From particle mass to particle toxicity.
Most air quality standards measure how much particulate matter is in the air. But two samples with the same mass can affect health very differently. My work looks at oxidative potential, the ability of particles to cause oxidative stress in the body, and uses advanced mass spectrometry to link it to the chemicals and sources behind it, from traffic and ambient air to solid fuel burning.
Current project · 2024 – present · Funded by Research Ireland
EPIC-AIR
Identifying the health effects of air pollution. The project combines advanced mass spectrometry, which resolves the chemical make-up of particulate matter, with measurements of its oxidative potential: the capacity of particles to generate oxidative stress in the body. Together they link what is in the air to how it may harm health, beyond mass concentration alone.
Current research
Oxidative stress and health effects
Measuring the oxidative potential of particulate matter, its capacity to cause oxidative stress in the body, and linking it to chemical composition to identify what drives toxicity in ambient air and solid fuel smoke.
Chemical composition and sources
Using advanced mass spectrometry to resolve what particles are made of and where they come from, including traffic, ambient sources and the burning of solid fuels.
Earlier research
Low-cost sensor calibration
Correcting optical particle counters against reference instruments, including how aerosol composition changes correction factors.
Urban air quality in East Africa
Mapping particulate pollution across Nairobi, Addis Ababa and Kampala, with a focus on traffic-driven hotspots.
Community-led monitoring
Working with residents of an informal settlement to collect and use their own air quality data.
Modelling and source analysis
Evaluating chemical transport models and using back-trajectory methods to trace where pollution comes from.