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Nasal deposition of ultrafine particles in human volunteers and its relationship to airway geometry

Journal Article · · Aerosol Science and Technology
; ;  [1];  [2]; ;  [3]
  1. Inhalation Toxicology Research Inst., Albuquerque, NM (United States)
  2. Univ. of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM (United States)
  3. Johns Hopkins Univ., Baltimore, MD (United States)

Very large and very small particles most often deposit in the nasal airways. Studies in airway models provide large data sets with which to evaluate the deposition mechanism, while in vivo deposition data are needed to validate results obtained with nasal models. Four adult male, nonsmoking, healthy human volunteers (ages 36-57 yr) participated in this study. Deposition was measured in each subject at constant flow rates of 4, 7.5, 10, and 20 L min{sup -1}. Monodisperse silver particles (5, 8, and 20 nm) and polystyrene latex particles (50 and 100 nm) were used. Bach subject held his breath for 30-60 sec, during which time, the aerosol was drawn through the nasal airway and exhausted through a mouth tube. Aerosol concentrations in the intake and exhaust air were measured by an ultrafine condensation particle counter. The deposition efficiency in the nasal airway was calculated taking into account particle losses in the mask, mouth tube, and transport lines. Our results were consistent with the turbulent diffusional deposition model previously established from studies using nasal airway casts. 21 refs., 12 figs., 3 tabs.

Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE
DOE Contract Number:
AC04-76EV01013
OSTI ID:
405835
Journal Information:
Aerosol Science and Technology, Journal Name: Aerosol Science and Technology Journal Issue: 3 Vol. 25; ISSN 0278-6826; ISSN ASTYDQ
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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