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PARTICULATE MATTER AND HUMAN HEALTH: USING HUMAN STUDIES TO UNDERSTAND SUSCEPTIBILITY
Citation:
GRAFF, D., R. B. DEVLIN, M. HERBST, W. CASCIO, A. HINDERLITER, J. M. SAMET, Y. T. HUANG, AND A. J. GHIO. PARTICULATE MATTER AND HUMAN HEALTH: USING HUMAN STUDIES TO UNDERSTAND SUSCEPTIBILITY. Presented at EPA Science Forum, Washington, DC, May 16 - 18, 2006.
Description:
The potential for experiencing adverse health effects from air pollution particulate matter (PM) exposure is an important public health issue. The World Health Organization has estimated that PM contributes to the deaths of 500,000 people world-wide each year. Epidemiologic studies conducted in the past decade have demonstrated that certain subgroups of the population are at increased risk for suffering adverse health effects. These susceptible populations identified include older individuals, children, asthmatics, diabetics, and individuals with cardiovascular or pulmonary disease. However, there are many questions yet to be answered. In many cases the offending particle type or particle component has not been identified. As well, often the underlying mechanisms contributing to increased risk for certain individuals are unknown.
Investigators in the National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory are using epidemiologic and panel studies, controlled exposures, and laboratory experiments to identify the health effects of susceptible populations exposed to PM and to ascertain the underlying mechanisms which contribute to susceptibility. This poster will provide information regarding the effects of PM exposure on health endpoints in healthy older individuals, diabetics, and individuals with risk factors for cardiovascular disease. This abstract does not necessarily reflect EPA policy.