Genotoxic and cytotoxic properties of PM2.5 collected over the year in Wrocław (Poland).

In the ambient is >2000 chemical substances, some of them are absorbed on the surface of the particulate matter and may causes many health problems. Air pollution is responsible for >3.2 million premature deaths which classifies it as a second place environmental risk factor. Especially dangerous for health are polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and their derivatives which shows mutagenic and carcinogenic properties. Air pollutions were also classified by International Agency for Research on Cancer to group which carcinogenic properties on human were proved by available knowledge. Air pollutions, are one of the biggest problem in Polish cities. The article presents results of mutagenicity, genotoxicity and cytotoxicity researches conducted on a particulate matter fraction 2.5 μm collected during all year long in Wroclaw agglomeration (Poland). The material was collected on filters using high-flow air aspirator and extracted using dichloromethane. Additionally it was fractionated into 4 parts containing: all pollutants, only polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, nitro derivatives of PAHs and dinitro derivatives of PAHS. Dry residue of this fraction was dissolving in DMSO and tested using biological methods. Biological methods include mutagenicity properties which are investigated by Salmonella assay (Ames assay). Other biological method was comet assay and 4 parameter cytotoxicity test PAN-I assay. Results of the conducted experiments show differences in mutagenic, genotoxic and cytotoxic properties between seasons of collection and between volumes of dust pollutions fractions. The worst properties shows particles collected in autumn and winter season Results showed also some correlations in results obtained during different methods and properties. Due to the limited possibilities of testing all chemical compounds present in the PM2.5 fraction, it is recommended to carry out tests based on a set of genotoxic and cytotoxic tests, which is confirmed by the conducted research.