Johannes Becker

In-vitro toxicity studies on airborne ultra fine particles in the ULTRHAS project

Despite considerable efforts to reduce ambient concentrations of particulate matter (PM) in 2022, 239,000 deaths were attributable to exposure to PM2.5 concentrations above the WHO guideline level of 5 µg/m³ in the 27 EU member states (EEA Briefing Briefing no. 21/2024). Transportation is recognised as a major contributor to PM emissions within the EU, underscoring the necessity for comprehensive regulatory frameworks to address the health implications PM. Ultrafine particles (UFPs) are a size fraction of PM with a diameter smaller than 100 nanometres, the existing mass-based legislation is inadequate in capturing the full burden of UFPs, which may lead to an underestimation of their health risks. UFPs have the capacity to penetrate the deepest regions of the respiratory system, the alveoli, where they can exert deleterious effects such as oxidative stress, genetic alterations, and tissue damage.

Recognising this threat, the EU-funded ULTRHAS project (ULtrafine particles from TRansportation – Health Assessment of Sources, Grant Agreement No. 955390) conducts a comprehensive health assessment of different UFP sources (transport modes) based on sound aerosols toxicity studies. Furthermore, it also considers the effects of secondary organic aerosols arising from atmospheric ageing processes, whose toxicological impact is yet to be fully elucidated.

Within the ULTRHAS framework the subgroup of Dr. Sebastiano Di Bucchianico is responsible for the work package 3 (Toxicity screening of different transport modes in Air-liquid interface lung models). In order to address these tasks, we conduct toxicity testing of combustion engine and non-exhaust emissions using an in-vitro model of the human lung. In accordance with the 3R principle (replace, reduce, refine), we utilise in-vitro models to provide more relevant toxicological data, generated in standardised laboratory conditions while minimising environmental impact and resource consumption. Air-liquid interface exposure allows for more realistic and physiologically relevant toxicity studies by directly exposing the in-vitro model to airborne UFPs, preserving physical and chemical characteristics of the latter.

The overarching objective is to elucidate how chemical and physical properties influence the toxicity of UFPs, thereby enabling the ULTRHAS consortium to assess their potential risks to human health.

The ULTRHAS project:

European Commission

https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/955390

University of Rostock

https://www.zimmermann.chemie.uni-rostock.de/projekte/ultrhas/

Norwegian Institute of Public Health

https://www.fhi.no/en/cl/studies/ultrhas/about-ultrhas/