Markers of inflammation among workers exposed to engineered TiO2nanoparticles

Background: NanoTiO 2 is widely used as a high volume engineered nanomaterial, however human health data for exposed workers are scarce. Experimental and in vitro studies found lung inflammation and injury. Methods: In 30 workers occupationally exposed to TiO 2 in 2012/2013, post-shift spirometry, fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) and leukotrienes (LTs) as markers of inflammation in exhaled breath condensate (EBC) were examined: LT B4 and cysteinyl-LTs C4,D4 and E4. Identical examination was done in 22 office employees from the same factory; and in 45 unexposed controls. Results: The aerosol TiO 2 exposure mildly lowered from 2012 to 2013; respirable mass concentration was 0.4 and 0.65 mg/m 3 and the median particle number concentration in the production area 1.98x10 4 and 2.32x10 4 particles/cm 3 in 2012 and 2013, respectively. In both years, 80-85% of the particles had Conclusion: These findings are consistent with the inflammation in the respiratory tract and suggest a lung injury. LTs in EBC appear a useful and sensitive technique for non-invasive monitoring of workers exposed to engineered nanoTiO 2 , similarly as oxidation products of nucleic acids and proteins(1). FeNO and lung functions are not sensitive enough. Acknowledgement: P25/1LF/2, P28/1LF/6. Reference: 1. Pelclova D et al. Occup Environ Med 2016;73:110-8.