Airborne nano-TiO 2 particles: an innate or environmentally-induced toxicity ?

摘要: Abstract Titanium oxide (TiO 2 ) is a known photocatalyst, able to produce reactive oxygen species (ROS) when exposed UV light. TiO phototoxicity has been abundantly demonstrated in aqueous solutions. Little known; however, about its as an aerosol, particularly the nano-size particle range. An experimental setting was developed measure oxidation capacity of NP with or without exposure were generated using Collison nebulizer, carried through diffusion dryer and collimated beam solar light simulator. Their measured on-line via photonic sensor based on multiscattering absorbance enhancement (MAE) strategy. The oxidative potential aerosolized nanoparticles exacerbated by response affected humidity reaches maximum 70%–90% relative Gaseous hydrogen peroxide (H O found be predominant specie. Our results suggest that use outdoor environments close artificial sources lead involuntary ROS, extent greater than previously known. It raises also concerns other environmental pollutants photosensitive.