Publikasjoner

Fifteen years of airborne particulates in vitro toxicology in Milano: Lessons and perspectives learned

Air pollution is one of the world’s leading environmental causes of death. The epidemiological relationship between outdoor air pollution and the onset of health diseases associated with death is now well established. Relevant toxicological proofs are now dissecting the molecular processes that cause inflammation, reactive species generation, and DNA damage. In addition, new data are pointing out the role of airborne particulates in the modulation of genes and microRNAs potentially involved in the onset of human diseases. In the present review we collect the relevant findings on airborne particulates of one of the biggest hot spots of air pollution in Europe (i.e., the Po Valley), in the largest urban area of this region, Milan. The different aerodynamic fractions are discussed separately with a specific focus on fine and ultrafine particles that are now the main focus of several studies. Results are compared with more recent international findings. Possible future perspectives of research are proposed to create a new discussion among scientists working on the toxicological effects of airborne particles.

Field test of available methods to measure remotely SOx and NOx emissions from ships.

Balzani Lööv, J. M.; Alfoldy, B.; Gast, L. F. L.; Hjorth, J.; Lagler, F.; Mellqvist, J.; Beecken, J.; Berg, N.; Duyzer, J.; Westrate, H.; Swart, D. P. J.; Berkhout, A. J. C.; Jalkanen, J.-P.; Prata, A. J.; van der Hoff, G. R.; Borowiak, A.

Field measurements of indoor air in one Norwegian School

Surveys conducted in Norwegian schools showed students have experienced health problems, such as headaches or concentration issues which have been linked to indoor air quality (IAQ). Since no standard assessment method/protocol for IAQ exists, the assessment of IAQ by measurements will be influenced by type of monitoring device and its placement. The aim of this study is to evaluate the condition of indoor air parameter in school buildings. This work was conducted by investigating the influence of specification and placement of measurement devices of IAQ in a primary school building in Oslo City, as part of a broader investigation to identify potential measures to improve IAQ. Field measurements were done using both additional sensors, and existing sensors by the building energy management system. Different sensors were installed in classrooms in the school at slightly different locations. Measurement results of carbon dioxide and temperature were compared and evaluated in three different classrooms in the school. The result indicates that some classroom in the school may slightly not have a satisfactory IAQ. The comparison analysis suggests that room occupancy and sensor placement and specification influence the measurement results, and may thus negatively influence decisions made to ventilation system on the basis of the data from existing measurement. Further investigation is needed to understand the reliability of existing sensors to evaluate the IAQ of school buildings.

Field investigation of perceived IEQ : study case in Norwegian secondary school with DCV

Field intercomparison of main components in air in EMEP. Powerpoint presentation. NILU F

Aas, W.; Schaug, J.; Hanssen, J.E.

Field intercomparison of main components in air in EMEP.

Aas, W.; Schaug, J.; Hanssen, J.E.

Field exposure results on trends in atmospheric pollution. ASTM STP 1421

Tidblad, J.; Kucera, V.; Mikhailov, A.A.; Henriksen, J.F.; Kreislova, K.; Yates, T.; Singer, B.

Field evaluation of three Vaisala sensor system units (AQT530). Particulate matter - PM10, PM2,5, PM1.

NILU

Field evaluation of polyurethane foam (PUF) passive air samplers in the tropical zone.

Bohlin-Nizzetto, P.; Melymuk, L.; Pribylová, P.; Klánová, J.

Fem spørsmål og svar om luftkvalitet. Hvordan overvåkes luftkvaliteten utendørs om vinteren?

Grythe, Henrik (intervjuobjekt); Ruud, Merethe (journalist)

Felteksponering, dose-responsfunksjoner, måling og kartlegging av nedbrytningsmiljøet. NILU F

Henriksen, J.F.

Features Inspired PM2.5 Prediction: A Belfast City Case Study

Feathers as integrated archives of environmental stress: Direct and indirect effects of metal exposure and dietary ecology on physiological stress in a terrestrial raptor

Metal pollution is a global environmental issue with adverse biological effects on wildlife. Long-term studies that span declines in metal emissions due to regulation, resulting in varying levels of environmental contamination, are therefore well-suited to investigate effects of toxic metals, while also facilitating robust analysis by incorporating fluctuating environmental conditions and food availability. Here, we examined a resident population of tawny owls in Norway between 1986 and 2019. Tail feathers from females were collected annually, resulting in over 1000 feathers. Each feather served as an archive of local environmental conditions during molt, including the presence of metals, and their dietary ecology, proxied by stable isotopes of nitrogen (δ15N) and carbon (δ13C), as well as corticosterone levels (CORTf), the primary avian glucocorticoid and a measure of physiological stress. We analyzed feathers to examine how exposure to toxic metal(loid)s (Al, As, Cd, Hg, and Pb) and variability in dietary proxies modulate CORTf. Using structural equation modelling, we found that increased Al concentrations and δ15N values, linked directly to increased CORTf. In opposite, we found that increased Hg concentrations and δ13C related to decreased CORTf concentrations. δ15N was indirectly linked to CORTf through Al and Hg, while δ13C was indirectly linked to CORTf through Hg. This supports our hypothesis that metal exposure and dietary ecology may individually or jointly influence physiological stress. Notably, our results suggest that dietary ecology has the potential to mediate the impact of metals on CORTf, highlighting the importance of considering multiple variables, direct and indirect effects, when assessing stress in wildlife. In conclusion, feathers represent an excellent non-destructive biomonitoring strategy in avian wildlife, providing valuable insights not easily accessible using other methods. Further research is warranted to fully comprehend implications of alterations in CORTf on the tawny owl's health and fitness.