Recent epidemiological studies have shown a strong relationship between particulate pollution and health outcomes, including mortality. Determining the ‘causative agent’ in particles responsible for damaging health is the subject of increasing study, but many questions remain.
Reactive oxygen species, including hydrogen peroxide, are candidates for part of the adverse health effects caused by particle inhalation.In this project, aerosol borne oxidants are being characterized, investigating the relationship between these toxic compounds and location, source type, aerosol type, and photochemical activity. Additionally, laboratory studies on model systems are underway to determine the source and behavior of peroxides in aerosols.