Periodic Reporting for period 1 - ULTRHAS (ULtrafine particles from TRansportation – Health Assessment of Sources)
Periodo di rendicontazione: 2021-09-01 al 2023-02-28
The ULTRHAS project addresses the human health impact of ultrafine particles (UFPs, particles < 100nm) from emissions of different transport modes. The project applies cutting-edge exhaust generation and exposure approaches and explores the importance of physicochemical characteristics and atmospheric processes for biological effects of UFPs. The overarching objective is to improve risk assessment of air pollutants and to advise policymakers and regulators on more targeted mitigation measures against the emission components and sources that contribute the most to adverse effects in the population. This will allow for more efficient initiatives to improve urban air quality and promote health and well-being.
During the first 18 months of the ULTRHAS project the necessary administrative systems and operating bodies have been established, along with tools for internal and external communication and dissemination. Exposure systems and cell models have been optimized, standard operating procedures (SOPs) have been developed to align test systems across partner labs, and tools for health impact assessment are under development. In a pilot-campaign performed in collaboration with another ongoing project, fresh and aged emissions from light-duty vehicles were tested in different lung cell models, providing valuable input for the main ULTRHAS test campaigns. Studies have also been performed with model UFPs (from a soot generator) varying content of semi-volatile organic chemicals (SVOCs) to further explore the importance of particle composition. At the end of the reporting period, the first major test campaign on aircraft and ship/heavy-duty engine emissions has been successfully performed, and results are currently being analysed. The preliminary results show that alterations in particle chemistry lead to alterations in biological effects. This suggests that the toxicity of emissions from different transport modes is likely to vary, given sufficient differences in chemical composition. Photooxidative ageing of light-duty gasoline engine emissions (EURO6) significantly increased UFP number concentrations through formation of particles with a mean size of 35 nm and primarily consisting of organic chemicals, nitrate, and ammonium. Furthermore, the photooxidative ageing appeared to increase the toxicity of the gasoline engine emissions.
The ULTRHAS project is progressing according to schedule on developing its in vitro approach, combining ALI-exposure of cutting-edge 3D lung models with indirect exposure of 2D and 3D secondary tissue models to fully characterised exhausts from different sources. The approach will allow for simultaneous assessment of lung and secondary tissue effects of airborne pollutants from the same ALI-exposure. Furthermore, the DALY-intake model is being modified for assessment of UFP exposure based on in vitro data. If successful, this will considerably advance toxicity testing and health impact assessment of inhaled pollutants beyond current state of the art.
The ULTRHAS project is expected to provide novel insight into the mechanisms and key drivers of adverse effects from transport emissions, evaluating the role of UFPs, particle number concentrations, chemical composition as well as specific emission sources, and expedite the progress towards solutions to urban air pollution, which is currently the largest environmental health problem, in Europe and worldwide.
Developing cost-efficient solutions to reduce the adverse health impact from transport emissions is of considerable significance for European and global economy. The global demand for cleaner, low-emission transport technologies also provides a market for new and innovative solutions. Thus, ULTRHAS will provide an attractive knowledge base for the commercial development of improved engine and exhaust cleansing technologies, novel fuel types and improved wear components.
By providing solutions and tools for local authorities and policy makers to assess and prevent health impacts of transport mode emissions, and by addressing societal needs and economic consequences, also for the individual, ULTRHAS will provide means to raise public awareness and increase acceptance of the mitigation measures needed to improve urban air quality, public health and well-being.
The ULTRHAS project is expected to provide novel insight into the mechanisms and key drivers of adverse effects from transport emissions, evaluating the role of UFPs, particle number concentrations, chemical composition as well as specific emission sources, and expedite the progress towards solutions to urban air pollution, which is currently the largest environmental health problem, in Europe and worldwide.
Developing cost-efficient solutions to reduce the adverse health impact from transport emissions is of considerable significance for European and global economy. The global demand for cleaner, low-emission transport technologies also provides a market for new and innovative solutions. Thus, ULTRHAS will provide an attractive knowledge base for the commercial development of improved engine and exhaust cleansing technologies, novel fuel types and improved wear components.
By providing solutions and tools for local authorities and policy makers to assess and prevent health impacts of transport mode emissions, and by addressing societal needs and economic consequences, also for the individual, ULTRHAS will provide means to raise public awareness and increase acceptance of the mitigation measures needed to improve urban air quality, public health and well-being.