Prooxidant and Proinflammatory Potency of Air Pollution Particulate Matter (PM2.5–0.3) Produced in Rural, Urban, or Industrial Surroundings in Human Bronchial Epithelial Cells (BEAS-2B)

Compelling evidence indicates that exposure to air pollution particulate matter (PM) affects human health. However, how PM composition interacts with PM-size to cause adverse health effects needs elucidation. In this study, we were also interested in the physicochemical characteristics and toxicological end points of PM2.5–0.3 samples produced in rural, urban, or industrial surroundings, thereby expecting to differentiate their respective in vitro adverse health effects in human bronchial epithelial cells (BEAS-2B). Physicochemical characteristics of the three PM2.5–0.3 samples, notably their inorganic and organic components, were closely related to their respective emission sources. Referring also to the dose/response relationships of the three PM2.5–0.3 samples, the most toxicologically relevant exposure times (i.e., 24, 48, and 72 h) and doses (i.e., 3.75 μg PM/cm2 and 15 μg PM/cm2) to use to study the underlying mechanisms of action involved in PM-induced lung toxicity were chosen. Organic chemicals a...