, emissions are assessed similarly when an equivalent frictional pair status is analysed (e.g. run-in). Further investigations for fully run-in samples on the pin-on-disc should be performed in order to finally assess the possibility of using the tribometers for the initial assessment of different friction materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract One of the factors strongly influencing air quality in horse stables is the release of airborne particulate matter (APM) from roughage. This study examined the effects of a new system of steaming whole hay bales on the release of APM from hay. The hay bales were first watered from above and then placed in a specially constructed box and steamed with water vapor. To determine the effect of steaming the bales on the release of APM <10 μm (PM 10) and <2.5 μm (PM 2.5), samples of untreated and treated (watered and steamed) hay were examined under standardized conditions using a gravimetric particle analyzer (TEOM 1400a). In addition, the moisture content of the samples was measured. The average moisture content of the untreated samples was 13%. After watering/steaming the average moisture content rose to 31%, with a gradient from the surface to the center of the bale. Compared to untreated hay, watering/steaming of whole hay bales showed a nearly 90% decrease in PM 10 and PM 2.5 release and a mean decrease in bacteria and mold content in the hay dry matter (DM) of 49.70% and 34.53%, respectively. However, the quality of the watering/steaming process and hay bale texture has to be considered. Furthermore, an exponential relationship between the moisture content of the hay samples and their PM 10 and PM 2.5 release could be shown. A reduction in PM 10 and PM 2.5 release was determined for a moisture content of up to 25%. Highlights • Roughage (hay) contains high levels of airborne particulate matter. • Watering/steaming of hay bales leads to a reduction of PM 10 and PM 2.5 generation. • Watering/steaming of hay bales leads to a reduction of mold content in the hay. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Platinum (Pt), palladium (Pd) and rhodium (Rh) are most widely used in the production of automotive catalytic converters that serve to reduce toxic emissions from motor vehicles. The aim of this study was to quantitatively determine the levels of platinum, palladium and rhodium in the PM 10 and PM 2.5 fraction of airborne particle matter and find their spatial and temporal distribution at different polluted areas of the city of Zagreb, Croatia. The method used in this paper included weekly sampling of airborne particle matter on quartz filters, microwave digestion in acid under high pressure and temperature, and analysis by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP MS). The results have shown that the highest mean values at all three sampling stations (North, Center, South) were obtained for palladium (3.856 pg m −3 , 5.396 pg m −3 , 5.600 pg m −3 ) and the lowest for rhodium (0.444 pg m −3 , 0.643 pg m −3 , 0.750 pg m −3 ). The average mass concentrations of platinum group elements (PGE) in PM 10 increased for all three elements in the direction North < Center < South which had to do with the traffic load nearby the monitoring stations. The ratio of measured mass concentrations to all measuring stations was similar to platinum, palladium and rhodium content in automotive catalytic converters. Factor analysis grouped platinum, palladium and rhodium at all of the monitoring stations, and their relation to other metals together with the aforementioned results indicate that their main source of pollution is traffic or precisely automotive catalytic converters. At all three of the monitoring sites, higher values were measured during the colder part of the year. The results of measuring platinum, palladium and rhodium levels in the city of Zagreb are the first results of their kind for this area and will provide insights into the contribution of catalytic converters to the presence of these elements in the environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel ultrasound assisted extraction procedure was developed prior to the determination of heterocyclic aromatic amines by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometric detection. Airborne particulate matter PM 2.5 and PM 10 samples ( n = 34) were collected during the spring season from urban residential emission sites, as well as from biomass burning. The organic compounds were extracted from the quartz fiber filter by a quick ultrasound assisted methanol-based extraction. Linearity of the method was in the range 0.58 ng g −1 to 50 ng g −1 with correlation coefficients (R 2 ) from 0.993 to 0.999. The limits of detection resulted to be between 0.19 ng g −1 and 3.27 ng g −1 . The relative standard deviations varied from 5.4 to 8.5 ( n = 3). The recoveries ranged from 83% to 109% for all of the analytes. Concentrations of the analytes in PM 2.5 were between 4.1 ng m −3 (2.07 ng g −1 ) and 240.9 ng m −3 (120.5 ng g −1 ), meanwhile in PM 10 , were from 23.0 ng m −3 (11.4 ng g −1 ) to 355.1 ng m −3 (176.2 ng g −1 ). The proposed methodology resulted simple, rapid and accurate for its application to the determination of heterocyclic aromatic amines in airborne particulate matter from different emission sources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this pilot study was to test spider webs as a fast tool for magnetic biomonitoring of air pollution. The study involved the investigation of webs made by four types of spiders: Pholcus phalangioides (Pholcidae), Eratigena atrica and Agelena labirynthica (Agelenidae) and Linyphia triangularis (Linyphiidae). These webs were obtained from outdoor and indoor study sites. Compared to the clean reference webs, an increase was observed in the values of magnetic susceptibility in the webs sampled from both indoor and outdoor sites, which indicates contamination by anthropogenically produced pollution particles that contain ferrimagnetic iron minerals. This pilot study has demonstrated that spider webs are able to capture particulate matter in a manner that is equivalent to flora-based bioindicators applied to date (such as mosses, lichens, leaves). They also have additional advantages; for example, they can be generated in isolated clean habitats, and exposure can be monitored in indoor and outdoor locations, at any height and for any period of time. Moreover, webs are ubiquitous in an anthropogenic, heavily polluted environment, and they can be exposed throughout the year. As spider webs accumulate pollutants to which humans are exposed, they become a reliable source of information about the quality of the environment. Therefore, spider webs are recommended for magnetic biomonitoring of airborne pollution and for the assessment of the environment because they are non-destructive, low-cost, sensitive and efficient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]