title: The developing respiratory tract and its specific needs in regard to ultrafine particulate matter exposure.
abstract: Nanoparticles have unique physico-chemical properties compared to larger particles that have the potential to provide promising new possibilities for biomedical applications. Considerable research is currently exploring these potentials of nanotechnology. In contrast, airborne particles as components of indoor air, ambient air pollution associated with traffic-related pollution, industry, power plants, and other combustion sources have the potential to harm children's health. However, a similar research effort into the potential health effects of exposure to nanoparticles is lacking. Children differ markedly from adults in their developmental biology rendering young children the most vulnerable group with regard to potentially harmful effects induced by particulate exposure. This review discusses the differences between children and adults in regard to nanoparticle exposure highlighting the uniqueness and vulnerability of children.
authors.affiliation: Telethon Institute for Child Health Research, Centre for Child Health Research, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia. kschuepp@ichr.uwa.edu.au
authors.forename: Karen
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Schüepp
authors.forename: Peter D
authors.initials: PD
authors.lastname: Sly
mesh_terms: D002648:Child; D002657:Child Development; D004781:Environmental Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D006967:Hypersensitivity; D007107:Immune System / Q000187:drug effects*; D008168:Lung / Q000187:drug effects; D053758:Nanoparticles / Q000633:toxicity*; D012137:Respiratory System / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000254:growth & development*