RUPIOH

Research Team

• Juha Pekkanen, M.D., Ph.D., docent
• Marko Vallius, M.Sc.
• Pekka Tiittanen M.Sc.

Partnerships

• Markku Kulmala, prof, Dept. of Physics, University of Helsinki

Funding

• European Commission (QLK4-CT-2001-00452 )

Contact person(s)

• Juha Pekkanen, tel: +358-17-201368, e-mail: juha.pekkanen@ktl.fi

Background

It is still not know which physical and/or chemical characteristics of PM are most important as determinants of health effects. A number of studies are suggesting that ultrafine particles (particles < 100 nanometer) may be particularly important. However, exposure assessment for ultrafine particles is still in its initial stage.

Objectives

• To improve exposure assessment for ultrafine particles by investigating the relationship between indoor and outdoor particle counts
• to compare the relative strength of the association between outdoor and indoor exposure to airborne particles (particle number counts, PM10 and PM2.5) and respiratory health of sensitive subjects

Description

In this panel study 40 non-working, non-smoking patients with asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or other chronic respiratory conditions are followed for six months.. During this time the subjects complete a daily diary with questions about respiratory symptoms, medication use and factors related to indoor sources of particles and penetration of particles indoors. At a central site, PM2.5, PM10 and total particle number counts will be measured in outdoor air. For each subject, during one week the same pollutants will be measured inside the home and directly outside the home. During the week they will keep a time activity diary and respiratory health will be recorded by measurement of lung function, respiratory symptoms, and medication use. A marker for lung damage will be analysed from urine samples.

Files

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