Can oestrogenic activity in air contribute to the overall body burden of endocrine disruptors?

• Published in: Environmental toxicology and pharmacology 2023-09, Vol.102, p.104232-104232, Article 104232
• Main Authors: Gea, Marta, Macrì, Manuela, Marangon, Daniele, Pitasi, Francesco Antonio, Fontana, Marco, Bonetta, Sara, Schilirò, Tiziana
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Cytotoxicity; Endocrine disrupting chemicals; In vitro assay; MELN cells; Particulate matter; Risk assessment
• ISSN: 1382-6689; 1872-7077
• DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2023.104232

Endocrine disruptors (EDCs) are emerging contaminants that are harmful to health. Human exposure occurs mainly through ingestion or dermal contact, but inhalation could be an additional exposure route; therefore, this study was conducted to evaluate the oestrogenic activity of airborne particulate matter (PM). Outdoor PM was collected for a year in five Italian sites and extracted with organic solvents (four seasonal extracts/site). The oestrogenic activity was assessed using a gene reporter assay (MELN), and the risk to human health through inhalation was quantified using the results. Moreover, extracts were analysed to assess cytotoxicity (WST-1 and LDH assays) on human bronchial cells (BEAS-2B). The extracts induced a significant cytotoxicity and oestrogenic activity. Oestrogenic activity showed a seasonal trend and was correlated with concentrations of benzo(a)pyrene and toxic equivalency factor. Although a low inhalation cancer risk was found, this study confirmed that oestrogenic activity in air could contribute to overall health risks due to EDC exposure. [Display omitted] •Oestrogenic activity of particulate matter (PM) extracts by a gene reporter assay.•Assessment of the inhalation cancer risk due to oestrogenic pollutants on PM.•Significant oestrogenic activity of airborne PM extracts with a seasonal trend.•PM oestrogenic activity correlated with benzo(a)pyrene and toxicity of PAHs.•Airborne PM may contribute to EDC body burden, but oestrogenic cancer risk is low.