Airborne Particulate Matter Localisation in the Human Respiratory System

• Respired particles accumulated in the epithelial regions of trachea and bronchi were identified and characterised using micro-PIXE elemental mapping of thin frozen sections carried out at the Oxford Nuclear Microprobe facility. Isolated particles with diameters of 2-10 mu m could be detected, mainly atthe trachea epithelial surface. In bronchi respiratory mucosa, granular regions can also be observed that may correspond to particle agglomerations (2-4 mu m diameters) and/or inclusions inmacrophages. Particles, observed in the upper regions of the respiratory tract consist mainly of earth crust elements such as Al, Si, Ca and Fe. Occasionally, Ti and Zn are also present. Particles observedin the bronchi have a more varied chemical composition. Elements such as V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn were detected, mainly in association with S, K, Ca or Si.

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