Processing of carbon-reinforced construction materials releases PM2.5 inducing inflammation and (secondary) genotoxicity in human lung epithelial cells and fibroblasts

Building demolition following domestic fires or abrasive processing after thermal recycling can release particles harmful for the environment and human health. To mimic such situations, particles release during dry-cutting of construction materials was investigated. A reinforcement material consisting of carbon rods (CR), carbon con-crete composite (C3) and thermally treated C3 (ttC3) were physicochemically and toxicologically analyzed in monocultured lung epithelial cells, and co-cultured lung epithelial cells and fibroblasts at the air-liquid interface. C3 particles reduced their diameter to WHO fibre dimensions during thermal treatment. Caused by physical properties or by polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and bisphenol A found in the materials, especially the released particles of CR and ttC3 induced an acute inflammatory response and (secondary) DNA damage. Transcriptome analysis indicated that CR and ttC3 particles carried out their toxicity via different mechanisms. While ttC3 affected pro-fibrotic pathways, CR was mostly involved in DNA damage response and in pro-oncogenic signaling.

Automated summary

Particles released during dry-cutting of construction materials can cause environmental and health hazards. A study was conducted to analyze the physicochemical and toxicological properties of carbon rods, carbon concrete composite, and thermally treated carbon concrete composite. The study found that the released particles induced an acute inflammatory response and DNA damage, and the toxicity mechanisms varied between different particles.