Because they’re so small, UFPs can penetrate deep into the lungs, enter the blood stream, and travel to other parts of the body. UFPs have been shown to cross the blood-brain barrier and deposit in brain tissue.

They are associated with increased incidence of asthma and COPD, cardiovascular diseases, neurological disorders, and even decreased IQ and school performance.

INCREASED ASTHMA

Children in East Boston are 3-4x more likely to experience symptoms of asthma due to air pollution

RESPIRATORY DISEASE

Studies indicate a strong association between UFP exposure and respiratory and cardiovascular diseases

NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS

UFPs can cross the blood/brain barrier, and are associated with early onset Alzheimer’s.

REDUCED IQ

Exposure to UFPs and black carbon is linked to lower academic performance and IQ in children.