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Updated: Jul 27, 2025

Analysis of the Ambient Particulate Matter-induced Chromosomal Aberrations Using an In Vitro System
Published on: December 21, 2016
Assessing the chemical composition, potential toxicity and cancer risk of airborne fine particulate matter (PM
Sofia Caumo1, Aleinnys B Yera1, Célia Alves2
1Institute of Chemistry, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil.
Abstract:
In the vicinity of a petrochemical industrial region in São Paulo, Brazil, PM2.5-bound organic carbon (OC), elemental carbon (EC), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), nitro-PAHs, oxy-PAHs, hopanes, and inorganic species were evaluated. Oxidative potential (OP), burden (OB), and Alivibrio fischeri bioluminescence inhibition (AFBIA) assays were conducted to determine the potential health effects of exposure to these compounds. The PM2.5 mean concentration was 32.0 ± 18.2 µg m-3, and benzo (a)pyrene was found to exceed recommended levels by at least four times. Secondary sources and vehicular emissions were indicated by nitro-PAHs, oxy-PAHs, and inorganic species. The OP and OB results revealed that secondary compounds favored antioxidant depletion. The AFBIA results showed that 64 % of the samples were toxic. These findings emphasize the need to reduce the exposure risk and take measures to protect human health.
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