RSSA - The Effect of Nanoparticles on Workers and Health

Dr Rodger Duffin BSc PhD MRCPath FRSB
Reader in Respiratory Medicine
Centre for Inflammation Research
The University of Edinburgh

In the Augustine United Church
41 George IV Bridge
Edinburgh, EH1 1EL
On Monday 29th April 2024, at 7pm

When compared to chemicals, exposure to particulates, unless at extreme levels, can be hard to recognise yet are well known in the toxicology field to harm your health. For good reason, a great deal of attention is given to understanding how air pollution can effect ones health however workplace exposures have historically and continue today to have a huge impact on health. In Scotland, there is a long history of exposure and subsequently, disease associated with these exposures such as coal dust, asbestos and silica (mainly from stone dust). Whilst coal mining and in particular asbestos use has seen a massive decline, there has been increases in new (nano) materials which may pose similar risks. Work in my lab is focused on the mechanisms controlling inflammatory processes from their initiation to resolution and also understanding the potential toxicology surrounding environmental and occupational nanoparticle exposures. The rise of the nanotechnologies and the production of novel nanoparticles has raised concern that new hazards are being produced which need to be better understood in toxicological terms. A better understanding of the hazard of any particle and determination of the true biologically effective dose offers the prospect of an improved metric for risk management and the prospect of rational intervention in disease progression following exposure.

Dr Duffin is a Reader in Respiratory Medicine and Head of the Particle and Fibre Research Laboratory within the Centre for Inflammation Research at the University of Edinburgh. His research interests are focused on the mechanisms controlling the processes of inflammation, from initiation to resolution and also understanding the potential toxicology surrounding environmental and occupational (nano)particle exposures. He trained in Edinburgh with Professor Ken Donaldson as a Colt Foundation PhD student in particle toxicology. After completing his PhD, He under took a 3 year post-doctoral training position in Dusseldorf where he then returned to Edinburgh in 2005, after being awarded a Colt Foundation Research Fellowship. He is currently one of the Scientific Advisors to the Colt Foundation Trustees.

If you do not wish to attend the lecture in person, it will also be simultaneously available by Zoom. Fellows on our mailing list will be sent details about a week before the meeting. Anyone else should email zoom@rssa.org.uk if they want to attend this event online.

Complimentary tea, coffee and biscuits are served from about 6:40pm onwards before the meetings.
There is a hearing loop in the meeting room and ramped access to the building is available.
Members of the Public are welcome to attend.