26^th ETH Nanoparticles Conference

The Nanoparticle Conference in 2023 was organized as an on-site conference at the ETH Zürich. It served as an interdisciplinary platform for expert discussions on all aspects of nanoparticles, freshly emitted from various sources, transformed in ambient air, distributed on local and global scale, on technical mitigation aspects, particle legislation, and impact of particles on health, environment, and climate. The conference brought together representatives from research, industry and government.

Conference Topics:
Aircraft, marine and other non-road sources
Ambient air particles, secondary pollutants
Biomass-, biofuel- and synfuel combustion
Brake and tyre wear, non-combustion emissions
Emission control of combustion engines
Environmental effects
Filtration of combustion and biogenic nanoparticles
Health effects
Impact on climate
Indoor particles
Legislation and enforcement
Nanoparticle formation and transformation
Nanoparticle metrology and chemical characterization
Nanoparticle chemistry and toxicology
Occupational exposure and prevention
Periodical technical inspection for in-use vehicles

Focus Event:
«Indoor air filtration of biogenic and combustion nanoparticles»

The outbreak of the COVID pandemic taught us that viruses indeed are nanoparticles, which travel with aerosols, similar to combustion-generated nanoparticles. Both classes of particles are mainly taken up by inhalation. The translocation of sub-200 nm particles through the alveolar membrane and the distribution in the body show similarities too. The formation and release of such particles are quite different. However, their dimensions are similar and the abatement of biogenic nanoparticles can be achieved using similar filtration principles and technologies that have been applied successfully for combustion engines. These aspects will be discussed in the 2023 focus event.

Health Session:
The session provided new experimental and epidemiological results about health consequences of combustion emissions. Special emphasis was given to effects of nanoparticles on children’s health.

Social Events:
Welcome Party on Monday, June 19, 7pm, sponsored by VERT, was at the Faculty Foyer on the rooftop of the ETH main building, which guarantees spectacular views on Zurich.

On Tuesday, June 20, an Exhibitor Apèro was given from 5 to 7pm.

The Conference Dinner on Wednesday, June 21, at ETH restaurant was open to all the conference attendees.