Susceptibility to Particle Effects

References .....................................................................................................................................282 Linkage between exposure to particulate matter (PM) !10 mm in aerodynamic diameter (PM ) and a number of acute and chronic health effects throughout the industrialized world has been well established in epidemiological studies (e.g., [1-3]). Acute effects include mortality, hospitalization, increased respiratory symptoms, decreased lung function, increased plasma viscosity, changes in heart rate and heart rate variability (HRV), and pulmonary inflammation [4]. Chronic effects associated with particulate exposures include increased mortality rates (e.g., cancer), chronic cardiopulmonary disease, and decreased lung function [4]. Understanding the mechanisms through which particulate exposures cause morbidity and mortality continues to be a critical public health concern.