Emissions from heated indoor dust: an approach for sample preparation and in vitro toxicity testing

A model was established to collect emissions from dust heated at 150°C and 250°C. These emissions were tested in vitro using lung epithelial cells (A549) and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). The volatile emissions and particles from the dust were either used for direct exposure or extracted in cell culture medium. A condensate of high-boiling point components was also tested. The direct exposure of 150°C and 250°C emissions to cells on inserts caused reduced viability and increased detachment in both cell cultures. Smoke and condensate extracts of emissions from dust heated at 250°C reduced proliferation and mitochondrial activity of A549 cells. The condensate, but not the smoke extract, reduced the viability of PBMCs. The results show that emitted compounds from heated dust have biological effects in vitro starting at 150°C. This study is a platform on which a standardized method for collecting and testing such emissions can be developed.