IESc Seminar Series: “Ultrafine Particle Exposure: Bridging Aerosol Science with Translational Health Advances” By Dr. Mehdi Amouei Torkmahalleh

Institute of Environmental Sciences Seminar Series

“Ultrafine Particle Exposure: Bridging Aerosol Science with Translational Health Advances”

By Dr. Mehdi Amouei Torkmahalleh

University of Illinois Chicago

We cordially invite you to our seminar “Ultrafine Particle Exposure: Bridging Aerosol Science with Translational Health Advances” to be held by Dr. Mehdi Amouei Torkmahalleh.

When: 30 December 2024, Monday, 14:00-15:00

Where: Institute of Environmental Sciences Seminar Room (Hisar Campus E-Block)

Abstract:

Ultrafine particles (UFPs) are particles smaller than 100 nanometers that significantly impact particle count and surface area despite their negligible contribution to particle mass. Toxicological studies have demonstrated that UFPs can enter the bloodstream and translocate to secondary organs, including the heart, brain, and kidneys. However, unlike fine particles, the health impacts of UFPs—particularly their neurological effects—remain underexplored by epidemiologists and clinical researchers. This knowledge gap is largely attributed to the lack of robust UFP exposure data across various indoor and outdoor microenvironments.

In this talk, I will provide an overview of UFP formation mechanisms, sources, and health effects, with an emphasis on recent findings. I will also present my recent publications related to UFPs and ongoing studies, funded by the Illinois Department of Public Health, evaluating the performance of air purifiers in Illinois schools. Finally, I will discuss my proposed projects, currently under review by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and American Lung Association (ALA), aimed at advancing our understanding of UFP exposure and its implications for human health.

Short bio:

Dr. Mehdi Amouei Torkmahalleh is an Assistant Professor at the University of Illinois at Chicago, School of Public Health, in the Division of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences.  Dr. Amouei Torkmahalleh’s research primarily focuses on understanding human exposure to ultrafine particles (UFPs), particles smaller than 100 nanometers, and their associated health impacts.  His studies have identified critical factors influencing cooking emissions and demonstrated that controlling source emissions during cooking can substantially reduce indoor occupants' exposure to cooking-related UFPs. Since 2018, Dr. Amouei Torkmahalleh has pioneered new research exploring the potential links between UFP exposure and neurodegenerative diseases. Through clinical and computational modeling studies, he has examined the effects of cooking UFPs on brain function, opening new research avenues in the study of indoor aerosols and health. His international collaborations have led to numerous coauthored publications with scientists worldwide. Currently, he is spearheading another global study on ambient UFPs and their sources, collaborating with more than 180 scientists from around the world.