Differential toxicities of fine particulate matters from various sources

TLDR

Fine particulate matters <2.5 µm (PM₂.₅) are strongly linked to adverse health effects, yet their toxicity likely varies with size and chemical composition. The study determined toxicity scores for PM₂.₅ from combustion sources (diesel, gasoline, biomass, coal) and non‑combustion sources (road dust, sea spray, ammonium sulfate/nitrate, secondary organic aerosols) by integrating multiple biological and chemical endpoints. Diesel exhaust particles exhibited the highest toxicity score, followed by gasoline, biomass, coal, and road dust, indicating traffic emissions are the most critical source of harmful fine particles.

Abstract

Abstract Fine particulate matters less than 2.5 µm (PM 2.5 ) in the ambient atmosphere are strongly associated with adverse health effects. However, it is unlikely that all fine particles are equally toxic in view of their different sizes and chemical components. Toxicity of fine particles produced from various combustion sources (diesel engine, gasoline engine, biomass burning (rice straw and pine stem burning), and coal combustion) and non-combustion sources (road dust including sea spray aerosols, ammonium sulfate, ammonium nitrate, and secondary organic aerosols (SOA)), which are known major sources of PM 2.5 , was determined. Multiple biological and chemical endpoints were integrated for various source-specific aerosols to derive toxicity scores for particles originating from different sources. The highest toxicity score was obtained for diesel engine exhaust particles, followed by gasoline engine exhaust particles, biomass burning particles, coal combustion particles, and road dust, suggesting that traffic plays the most critical role in enhancing the toxic effects of fine particles. The toxicity ranking of fine particles produced from various sources can be used to better understand the adverse health effects caused by different fine particle types in the ambient atmosphere, and to provide practical management of fine particles beyond what can be achieved only using PM mass which is the current regulation standard.