Cytotoxicity Assessment of PM_2.5 Collected from Specific Anthropogenic Activities in Taiwan

Fine particulate matter (PM_2.5) from different sources with different components have different health impact. In this research in Taiwan, composition and cytotoxicity of PM_2.5 from long-range transport event (LRT), traffic activity, and outdoor cooking at night market were studied. The PM_2.5 mass concentrations were 39.0 μg/m³ during LRT, 42.9 μg/m³ at traffic area, and 28.3 μg/m³ at the night market. Traffic area had highest concentrations of PCDD/Fs (46.9 fg I-TEQ/m³) when highest PAH concentrations of 3.57 BaPeq-ng/m³ were found at night market area. One quarter of PM_2.5 mass at LRT and night market was constituted by water-soluble ion (26.02-28.93%). Road dust (represented by high concentration of Al and Ca) was the main contributor for metal element at traffic station whereas presence of natural salt (Na and Cl elements) was a marker of LRT and cooking activities. Cell viability reduced 9% after exposure to organic extracts of 0.316 μg of PM_2.5 from LRT and night market samples. 150% elevation of ROS production was observed after exposure with organic compound of night market samples at the dose equivalent to 10.0 μg PM_2.5. Organic extracts from night market induced positive genotoxicity in umu test (at a dose of 20.0 μg PM_2.5).