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Published on: August 25, 2018
Toxic effects and action pathways of full-volatility organic compounds from firework-related aerosols
Mingqi Liu1, Yaoqiang Huo1, Uudam Hu1
1Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Control and Remediation at Universities of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, College of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Inner Mongolia University of Technology, Hohhot, 010051, China.
Abstract:
Firework activities release substantial organics yet their toxic effects and pathways to humans remain elusive. Here, we addressed the chemical fingerprints of full-volatility organic compounds (FVOCs) in firework-related aerosols, based on which to assess the association between toxic effects and Tox21 pathway dataset. The FVOCs concentration and overall toxic equivalent quantity (TEQ) values during firework discharge reached 83.74 μg/m3 and 711.51 μg/m3, respectively, which are 11.74 and 5.05 times higher than those during non-firework periods. Semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs) contributed the most, accounting for 69.14 % of the total FVOCs concentration and 68.87 % of the overall TEQ value, respectively. Nineteen critical organics are screened for 33.55 % and 33.95 % of the FVOCs concentration and total TEQ, respectively. The toxicity of eye irritation, skin sensitization, respiratory, eye corrosion, human ether-a-go-go related gene, A549 cytotoxicity, and human hepatotoxicity dominate the TEQ of FVOCs, accounting for 76.10 %. These eight toxic effects are mainly contributed by 61.01-65.97 % alkanes, 15.28-19.70 % alcohols, 7.90-10.45 % alicyclic hydrocarbons, 4.18-6.26 % esters, and 3.76-5.89 % cycloalkanes in firework displays period, respectively. The firework-derived FVOCs exert toxic effects on human cells by modulating signaling pathways, with stronger associations by androgen receptor, estrogen receptor, and mitochondrial membrane potential. These findings provide a novel insight into understanding the link between organic aerosol molecules and toxicity pathways.
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