In vitro toxicity assessment of respirable solid surface composite sawing particles

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Toxicology
• Occupational Health

Background:

• Solid surface composites (SSCs) are widely used construction materials.
• Sawing SSCs generates airborne dusts, posing potential inhalation risks.
• Previous studies indicated pulmonary inflammation in mice exposed to SSC dust.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the toxicity of respirable SSC dust on human alveolar macrophages (THP-1).
• To determine the dose-dependent toxicity of SSC particles.
• To assess the impact of particle size on SSC-induced cytotoxicity.

Main Methods:

• THP-1 macrophages were exposed to varying concentrations of respirable SSC particles (0-100 µg/ml) for 24 hours.
• Cell viability was assessed using lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity assays.
• Reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and inflammatory cytokine levels were measured.
• The toxicity of size-specific SSC particle subfractions (0.07-13.42 µm) was evaluated.

Main Results:

• Respirable SSC particles induced dose-dependent toxicity in THP-1 macrophages, decreasing viability and increasing LDH activity.
• Exposure to SSC particles elevated ROS production and inflammatory cytokine levels.
• A size-dependent cytotoxic effect was observed, with the smallest particles (0.07 µm) showing the highest toxicity (36% cell death).

Conclusions:

• Respirable SSC particles possess cytotoxic potential against human alveolar macrophages.
• SSC particle toxicity is dependent on concentration and particle size.
• The smallest airborne SSC particles pose the greatest toxicological risk, highlighting the need for effective dust control measures in occupational settings.