I was excited today to witness the next phase of this ongoing study looking into the health effects of air collected near freeways in Los Angeles. The study is being conducted by USC’s Dr Finch in conjunction with USC’s Dr Sioutas, and their respective groups. They are also getting assistance from USC medical researchers. I met today with Amirhosein Mousavi Nasabi Shams (Amir), a PhD student working with Dr. Sioutas in the aerosol lab. His office, along with many involved, is in the Ronald Tutor Hall building. The aerosol lab is in the Ray Irani Hall building. It is with great pride that I walked from building to building at this great university. Thank you Amir for your knowledge and kindness. Both are greatly appreciated.
Once air is collected, USC environmental engineers create devices to expose mice to the air. After exposure, USC medical students dissect the mice to determine what, if any, health effects are observed.
“The major objective of our work at the USC Aerosol Lab is to investigate the underlying mechanisms that produce the health effects associated with exposure to air pollutants generated by a variety of sources, such as traffic (including light and heavy duty vehicles, natural gas.” The lab seeks to “understand how toxic mechanisms and resulting health effects attributable to these air pollutants vary with their source, chemical composition and physical characteristics.”
Investigation is still ongoing. This new phase repeats the process with new mice. Results are not compiled, and conclusions are not made, until the study is complete. That said, exposing mice to toxic air is anything but healthy.
I look forward to my next visit with Drs Finch’s and Sioutas’ groups at USC. Their work is truly amazing.
Environmental Science and Its Application to Health 