Research report 2023 - Max Planck Institute for Chemistry
Fine particulate matter catalyzes oxidative stress in the lungs
Authors
Dovrou, Eleni; Lelieveld, Steven; Mishra, Ashmi; Pöschl, Ulrich; Berkemeier, Thomas.
Departments
Max-Planck-Institut für Chemie, Mainz
Summary
A study conducted by a team of scientists from the Max Planck Institute for Chemistry (MPIC) led by Thomas Berkemeier (MPIC) showed that the harmful effects of particulate matter on health are due to its catalytic effect in the conversion of peroxides into a small number of highly reactive molecules such as hydroxyl radicals, rather than the chemical formation of larger quantities of hydrogen peroxide in the lungs, as previously assumed. With this knowledge, it should be possible to better classify the dangers of various air pollutants in the future.
