Journal of applied physiology
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Ambient particles may undergo modifications to their chemical composition as a consequence of climatic variability. The determination of whether these changes modify the toxicity of the particles is important for the understanding of the health effects associated with particle exposure. The objectives were to determine whether low levels of particles promote cardiopulmonary effects, and to assess if the observed alterations are influenced by season. ⋯ CAPs during the cold/dry period increased the influx of neutrophils in the alveolar parenchyma. Short-term exposure to low concentrations of CAPs elicited modest but significant pulmonary inflammation and, to a lesser extent, changes in blood parameters. In addition, our data support the concept that changes in climate conditions slightly modify particle toxicity because equivalent doses of CAPs in the cold/dry period produced a more exacerbated response.