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In principle, all the different types of environmental influences can be simulated in the chamber. In addition to a laser printer in action or construction material emitting toxic compounds, Gminski and his team have also begun to investigate natural and artificial nanoparticles. These extremely small particles, which often contain metals and carbon, are found in many modern products, including food, clothing, sunscreens, paints or as catalysts in combustion engines. The particles are small enough to enter the tiny pulmonary alveoli where they can lead to inflammation or other changes that have not yet been examined. Some of the nanoparticles enter the blood vessels, from where they spread to other organs in the human body. In experiments carried out at the IUK in which lung cells were exposed to nanoparticles, the particles migrated as far as the cell nuclei where they caused DNA damage. When they carry out experiments in the chamber, the Freiburg researchers generally expose the cells to air enriched with nanoparticles for a period of an hour. The objective is to ascertain how many cells survive this procedure. In addition, the researchers look into what happens inside the cells, and have discovered that this leads to comet-like effects on the DNA level.
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