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Pulmonary toxicity of dust generated during weaving of carpets
1Fibre Toxicology Division, Industrial Toxicology Research Centre, Post Box No. 80, M.G. Marg, Lucknow-226 001, India.
Abstract:
The dust generated during weaving (carpet dust) tibbati, knotted and tuffted carpets in carpet industry was studied for its toxicity in vitro and in vivo. Carpet dust (0.5, 1.0, 2.5 and 5.0 mg/1 x 10(6) cells) caused in vitro cytotoxicity in rat alveolar macrophages (AM) in a concentration-dependent manner. The cytotoxic, inflammatory and oxidative responses were observed in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) of rats at 1, 4, 8 and 16 days after exposure. Rats were intratracheally exposed at 5 mg/rat individually to all three types of carpet dust. All types of carpet dusts produced increased AM, lymphocytes (PMN) population in BALF suggesting their inflammatory reactions. Cytotoxic nature of carpet dust was shown by the increased activities of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and acid phosphatase (AP) in BALF. Increased AM population and in vitro cytotoxicity due to carpet dusts have shown some correlation with the levels of LDH and AP activities in BALF. The gradual enhanced profile of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and nitric oxide (NO) along with depletion of reduced glutathione (GSH) in AM due to these carpet dusts are suggestive of their oxidant nature. The enzyme activities of both glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and glutathione reductase (GR) in AM were marginally reduced in exposed rats. In conclusion, the data suggest the cytotoxic, inflammatory and oxidant nature of carpet dusts. It is extrapolated that health effects on carpet weavers would be associated with the concentration and nature of airborne dust generated during weaving of carpets.
Insights
Carpet dust from weaving is toxic, causing inflammation and oxidative stress in rats. Exposure to this dust may lead to health issues for carpet weavers.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Toxicology
- Environmental Health
Background:
- Carpet manufacturing generates airborne dust.
- The toxicity of this dust is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the in vitro and in vivo toxicity of carpet dust.
- To assess the cytotoxic, inflammatory, and oxidant effects of carpet dust.
Main Methods:
- In vitro cytotoxicity assays on rat alveolar macrophages (AM).
- In vivo exposure of rats via intratracheal instillation.
- Analysis of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) for inflammatory markers and enzyme activities.
Main Results:
- Carpet dust induced concentration-dependent cytotoxicity in AM.
- Increased inflammatory cell populations (AM, PMN) and enzyme activities (LDH, AP) in BALF.
- Evidence of oxidative stress indicated by increased H2O2, NO, and decreased GSH in AM.
Conclusions:
- Carpet dust exhibits cytotoxic, inflammatory, and oxidant properties.
- Health risks for carpet weavers are linked to dust concentration and type.
- Further research is needed to fully elucidate the long-term health impacts.