About our research
One of the world’s greatest public health challenges is atmospheric pollution. Air pollution involves the presence of chemicals, particles, and other pollutants in the atmosphere from both natural sources, such as volcanoes and desert dust, and man-made sources, such as vehicle emissions, industries, fossil fuel combustion, and agriculture. These pollutants not only impact air quality but also have direct and indirect effects on human health and the environment.
Among these pollutants, atmospheric aerosols—solid or liquid particles suspended in a gas—are of particular concern. They can significantly reduce air quality and cause adverse health effects. Understanding and controlling these aerosols is of critical interest to several scientific disciplines, including chemistry, biomedical and environmental engineering, and toxicology.
Our research is dedicated to advancing knowledge in these areas, employing rigorous scientific methods to study the sources, composition, and health impacts of atmospheric aerosols. By integrating expertise from various fields, we aim to develop innovative strategies to mitigate the effects of air pollution and improve public health.
Research aims
Current research indicates that through oxidation-reduction (redox) reactions or biological processes, certain aerosol components can induce the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). An imbalance between the generation of ROS and the body’s natural antioxidant defenses can lead to oxidative stress, which in turn can cause macromolecular degradation or cell deterioration and death. Therefore, to understand the potential health effects of PM exposure and composition, it is essential to assess the capacity of PM to generate ROS. This capacity is described as the oxidative potential (OP) of PM. OP is now regarded as an appropriate indicator of the toxicity and hence the health effects of airborne particles.
Our research aims to quantify the relative contribution of different aerosol components to toxicity and to investigate the underlying mechanisms that lead to health effects associated with exposure to air pollutants from various sources. We focus on atmospheric particulate matter (PM) and its gaseous precursors, investigating the physical and chemical properties of aerosols emitted from different primary and secondary sources. Our work assesses how population exposure and toxicity vary with location and season, and evaluates the relative toxicity of pollution sources. Integrated health and environmental risk assessments, as well as air pollutant control and management strategies, are also key areas of our research.
Through our research, we seek to understand how the toxic mechanisms and health effects attributable to these air pollutants vary according to their source, chemical composition, and physical properties. Our research group has been actively involved in several field campaigns, reflecting our commitment to advancing scientific knowledge in this important area.
Expected Impacts and Outcomes of Our Research
Our research is expected to make a significant contribution to the broader understanding of the effects of air pollution on health and the environment. By elucidating the toxicological mechanisms of air pollutants and identifying effective control and management strategies, we aim to inform policy-making, improve public health responses, and mitigate environmental damage.
Paving the way for innovative solutions and a healthier future, our work underscores the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to addressing the complex challenges posed by air pollution. We anticipate that our findings will support the development of targeted interventions, promote informed decision-making, and foster the implementation of effective measures to reduce air pollution and its adverse health impacts.
Our commitment to advancing scientific knowledge in this field aims to drive significant progress in public health, environmental protection, and sustainable development, ultimately contributing to a cleaner, healthier world.