The impact of frying aerosol on human brain activity

Abstract

Knowledge on the impact of the exposure to indoor ultrafine particles (UFPs) on the human brain is restricted. Twelve non-atopic, non-smoking, and healthy adults (10 female and 7 male, in average 22 years old) were monitored for brain physiological responses via electroencephalographs (EEGs) during cooking. Frying ground beef meat in sunflower oil using electric stove without ventilation was conducted. UFPs, particulate matter (PM) (PM 1 , PM 2.5 , PM 4 , PM 10), CO 2 , indoor temperature, RH, oil and meat temperatures were monitored continuously throughout the experiments. The UFP peak concentration was recorded to be approximately 2.0 × 10 5 particles/ cm 3. EEGs were recorded before exposure, at end of cooking when PM peak concentrations were observed, and 30 min after the end of the cooking session (post-exposure). Brain electrical activity statistically significantly changed during post-exposure compared to the before exposure, suggesting the translocation of UFPs to the brain, occurring solely in the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain. Study participants older than 25 were more susceptible to UFPs compared to those younger than 25. Also, the brain abnormality was mainly driven by male rather than female study participants. The brain slow-wave band (delta) decreased while the fast-wave band (Beta3) increased similar to the pattern found in the literature for the exposure to smoking fumes and diesel exhaust.

Acute health effects from exposure to indoor ultrafine particles—A randomized controlled crossover study among young mild asthmatics

“…In the present study, average particle mass concentrations (PM 2.5 ) were 96.1 µg/m 3 and 89.8 µg/m 3 , for cooking and candles, respectively. These levels are comparable to other exposure studies with indoor particle exposures, for example frying sausages and burning candles 16,21,35 . We assume the particle concentrations observed in our study to be comparable with indoor levels during daily activities in private homes, although we note that indoor PM concentrations are the product of not only particles emitted, but also ventilation conditions and building design.…”

“…Additionally, hormonal status and body size influence the biological transport of environmentally derived chemicals 56 . An exposure study of cooking fumes found significant effects on the human brain with the brain abnormality mainly being driven by males rather than females 16 . However, the general literature is far from consistent regarding evidence of different associations between air pollution and health effects for males and females 56 …”

“…Fine and ultrafine particles are especially important for our health as they can penetrate deep into the respiratory system, depositing in the alveoli 13 . Due to their small size, ultrafine particles can enter the blood circulation, thereby reach target organs, for example, the heart and brain posing an even greater risk of systemic health impacts 14‐19 . Regular and prolonged exposure to indoor PM may lead to adverse health effects, even at low concentrations.…”

A new exposure route to trace elements in indoor particulate matter

“…Our observations, together with literature findings, confirm a new route of exposure to trace elements during cooking based on the dissolution of trace elements from cooking pans into the hot oil, which then impacts the level of exposure to the trace elements. A very recent study demonstrated the impact of the frying particles on the human brain while the reasons for such toxicity remain unknown. The question remains as to whether trace elements available in PM contribute to such health impact.…”

Indoor Particulate Matter in Urban Households: Sources, Pathways, Characteristics, Health Effects, and Exposure Mitigation

“…Contrary to the above, men are more likely than women to develop symptoms. In exploring the effects on the human brain of aerosols produced by exposure to electric frying, it was found that the aerosol response of the brain to electric frying occurred in males rather than females [ 227 ]. Weichenthal et al analyzed the relationship between PM 2.5 and non-accidental cardiovascular mortality and found that male cardiovascular mortality may be related to PM 2.5 exposure, while female cardiovascular mortality had no similar association [ 228 ].…”