Despite evidence of the toxicological effects of nano- and ultra-fine particles, there have been no published studies examining the relationship between validly measured environmental exposure to these particles and adverse health effects in human subjects, particularly children.

Project Aim: The project seeks to determine the effect of the exposure to airborne nano and ultrafine (UF) particles emitted from motor vehicles on the health of children in schools.

ARC Support: This project is supported by the Australian Research Council (ARC) Linkage Grant LP0990134.

Update of Current Activities

• The study design (for both the air quality and clinical parts of the study), along with the questionnaire (to be completed by the parents) have both been finalised and are avalibale of the website.
• A review paper on the methodologies for exposure assessment has been published: Mejía, J., Low Choy, S., Mengersen, K. and Morawska, L. Methodology for assessing exposure and impacts of air pollutants in school children: data collection, analysis and health effects - a literature review. Atmospheric Environment, 45: 813-823, 2011
• A database has been developed to manage the body of data collected in this project, including air quality and clinical measures.
• The first batch of 3 schools was selected within Brisbane Metropolitan Area and measurements were conducted in 3 schools from October to December 2010.
• The second batch of 10 schools was approached in November 2010 and measurements were conducted in 2 schools from March to April 2011.
• Preliminary arrangements have been made with the remaining schools for measurements to be conducted later this year.
• The third batch of schools will be approached by DETA through a meeting to be held in the next few months.