The biological effects upon the cardiovascular system consequent to exposure to particulates of less than 500 nm in size.

ABSTRACT

CONTEXT Ultrafine particulate matter contribution to cardiovascular disease is not known and not regulated. PM up to 500 nm are abundant in urban air and alveolar deposition is significant. OBJECTIVE: Effects beyond the alveolar barrier within the body or in vitro tissues exposed to particles <500 nm. DATABASES MEDLINE; Ovid-MEDLINE PREM; Web of Science; PubMed (SciGlobe). 127 articles. Results in tables "subject type exposed", "exposure type", "technique". CONCLUSION: Heart rate, vasoactivity, atherosclerotic advancement, oxidative stress, coagulability, inflammatory changes are affected. Production of reactive oxygen species is a useful target to limit outcomes associated with UFP exposure.