Comprehensive computational analysis via Adverse Outcome Pathways and Aggregate Exposure Pathways in exploring synergistic effects from radon and tobacco smoke on lung cancer.

Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer mortality worldwide, with tobacco smoke and radon exposure being the primary risk factors. The interaction between these two factors has been described as sub-multiplicative, but a better understanding is needed of how they jointly contribute to lung carcinogenesis. In this context, a comprehensive analysis of current knowledge regarding the effects of radon and tobacco smoke on lung cancer was conducted using a computational approach.

Emissions of Volatile Organic Compounds from Brake Wear and Their Role in Ultrafine Particle Nucleation.

The emission of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from brake wear is a relatively underexplored aspect of nonexhaust traffic emissions. We employed a proton-transfer-reaction time-of-flight mass spectrometer to investigate the real-time emissions of VOCs from two commercially prevalent brake materials: low-metallic copper-free (LMCF) and nonasbestos organic (NAO). Experiments were conducted using a pin-on-a-disc tribometer integrated with a fast-mobility particle sizer spectrometer.

Toxicity of real-world PM road tunnel emissions using a mobile air-liquid interface system and submerged exposure.

Traffic-related air pollution is a major public health concern, contributing to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases worldwide. The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility of using a mobile Air-Liquid Interface (ALI) system to assess the cytotoxicity and inflammatory potential of freshly generated PM (particle matter with aerodynamic diameter <2.5 μm) in a road tunnel in Stockholm.

The blood response to subway-derived iron nanoparticles.

In this study, we investigated the impact of iron-rich nanoparticles derived from different locations in the subway on the innate immune system in blood. Nanoparticles were generated from Third Rail, Rail, and Wheel materials and characterized using several techniques. The response in a human whole-blood model was analyzed using ELISA and capillary immunoelectrophoresis.

Unraveling toxicity of nanoparticles from different subway materials in lung epithelial cells and macrophages.

Nanoparticles (ultrafine particles) are prevalent in various environments and raise concerns due to their potential health effects. In this study, we aimed to enhance the understanding of the toxicity associated with nanoparticles generated within subway systems. Specifically, we investigated nanoparticles produced using spark discharge from electrodes made of the same material as the third rail (which provides electric power), rail, and wheel components in the Stockholm subway system.

Toxicity assessment of airborne ultrafine particles: Role of transport emissions.

Airborne quasi-ultrafine particle samples were collected from different outdoor sites in Barcelona (NE Spain, 35 samples) and the Valencia subway (about 400 km south of Barcelona, 3 samples). Locations and schedules were designed to cover cold and warm seasons and to represent the impact of different types of transport (cars, trains, ships, and planes). Extracts from PTFE filters (methanol:dichloromethane 1:2) were used to test toxic effects in human cell lines (Induction of reactive oxygen species, inflammatory response) and in zebrafish embryos (expression of xenobiotic response-related genes, cyp1a1, gsa1 and hao1).

Gaseous emissions from brake wear can form secondary particulate matter.

Road traffic is an important source of urban air pollutants. Due to increasingly strict controls of exhaust emissions from road traffic, their contribution to the total emissions has strongly decreased over time in high-income countries. In contrast, non-exhaust emissions from road vehicles are not yet legislated and now make up the major proportion of road traffic emissions in many countries.

Nicotine interacts with DNA lesions induced by alpha radiation which may contribute to erroneous repair in human lung epithelial cells.

Purpose: Epidemiological studies show that radon and cigarette smoke interact in inducing lung cancer, but the contribution of nicotine in response to alpha radiation emitted by radon is not well understood.

Materials And Methods: Bronchial epithelial BEAS-2B cells were either pre-treated with 2 µM nicotine during 16 h, exposed to radiation, or the combination. DNA damage, cellular and chromosomal alterations, oxidative stress as well as inflammatory responses were assessed to investigate the role of nicotine in modulating responses.

Toxicity of airborne nanoparticles: Facts and challenges.

Air pollution is one of the most severe environmental healthhazards, and airborne nanoparticles (diameter <100 nm) are considered particularly hazardous to human health. They are produced by various sources such as internal combustion engines, wood and biomass burning, and fuel and natural gas combustion, and their origin, among other parameters, determines their intrinsic toxicity for reasons that are not yet fully understood. Many constituents of the nanoparticles are considered toxic or at least hazardous, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and heavy metal compounds, in addition to gaseous pollutants present in the aerosol fraction, such as NOx, SO and ozone.

The effect of airborne Palladium nanoparticles on human lung cells, endothelium and blood - A combinatory approach using three in vitro models.

A better understanding of the mechanisms behind adverse health effects caused by airborne fine particles and nanoparticles (NP) is essential to improve risk assessment and identification the most critical particle exposures. While the use of automobile catalytic converters is decreasing the exhausts of harmful gases, concentrations of fine airborne particles and nanoparticles (NPs) from catalytic metals such as Palladium (Pd) are reaching their upper safe level. Here we used a combinatory approach with three in vitro model systems to study the toxicity of Pd particles, to infer their potential effects on human health upon inhalation.

Dry Generation of CeO Nanoparticles and Deposition onto a Co-Culture of A549 and THP-1 Cells in Air-Liquid Interface-Dosimetry Considerations and Comparison to Submerged Exposure.

