Experimental study of the deposition of combustion aerosols in the human respiratory tract

• Published in: Journal of aerosol science 2005-08, Vol.36 (8), p.939-957
• Main Authors: Morawska, Lidia, Hofmann, Werner, Hitchins-Loveday, Jane, Swanson, Cheryl, Mengersen, Kerrie
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Aerosols; Chemistry; Colloidal state and disperse state; Combustion aerosols; Diesel smoke; Environmental tobacco smoke; Exact sciences and technology; General and physical chemistry; Nasal breathing; Petrol smoke; Respiratory tract deposition; Submicrometer particles
• ISSN: 0021-8502; 1879-1964
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jaerosci.2005.03.015

The total deposition of environmental tobacco smoke (ETS), diesel and petrol smoke in the respiratory tract of 14 non-smokers between the ages of 20 and 30 was determined experimentally. A scanning mobility particle sizer (SMPS) measuring a size range of 0.016– 0.626 μ m was used to characterise the inhaled and exhaled aerosol during relaxed nasal breathing over a period of 10 min. The ETS, diesel, and petrol particles had average count median diameter (and geometric standard deviation) of 0.183 μ m (1.7), 0.125 μ m (1.7), and 0.069 μ m (1.7), respectively. The average total number deposition of ETS was 36% (standard deviation 10%), of diesel smoke 30% (standard deviation 9%), and of petrol smoke 41% (standard deviation 8%). The analysis of the deposition patterns as a function of particle size for the three aerosols in each individual showed that there is a significant difference between each aerosol for a majority of individuals (12 out of 14). This is an important result as it indicates that differences persist regardless of inter-subject variability.