Authors
Storey, M. J., Cheng, M. D., Malone B., and Dam, Q. T.
Publication
Presented at the 2001 Diesel Engine Emissions Reduction Workshop, Portsmouth, VA, August, 2001
Abstract
One of the chief health concerns about modern internal combustion engine technology has been the formation of nanoparticles in the combustion and emissions control processes. Nanoparticles have been shown to cause respiratory distress and even death in animal exposure studies. Modern engines, including diesel and spark ignition direct-injection gasoline (SIDI) engines use high-pressure fuel injection to minimize the mass of PM emissions. While the mass of PM emissions has decreased significantly, the number concentration of nanoparticles has increased. Furthermore, some emission control devices, such as diesel particulate filters (DPFs), have been shown to produce sulfate nanoparticles when there is fuel sulfur present.
This paper describes work done at Oak Ridge National Laboratory to
directly expose cultured human lung cells to nanoparticles from exhaust.
Two types of lung cells, normal (or unprimed) and primed cells, were used
in a unique aerosol exposure apparatus. Primed cells are typical of those
found in people with respiratory problems, including asthmatics. The cells
were exposed to diesel and SIDI engine exhaust, as well as exhaust from a
DPF-equipped heavy-duty engine. Scanning Mobility Particle Sizers (SMPS)
were used to characterize the distribution of particles that the cells
received. Interleukin (IL8) expression was used as a measure of cellular
response. Results will compare IL8 response for the engine particles to a
model aerosol. |
