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International Journal of Public Health

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01-05-2019 | Review

Health effects of ultrafine particles: a systematic literature review update of epidemiological evidence

Authors: Simone Ohlwein, Ron Kappeler, Meltem Kutlar Joss, Nino Künzli, Barbara Hoffmann

Published in: International Journal of Public Health | Issue 4/2019

Abstract

Objectives

Due to their small size, ultrafine particles (UFP) are believed to exert higher toxicity than larger particles. As numerous studies on health effects of UFP have been published since the last systematic review in 2013, we aim to systematically review the new literature.

Methods

We searched MEDLINE and the specialized LUDOK database for studies published between 01.01.2011 and 11.05.2017 investigating health effects of ambient air pollution-related UFP. We included epidemiologic studies containing UFP measures and quantifiable measures of associations. Relevant data were extracted on the basis of previously developed evaluation criteria.

Results

We identified 85 original studies, conducting short-term (n = 75) and long-term (n = 10) investigations. Panel (n = 32), scripted exposure with predefined settings (n = 16) or time series studies (n = 11) were most frequent. Thirty-four studies adjusted for at least one other pollutant. Most consistent associations were identified for short-term effects on pulmonary/systemic inflammation, heart rate variability and blood pressure.

Conclusions

The evidence suggests adverse short-term associations with inflammatory and cardiovascular changes, which may be at least partly independent of other pollutants. For the other studied health outcomes, the evidence on independent health effects of UFP remains inconclusive or insufficient.

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Title: Health effects of ultrafine particles: a systematic literature review update of epidemiological evidence
Authors: Simone Ohlwein
Ron Kappeler
Meltem Kutlar Joss
Nino Künzli
Barbara Hoffmann
Publication date: 01-05-2019
Publisher: Springer International Publishing
Published in: International Journal of Public Health / Issue 4/2019
Print ISSN: 1661-8556
Electronic ISSN: 1661-8564
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00038-019-01202-7

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Health effects of ultrafine particles: a systematic literature review update of epidemiological evidence

Abstract

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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