Airborne fine particulate matter as risk factors for mutagenic and toxic effects

L. MASSOLO; A. MULLER; M. REHWAGEN; M. J. TUEROS; U. FRANNK; A. RONCO; O. HERBARTH

Quebec, Canada

Simposio; International Symposyum on Toxicity Assessment ISTA 10; 2001

Airborne particulate matter, especially fine particles, and bound chemical compounds are potential mediators of adverse health effects. We analyze here the risk associated to chemical bound semivolatile compounds in particulate matter from industrial and urban influenced areas in the regions of La Plata (Argentina) and Leipzig (Germany) in comparison to low burden areas from the same places. Organic extracts from particulate matter (high volume samplers, 6 fraction cascade impactors from 10 to less than 0.45 micrometers), from the cold and hot seasons in each region, were tested for mutagenicity (Ames test,  Salmonella typhimurium TA98 strain, S9+) and cytotoxicity (Tetrahymena pyriformis test system, grow rate, cell respiration). Chemical analyses (HPLC, UV/fluorescence detection) were also performed to determine the composition of PAHs. Results detect mutagenic and cytotoxic effects associated to very fine (< 0.45 mm) and fine (< 1.5 mm) particle bound compounds. Mutagenic potency (revertants/m3) associated to very fine particles from urban areas is one order of magnitude higher than particles ranging from 3 through 0.45 mm. Sites with industrial burden also express high potency in fine fractions of dust. Total mutagenic potency in La Plata City is five times higher than in Leipzig. A similar tendency was observed with cytotoxicity test with T. pyriformis, although this cell system proved to be more sensitive. Additionally, an uncoupling of the respiratory chain by extracts of fraction containing fine and very fine particles, in agreement to the high content of PAHs, were observed. We can conclude that health risk of airborne particulate matter in urban and industrial areas is especially associated to respirable fine particles.