Comparison of trace elements in size-fractionated particles in two communities with contrasting socioeconomic status in Houston, TX

Han, I; Guo, YC; Afshar, M; Stock, TH; Symanski, E

HERO ID

3604058

Reference Type

Journal Article

Year

2017

Language

English

PMID

28110452

HERO ID 3604058
In Press No
Year 2017
Title Comparison of trace elements in size-fractionated particles in two communities with contrasting socioeconomic status in Houston, TX
Authors Han, I; Guo, YC; Afshar, M; Stock, TH; Symanski, E
Journal Environmental Monitoring and Assessment
Volume 189
Issue 2
Page Numbers 67
Abstract Levels of ambient air pollutants, including particulate matter (PM), are often higher in low-socioeconomic status (SES) communities than in high-SES communities. Houston is the fourth largest city in the USA and is home to a large petrochemical industry, an active port, and congested roadways, which represent significant emission sources of air pollution in the region. To compare levels of air pollution between a low-SES and a high-SES community, we simultaneously collected a 7-day integrated size-fractionated PM between June 2013 and November 2013. We analyzed PM mass and elements for three particle size modes: quasi-ultrafine particles (quasi-UFP) (aerodynamic diameter <0.25 μm), accumulation mode particles (0.25-2.5 μm), and coarse mode particles (>2.5 μm). Concentrations of vanadium, nickel, manganese, and iron in the quasi-UFP mode were significantly higher in the low-SES community than in the high-SES community. In the accumulation and coarse modes, concentrations of crustal elements and barium were also significantly higher in the low-SES community compared to the high-SES community. These findings suggest that people living in the low-SES community may experience higher exposures to some toxic elements as compared to people in the high-SES community.
Doi 10.1007/s10661-017-5780-2
Pmid 28110452
Wosid WOS:000393645800022
Is Certified Translation No
Dupe Override No
Is Public Yes
Language Text English
Keyword Socioeconomic status; Quasi-ultrafine particles; Accumulation particle; Coarse particle; Trace elements
Is Peer Review Yes