Short-Term Effects Of Airport-Associated Ultrafine Particle Exposure On Lung Function And Inflammation

Introduction: Exposure to ultrafine particles (UFP, particles with aerodynamic diameter less than 100nm) is associated with reduced pulmonary function and increased airway inflammation in asthmatics. A recent study showed that UFP number concentrations downwind of the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) are elevated 4- to 5- fold, putting a large fraction of the population at risk. Methods: We conducted a randomized crossover study of 21 non-smoking adults with mild to moderate asthma in Nov-Dec 2014 and May-Jul 2015. Participants conducted scripted, mild walking activity for 2 hours, resting every 15 minutes, on 2 occasions, in public parks inside (exposure) and outside (control) of the LAX high UFP impact zone. Spirometry (FVC, FEV1), multiple flow exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO, at 30, 50, 100 and 300 ml/s), and blood draws for inflammatory cytokines (hsIL-6, sTNFrII, vWF, fibrinogen) were performed pre- and post- exposure. Personal UFP particle numbers (PN) and lung deposited surface area (LDSA) and s...