Here you will find details of our research study examining the effects from exposure to the mixture of particles and gases found in urban air on human respiratory health. In this study, we will be looking in particular at the behavior of components of urban air when they react, or combine and form new products in sunlight, and how these new reactive compounds affect the health of human lung cells. By looking at the combined effects of particles and gases, we hope to better understand the total composition of the urban air mixture, and identify which chemicals and/or particles, or products of the two, are causing the toxic effects. The data from the study will be used to develop and evaluate human lung models for estimating exposure and actual human effects, and, eventually, will help to improve the formulation of air quality regulations for public policy.

The study is being funded through a Congressional directive (US House-Senate Conference Report 107-262, November 6, 2001) and is administered through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Project Description offers a more detailed explanation of the background, goals, approach, and expected results of the study.

Facilities gives an in-depth look at the smog chamber facility, which will be used in the early stages of the project. Our large off-campus outdoor atmospheric chemistry irradiation facility, in operation since 1971, is used for simulating the inorganic air chemistry of urban environments, and for the generation and study of aerosols from a variety of sources. Data from these facilities have been used to evaluate every photochemical reaction model used by EPA to predict controls for air pollution. In addition, we have recently completed a new roof-top photochemical chamber which connects with a lab equipped with a lung-cell support and exposure system, and advanced gas-phase and particulate monitor instruments. You can see more photos and a description of this new chamber in the Facilities section.

People - The researchers connected with this project have a unique combination of atmospheric chamber, analytical, and modeling expertise and human lung and lung cell expertise. The multidisclipinary approach of this study gives us a great advantage over other studies. You'll find details on the individuals involved in this section.

Project Documents - This section contains articles, progress reports, and abstracts of conference presentations that document project results. There are also initial project descriptions and a PowerPoint description outlining the project goals.

Project Updates lists updates on project results, presentations, and publications in chronological order.