Extramural Research
Presentation Abstract
Grantee Research Project Results
Mark Utell
University of Rochester, Rochester, NY
This presentation addresses the variation in susceptibility of animals
and humans to exposure to PM in the environment, and is complementary
to Dr. Devlin’s discussion of our understanding of the mechanisms
of PM-related adverse health effects. It discusses our state of knowledge
on susceptibility to PM prior to 1998 and the concept that the lung was
both the portal of entry and the major target organ. It reviews newly
acquired information by EPA’s PM Research Centers that identify
the following susceptible populations: the elderly, children, individuals
with cardiovascular diseases, diabetics and people with respiratory diseases.
It also examines the observation that respiratory diseases affect PM deposition
in the lung, which may also impact susceptibility. Future research directions
will focus on other populations at risk from PM, such as pregnant women
and young children, and explore the interaction of genes and environment
and their potential important role in susceptibility. Better understanding
of susceptibility should greatly assist EPA in protecting the public health
from PM exposure.