Bronte Wells
Free radicals are atoms or molecules that contain an unpaired electron, making them highly reactive and capable of damaging cells and DNA. They are produced naturally in the body as part of normal metabolism, but exposure to environmental free radicals from sources such as air pollution can have detrimental effects on human health. The link between air pollution and adverse respiratory outcomes has been well-established, with environmentally persistent free radicals (EPFRs) identified as a potential culprit. These EPFRs are generated through inefficient combustion processes, resulting from the interaction of organic pollutants with metals. By understanding the chemistry of free radicals, researchers aim to identify unique markers of exposure, which can help assess the health impacts of emerging environmental pollutants.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Air pollutants that cause free radicals | Smoke, smog, cigarette smoke, metal ions, radiation, chemicals in household cleaners, e-cigarettes |
| How free radicals are identified | Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and high-pressure liquid chromatography mass spectroscopy (HPLC-MS) |
| How free radicals are formed | When an organic pollutant forms a van der Waals–type bond with a metal on the surface of a particle in the cool zone of combustion systems |
| How free radicals are harmful | Free radicals are atoms or molecules that contain an unpaired electron, making them extremely reactive and capable of damaging cells and DNA |
| How to protect against free radicals | Consume antioxidant-rich foods like blueberries, green tea, and walnuts, and apply vitamin-boosted serums |
What You'll Learn
Free radicals and respiratory health
Free radicals are atoms or molecules that contain unpaired electrons, making them highly reactive and capable of causing cellular damage. They are produced naturally in the body as part of normal metabolism, but exposure to external sources of free radicals, such as air pollution, can be particularly harmful.
Air pollution, including indoor and outdoor sources, has been linked to adverse respiratory outcomes. While the specific mechanisms are not yet fully understood, oxidative stress (OS) is believed to play a key role. OS occurs when there is an imbalance between the production of free radicals and the body's antioxidant defenses, resulting in cellular damage.
Environmentally Persistent Free Radicals (EPFRs) are a type of free radical that persists in the environment and biological systems for prolonged periods. They are generated through inefficient combustion processes, such as the burning of cigarettes, gasoline, or wood. EPFRs have been detected in particulate matter, house dust, and settled dust inside homes, indicating their longevity and potential impact on respiratory health.
Research has shown that exposure to air pollution containing EPFRs is associated with poor respiratory health, especially in children. The presence of EPFRs in the respiratory system can lead to oxidative stress, which damages critical biomolecules like DNA, proteins, and lipids. This, in turn, contributes to the development of various respiratory conditions and diseases, including asthma and other respiratory viruses and bacteria in the upper airway.
By understanding the specific free radicals produced by different sources of air pollution, scientists can develop biomarkers to quickly identify exposure to specific pollutants. This knowledge can help identify new markers of exposure and improve our understanding of the health impacts of emerging environmental pollutants. For example, the distinct free radicals produced by e-cigarettes compared to traditional cigarettes can serve as a unique marker of exposure to e-cigarettes.
In conclusion, free radicals play a significant role in respiratory health, and their presence in air pollution contributes to poor respiratory outcomes. By studying the chemistry of free radicals and their impact on the body, we can develop strategies to mitigate their harmful effects and improve respiratory health for those exposed to air pollution.
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Detecting free radicals
Free radicals are atoms or molecules that contain an unpaired electron. They are often challenging to detect, measure, and identify due to their transient nature. However, they are essential to understand as they are influenced by thousands of reactants and determine the oxidising power of polluted air.
Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) or Electron Spin Resonance (ESR) Spectroscopy
This technique is unique in that it is sensitive only to transitions involving unpaired electrons. It is used to study radicals and is closely related to Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, which is more commonly used for analysis. In EPR/ESR, the sample is placed in a high magnetic field inside a microwave cavity, and the DC magnetic field is increased until resonance is achieved.
High-Pressure Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectroscopy (HPLC-MS)
When combined with EPR, this technique can be used to identify free radicals. Each radical structure produces a unique EPR trace or "fingerprint" that can be used for quick identification.
Fluorescence-Detected Magnetic Resonance (FDMR)
This technique is mentioned as a method for detecting free radicals, specifically the hydroxyl radical.
Probes
Probes that react to free radicals can be used to detect their presence in cells, as well as to measure the damage or cell response caused by the radicals.
Reagents
Reagents for detecting free radicals and reactive oxygen species have been developed, with applications in materials science and biology.
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Free radicals and skin health
Free radicals are atoms or molecules that contain an unpaired electron. This unpaired electron makes them highly reactive and capable of damaging cells and DNA. While free radicals are produced naturally in the body as part of normal metabolism, environmental exposures to free radicals can be particularly harmful.
Air pollution is a significant source of free radicals. When items are burned, such as through the combustion of gasoline or cigarettes, hazardous compounds known as free radicals are produced. This can include the use of gas for cooking or heating, as well as cigarettes or e-cigarettes, which can produce free radicals inside homes.