Relevant in vitro assays that can simulate exposure to nanoparticles (NPs) via inhalation are urgently needed. Presently, the most common method employed is to expose lung cells under submerged conditions, but the cellular responses to NPs under such conditions might differ from those observed at the more physiological air-liquid interface (ALI). The aim of this study was to investigate the cytotoxic and inflammatory potential of CeO NPs (NM-212) in a co-culture of A549 lung epithelial cells and differentiated THP-1 cells in both ALI and submerged conditions.

In vitro genotoxicity of airborne Ni-NP in air-liquid interface.

Studies using advanced toxicological methods enabling in vitro conditions that are more realistic are currently needed for understanding the risks of pulmonary exposure to airborne nanoparticles. Owing to the carcinogenicity of certain nickel compounds, the increased production of nickel nanoparticles (Ni-NPs) raises occupational safety concerns. The aim of this study was to investigate the genotoxicity of airborne Ni-NPs using a recently developed air-liquid interface exposure system.

Surface passivity largely governs the bioaccessibility of nickel-based powder particles at human exposure conditions.

The European chemical framework REACH requires that hazards and risks posed by chemicals, including alloys and metals, are identified and proven safe for humans and the environment. Therefore, differences in bioaccessibility in terms of released metals in synthetic biological fluids (different pH (1.5-7.

Lung function in asphalt pavers: a longitudinal study.

Purpose: To study longitudinal changes in lung function in asphalt pavers and a reference group of road maintenance workers, and to detect possible signs of lung disease by high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) scans.

Methods: Seventy-five asphalt pavers and 71 road maintenance workers were followed up with questionnaires and measurements of lung function. Not every worker was tested every year, but most of them had four or more measurement points.

Nickel Release, ROS Generation and Toxicity of Ni and NiO Micro- and Nanoparticles.

Occupational exposure to airborne nickel is associated with an elevated risk for respiratory tract diseases including lung cancer. Therefore, the increased production of Ni-containing nanoparticles necessitates a thorough assessment of their physical, chemical, as well as toxicological properties. The aim of this study was to investigate and compare the characteristics of nickel metal (Ni) and nickel oxide (NiO) particles with a focus on Ni release, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, cellular uptake, cytotoxicity and genotoxicity.

Optimization of an air-liquid interface exposure system for assessing toxicity of airborne nanoparticles.

The use of refined toxicological methods is currently needed for characterizing the risks of airborne nanoparticles (NPs) to human health. To mimic pulmonary exposure, we have developed an air-liquid interface (ALI) exposure system for direct deposition of airborne NPs on to lung cell cultures. Compared to traditional submerged systems, this allows more realistic exposure conditions for characterizing toxicological effects induced by airborne NPs.

Inflammatory markers and exposure to airborne particles among workers in a Swedish pulp and paper mill.

Purpose: To study the relationship between exposure to airborne particles in a pulp and paper mill and markers of inflammation and coagulation in blood.

Methods: Personal sampling of inhalable dust was performed for 72 subjects working in a Swedish pulp and paper mill. Stationary measurements were used to study concentrations of total dust, respirable dust, PM10 and PM2.

Intracellular uptake and toxicity of Ag and CuO nanoparticles: a comparison between nanoparticles and their corresponding metal ions.

Unlabelled: An increased understanding of nanoparticle toxicity and its impact on human health is essential to enable a safe use of nanoparticles in our society. The aim of this study is to investigate the role of a Trojan horse type mechanism for the toxicity of Ag-nano and CuO-nano particles and their corresponding metal ionic species (using CuCl2 and AgNO3 ), i.e.

Cellular dose of partly soluble Cu particle aerosols at the air-liquid interface using an in vitro lung cell exposure system.

Background: There is currently a need to develop and test in vitro systems for predicting the toxicity of nanoparticles. One challenge is to determine the actual cellular dose of nanoparticles after exposure.

Methods: In this study, human epithelial lung cells (A549) were exposed to airborne Cu particles at the air-liquid interface (ALI).

Characterisation of nano- and micron-sized airborne and collected subway particles, a multi-analytical approach.

Continuous daily measurements of airborne particles were conducted during specific periods at an underground platform within the subway system of the city center of Stockholm, Sweden. Main emphasis was placed on number concentration, particle size distribution, soot content (analyzed as elemental and black carbon) and surface area concentration. Conventional measurements of mass concentrations were conducted in parallel as well as analysis of particle morphology, bulk- and surface composition.

Inflammatory markers and exposure to occupational air pollutants.

Objectives: To study the possible relationship between inhalation of airborne particles in the work environment and inflammatory markers in blood.

Methods: Total dust was sampled in the breathing zone of 73 subjects working with welding, cutting, grinding and in foundries such as iron, aluminium, and concrete. Stationary measurements were used to study different size fractions of particles including respirable dust, particulate matter (PM)(10) and PM(2.

Ultrafine particle characteristics in seven industrial plants.

Ultrafine particles are considered as a possible cause of some of the adverse health effects caused by airborne particles. In this study, the particle characteristics were measured in seven Swedish industrial plants, with a special focus on the ultrafine particle fraction. Number concentration, size distribution, surface area concentration, and mass concentration were measured at 10 different job activities, including fettling, laser cutting, welding, smelting, core making, moulding, concreting, grinding, sieving powders, and washing machine goods.