Researchers Draw Air Pollution Link to Alzheimer's Robin Nierynck - AirQualityNews.com
go to original September 6, 2016

Toxic air pollution nanoparticles discovered in the human brain - Professor Barbara Maher explains. (Lancaster University)

Researchers at Lancaster University have discovered tiny magnetic particles from air pollution present in human brains, which they claim could be a potential cause of Alzheimer’s disease.

Examining 37 individuals aged between three to 92-years-old from Mexico City or Manchester, the researchers found abundant magnetic nanoparticles in brain tissue that they claim “shouldn’t be there.”

This strongly magnetic mineral is toxic and causes the formation of reactive oxygen species in the human brain, which cause cell damage and death and as such are associated with neurodegenerative diseases— including Alzheimer’s disease, the researchers said.

Professor Barbara Maher, from Lancaster Environment Centre, together with colleagues from Oxford, Glasgow, Manchester and Mexico City, used spectroscopic analysis to identify the particles as magnetite.

Unlike angular magnetite particles that are believed to form naturally within the brain, most of the observed particles were spherical, with diameters up to 150 nm, some with fused surfaces, all characteristic of high-temperature formation – such as from vehicle (particularly diesel) engines or open fires.

The spherical particles are often accompanied by nanoparticles containing other metals, such as platinum, nickel, and cobalt.

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