The presence of free radicals in the body can be combated with antioxidants, which are vitamins and other nutrients that help protect cells from the damaging effects of free radicals. Vitamins A, C, and E are some of the most well-known antioxidants. These antioxidants can be consumed through food or applied topically in skincare products.
The skin is constantly exposed to air, solar radiation, and environmental pollutants, which can induce the generation of free radicals. This can lead to extrinsic skin damage, including photoaging, and skin cancer. UV radiation (UVR) is a significant factor, contributing to up to 80% of environmental damage to the skin. UVR exposure can deplete the skin's natural antioxidant defenses, leading to oxidative stress and DNA damage.
By understanding the sources of free radicals, individuals can take steps to minimize their exposure and protect their skin health. This may include the use of antioxidants, both orally and topically, as well as minimizing exposure to known sources of free radicals, such as air pollution and UV radiation.
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Sources of free radicals
Free radicals are highly reactive, unstable oxygen molecules that can be produced both naturally and unnaturally.
Natural Sources of Free Radicals
Free radicals are produced naturally in the body as part of normal metabolism. They are involved in various physiological functions such as immune function, cellular signalling pathways, mitogenic response, and redox regulation. However, when there is an imbalance between the production of free radicals and antioxidant defences, the former are produced in higher concentrations, leading to oxidative stress and potential damage to important biological molecules such as DNA, proteins, and lipids.
Unnatural Sources of Free Radicals
Free radicals can also be generated from external sources, such as exposure to air pollutants, X-rays, ozone, cigarette smoking, and industrial chemicals. These external sources can lead to an excess of free radicals in the body, which has been linked to various diseases, including cancer, atherosclerosis, diabetes mellitus, neurodegenerative disorders, cardiovascular diseases, respiratory diseases, and cataracts.
Environmentally Persistent Free Radicals (EPFRs)
EPFRs are a specific type of free radical that persists in both the environment and biological systems for prolonged periods. They are generated during incomplete combustion processes, such as those involving cigarettes, gasoline, or forests. EPFRs have been detected in indoor and outdoor air pollution and have been linked to adverse respiratory outcomes, particularly in children.
Food Sources of Free Radicals
While food is not a direct source of free radicals, consuming certain foods can help minimize the risk of oxidative stress and damage from free radical production. A well-balanced diet rich in antioxidants, including vitamins C, E, and beta-carotene, can help protect the body from the harmful effects of free radicals.
Detection and Identification of Free Radicals
The identification of free radicals can be challenging due to their transient nature, but techniques such as electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and high-pressure liquid chromatography mass spectroscopy (HPLC-MS) can be used to detect and identify specific radical structures. This, in turn, can help in understanding the health impacts of environmental pollutants and developing new markers of exposure.
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Free radicals and antioxidants
Free radicals are atoms or molecules that contain an unpaired electron. This unpaired electron makes them highly reactive and capable of damaging cells and DNA. They are produced naturally in the body as part of normal metabolism and combustion processes. For example, when items such as cigarettes, gasoline, or forests burn, free radicals are formed.
The presence of free radicals in the body can lead to a condition called oxidative stress, which is associated with the overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and a deficiency of antioxidants. Oxidative stress can cause damage to cellular lipids, proteins, or DNA, inhibiting their normal function and contributing to the development of various diseases, including cancer, diabetes mellitus, inflammatory diseases, and neurodegenerative disorders.
Antioxidants are vital in maintaining the balance between the production and removal of free radicals. They scavenge and neutralise the reactive species formed by free radicals, preventing or reducing oxidative damage. Enzymatic antioxidants include superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and catalase (CAT). Non-enzymatic antioxidants, such as vitamins C and E, flavonoids, polyphenols, and glutathione, are also effective in combating oxidative stress.
The study of free radicals and their impact on health is crucial in understanding air pollution and developing strategies to mitigate its adverse effects. By identifying specific free radicals associated with different sources of pollution, such as e-cigarettes, we can better understand the health consequences of exposure and potentially discover new markers of exposure.
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Frequently asked questions
Free radicals are atoms or molecules that contain an unpaired electron. This makes them highly reactive and capable of damaging cells and DNA. They are produced naturally in the body as part of normal metabolism, but exposure to environmental free radicals can be harmful.
Air pollution, such as smog, cigarette smoke, metal ions, radiation, and chemicals from household cleaners, can generate free radicals in the atmosphere. These free radicals have unpaired electrons, making them chemically unstable. They seek out other electrons to reach a more stable state, which can lead to inflammation and accelerated aging in the body.
Free radicals can cause adverse respiratory outcomes and are linked to poor respiratory health. They can also affect the skin, as they are small enough to enter pores and be inhaled, leading to inflammation and accelerated aging. Boosting antioxidant defenses through diet or skincare may help protect against the negative effects of free radicals.
