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<p>Subway systems are vital for urban transit, yet their air contains iron-oxide nanoparticles that may threaten commuters’ respiratory and cardiovascular health. Despite their prevalence, the microscopic properties, formation mechanisms and health effect of these particles remain poorly understood. Here we analyze subway-derived dust sampled at four sites along three metro lines in Hangzhou, China, revealing that magnetic nanoparticles constitute a substantial fraction of subway aerosols. These particles exist in two forms: α-Fe<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub> from surface dust and airborne Fe<sub>3</sub>O<sub>4</sub> nanoparticles with a magnetic core encapsulated in an amorphous SiO<sub>2</sub> shell, primarily originating from wheel–rail and brake–wheel friction. Notably, we detect nanoscale Fe<sub>3</sub>O<sub>4</sub> particles in lung tissues of subway commuters, demonstrating their inhalation and pulmonary deposition in humans. Mouse inhalation exposure experiments further confirm that Fe<sub>3</sub>O<sub>4</sub> nanoparticles can induce pronounced lung injury. Our findings highlight friction-derived magnetic nanoparticles as a potential public health risk and underscore the need for strategies to mitigate commuter exposure in urban subway systems.</p>

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Airborne magnetic nanoparticles pose pulmonary risks to urban commuters evidenced by Hangzhou and Zhengzhou subways

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年2月23日

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  • Weijun Li,
  • Yunfeng Zhao,
  • Hongyu Wang,
  • Hongliu Cai,
  • Lingtong Huang,
  • Keliang Li,
  • Liang Xu,
  • Xiyao Chen,
  • Shupeng Zhu,
  • Yinxiao Zhang,
  • Zongbo Shi,
  • Jianmin Chen,
  • Yinon Rudich,
  • Xiaokun Ding

摘要

Subway systems are vital for urban transit, yet their air contains iron-oxide nanoparticles that may threaten commuters’ respiratory and cardiovascular health. Despite their prevalence, the microscopic properties, formation mechanisms and health effect of these particles remain poorly understood. Here we analyze subway-derived dust sampled at four sites along three metro lines in Hangzhou, China, revealing that magnetic nanoparticles constitute a substantial fraction of subway aerosols. These particles exist in two forms: α-Fe2O3 from surface dust and airborne Fe3O4 nanoparticles with a magnetic core encapsulated in an amorphous SiO2 shell, primarily originating from wheel–rail and brake–wheel friction. Notably, we detect nanoscale Fe3O4 particles in lung tissues of subway commuters, demonstrating their inhalation and pulmonary deposition in humans. Mouse inhalation exposure experiments further confirm that Fe3O4 nanoparticles can induce pronounced lung injury. Our findings highlight friction-derived magnetic nanoparticles as a potential public health risk and underscore the need for strategies to mitigate commuter exposure in urban subway systems.