Inflammatory effects of exposure to different stone types used in Norwegian asphalt

During the winter in Scandinavian countries, up to 90% of traffic-related particulate matter (PM) is from non-exhaust emissions sources such as asphalt wear. Measures to reduce urban PM have focused mainly on exhaust emissions, while the contribution from asphalt has received less attention. In vitro studies suggest that the composition of asphalt can affect the inflammatory potential of road dust. Using a whole-body human exposure chamber, we have explored whether different stone materials used in Norwegian asphalt impose different inflammatory reactions in plasma of healthy volunteers. Our results show no acute increases in the inflammatory markers SP-D, P- selectin, or CC16. However, quartz diorite induced an apparent increase in ICAM-1, not seen for rhomb porphyry or placebo dust (lactose). Although this did not reach statistical significance, it resembles previously observed fibrinogen-effects, and may suggest that different types of stone minerals provoke different inflammatory reactions in humans compared to placebo dust.publishedVersio

Respirable stone particles differ in their ability to induce cytotoxicity and pro-inflammatory responses in cell models of the human airways

Background Respirable stone- and mineral particles may be a major constituent in occupational and ambient air pollution and represent a possible health hazard. However, with exception of quartz and asbestos, little is known about the toxic properties of mineral particles. In the present study, the pro-inflammatory and cytotoxic responses to six stone particle samples of different composition and with diameter below 10 μm were assessed in human bronchial epithelial cells (HBEC3-KT), THP-1 macrophages and a HBEC3-KT/THP-1 co-culture. Moreover, particle-induced lysis of human erythrocytes was assessed to determine the ability of the particles to lyse biological membranes. Finally, the role of the NLRP3 inflammasome was assessed using a NLRP3-specific inhibitor and detection of ASC oligomers and cleaved caspase-1 and IL-1β. A reference sample of pure α-quartz was included for comparison. Results Several stone particle samples induced a concentration-dependent increase in cytotoxicity and secretion of the pro-inflammatory cytokines CXCL8, IL-1α, IL-1β and TNFα. In HBEC3-KT, quartzite and anorthosite were the most cytotoxic stone particle samples and induced the highest levels of cytokines. Quartzite and anorthosite were also the most cytotoxic samples in THP-1 macrophages, while anorthosite and hornfels induced the highest cytokine responses. In comparison, few significant differences between particle samples were detected in the co-culture. Adjusting responses for differences in surface area concentrations did not fully account for the differences between particle samples. Moreover, the stone particles had low hemolytic potential, indicating that the effects were not driven by membrane lysis. Pre-incubation with a NLRP3-specific inhibitor reduced stone particle-induced cytokine responses in THP-1 macrophages, but not in HBEC3-KT cells, suggesting that the effects are mediated through different mechanisms in epithelial cells and macrophages. Particle exposure also induced an increase in ASC oligomers and cleaved caspase-1 and IL-1β in THP-1 macrophages, confirming the involvement of the NLRP3 inflammasome. Conclusions The present study indicates that stone particles induce cytotoxicity and pro-inflammatory responses in human bronchial epithelial cells and macrophages, acting through NLRP3-independent and -dependent mechanisms, respectively. Moreover, some particle samples induced cytotoxicity and cytokine release to a similar or greater extent than α-quartz. Thus, these minerals warrant further attention in future research.publishedVersio

Flystøy og luftforurensning ved flyplasser: Mulige helsekonsekvenser ved Oslo lufthavn

Source at https://www.fhi.no/.Denne rapporten er skrevet på oppdrag fra Ullensaker kommune. Som vertskap for Norges hovedflyplass Oslo lufthavn (OSL) ønsket kommunen oppdatert vitenskapelig kunnskap om mulige virkninger på befolkningens helse og trivsel av de støynivåene man har i nærområdet til flyplassen. Kommunen ønsket også en vurdering av mulig luftforurensning ved flyplassen, og hva som kan være helsemessige konsekvenser av denne. Folkehelseinstituttet (FHI) oppsummerer i denne rapporten kunnskapsstatus når det gjelder flystøy, luftforurensning rundt flyplasser og helse. Ulike studier har funnet sammenhenger mellom støyeksponering, luftforurensning og en rekke ulike helseutfall. I denne rapporten har vi valgt å avgrense oss til de best dokumenterte/hyppigst studerte virkningene av flystøy, som er støyplage, søvnforstyrrelser og hjerte- og karsykdom, samt virkninger av flystøy på barn og deres læring. I rapporten går vi også inn på kunnskapen om luftforurensning fra flytrafikken og tilknyttede aktiviteter på flyplassen. På grunnlag av beregninger av flystøy og luftforurensning i områdene rundt OSL gjøres en risikovurdering av hvilke helseeffekter som kan forventes for befolkningen i nærområdene. I litteraturgjennomgangen har vi også identifisert kunnskapshull, og gir anbefalinger for videre forskning. Marita Heintz, spesialbibliotekar ved FHIs bibliotek, har stått for de systematiske litteratursøkene. Rapporten har vært gjennom en høringsprosess der vi har innhentet innspill fra SINTEF og Ullensaker kommune, i tillegg til relevante fagpersoner internt ved FHI. Vi retter en stor takk til alle som har bidratt på denne måten. Rapporten representerer FHIs vurderinger, og ansvaret for sluttproduktet er forfatternes alene