Some particles emitted by combustion could “stress” human cells to such an extent that they die or become ill with cancer. This is what emerges from a research carried out by Cnr-Isac together with various European university institutes and which opens up new scenarios on the effects of pollution on human health. The first responses received in the field leave no room for doubt: the particulate matter emitted by the vehicles, the so-called Pm 2.5 and Pm 2.10 not only reach the lungs but systemically would reach the whole body, through the blood vessels. Now we expect the data of three other European cities whose names have not been anticipated. For Italy, the data were collected in Rome and in the Po Valley.
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In Rome, for the first time, for 40 days, near the Colosseum, living cells inside special containers were preserved and exposed directly to the air that the inhabitants of the area also breathe. Through special sampling lines the external air was conveyed inside the sample and with innovative digital indices the ultrafine particles produced by combustion were physically and chemically characterized. A new methodology, compared to what was done until now when in the laboratory the cells contained in the samples were put in contact with the mass left in the filters of the control units of the Italian cities that monitor the traffic. The problem is that the infinitesimal particles, intercepted only by digital instruments, passed without any obstacle the same filters, in the same way that they insinuate themselves in the nostrils that are unable to eliminate them and reach our lungs. Thanks to this study it is known that not all substances are harmful but only those particles.
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The unit of measurement applied is the nanometer, one billionth of a meter. In one cubic centimeter there can be up to 40,000 particles but it is a variable measure. They are so imperceptible because they are smaller than a hair and would also be the ones that would cause the deadly inflammations. These particles would directly reach the cells making them more spongy and would not just stagnate in the lungs but would circulate in the body. Checks on the urine of those present would demonstrate their unmistakable presence.
Francesca Costabile, a permanent researcher of the CNR and scientific expert of the European Commission, together with her colleagues immediately set to work to verify the results. It is clear that there is a further need for confirmation. “But the European Commission – explains Costabile – is moving very quickly and probably within fifteen years the system on which mobility is based will be completely changed. This type of combustion is not good. We should take other steps, especially to obtain answers that confirm the first results, but the innovations we have introduced have changed the picture and the perspective. From this moment we also know which particles are harmful, introducing a technology that has never been applied “.
Fireplaces and wood-burning ovens
In Italy the Ministry of the Environment also took the field together with Inail: “This is another aspect of our work – Costabile anticipates – we will also check health in the workplace”. Meanwhile, in the sights of scholars there are also fireplaces, boilers and the wood-burning ovens themselves. The studies are carried out in different parts of the territory. And we are also interested in the Covid era: another research done by CNR-Isac argues that a cell that is stressed and weakened by pollution could be more easily affected by viruses.
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