Facing Hazardous Matter in Atmospheric Particles with NanoSIMS (2 pp) |
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Authors: | Andreas Krein Jean-Nicolas Audinot Henry-Noël Migeon Lucien Hoffmann |
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Institution: | (1) Scientific Journals, ecomed publishers, 86899 Landsberg, Germany |
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Abstract: | Background, Aim and Scope
Current scientific studies and evaluations clearly show that an increase of urban dust loads, alone or combined with other
pollutants und certain meteorological conditions lead to different significant health effects. Premature death, increased
hospital admissions and increased respiratory symptoms and diseases as well as decreased lung function can be observed in
combination with high pollutant levels. Sensitive groups like elderly people or children and persons with cardiopulmonary
diseases such as asthma are more strongly affected. Because of the direct contact between fine particles and lung tissue more
information concerning the surface structure (mapping of toxic elements) is required.
Materials and Methods:
The NanoSims50 ion microprobe images the element composition at the surface of sub-micrometer air dust particles and documents
hot spots of toxic elements as a possible threat for human health.
Results:
The atmospheric fine dust consists of a complex mixture of organic and inorganic compounds. Heavy metals are fixed on airborn
particles in the form of hot spots in a nanometer scale. From a sanitary point of view, the hot spots consisting of toxic
elements are particularly relevant as they react directly with the lung tissues.
Discussion:
To what extent particles can penetrate the various areas of the lungs and be deposited there depends on the one hand on their
physical characteristics and on the other on breathing patterns and the anatomy of the lung, which is subject to change as
the result of growth, ageing or illness. Once inhaled, some particles can reach the pulmonary alveoli and thus directly expose
the lung tissues to toxic elements.
Conclusions:
Especially the mapping of toxic arsenic or heavy metals like copper on the dust particles shows local hot spots of pollution
in the dimension of only 50 nanometers.
Recommendations and Perspectives:
Imaging of elements in atmospheric particles with NanoSIMS will help to identify the material sources. |
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Keywords: | NanoSIMS50 heavy metals chemical mapping atmospheric dust arsenic |
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