Extramural Research
Ultrafine Particle Research
Research Project Search
EPA has been conducting research in ultrafine particulate matter, particularly in the air. Ultrafine particles are defined as those less than 100nm, so they are nano-sized. However, these ultrafine particles are not purposefully manufactured nor are they necessarily of a constant composition or size. Ultrafine particles are the result of combustion or friction processes or natural processes in the air or water. While research in ultrafine particulate matter can inform research in nanotechnology, it cannot fully address the impact of the new materials engineered for use in nanotechnology.
The US Environmental Protection Agency awarded the University of Rochester a STAR ("Science To Achieve Results") Center grant (R-827354). It provides support for one of five such centers established to study the role of airborne particulate matter, especially ultrafine particles, in causing health problems. A multidisciplinary team of experienced investigators is testing the hypothesis that ultrafine particles occurring in the urban atmosphere cause adverse health effects. Click here to learn more. 
US EPA Particulate Matter Research Publications 1998-Present (PDF) (66 pp, 951 K) - Published in 2004, this document catalogs the publications that describe salient scientific advances in PM-related health, exposure, and implementation research conducted by ORD and EPA-funded researchers since 1998.