Effects of short-term exposures to ultrafine particles near an airport in healthy adults

RationaleRecent studies reported elevated concentrations of ultrafine particles (UFP) near airports. Since UFP can deposit deep into the lungs and other organs, they may lead to adverse health effects. We investigated if controlled short-term exposures to UFP near an airport and two highways were associated with adverse cardiopulmonary outcomes. Methods: In this cross-over study, 21 healthy non-smoking adults (age range: 18-35 years) were repeatedly (2-5 visits) exposed for 5 hours to ambient air near Schiphol Airport, while performing intermittent cycling. Associations between pre-post exposure changes in cardiopulmonary parameters (spirometry, FeNO, ECG, blood pressure (BP)) and both total- and size-specific particle number concentrations (PNC) were assessed, using linear mixed effect models. Results: The total PNC was on average 53,500 #/cm3 (range 10,500-173,200) and was significantly associated with decreased FVC and prolonged QTc (table 1). These associations correlated with particles 50 nm (mainly UFP from road traffic). Conclusion: Short-term exposures to aviation-related UFP near a major airport were associated with decreased FVC and prolonged QTc intervals in healthy adults. Effects of long-term exposure to high UFP levels might have health implications and should be further investigated.