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(T/EH079) Contribution of polyaromatic hydrocarbons to the adverse effects of air pollution in Flanders (Belgium). De Coen, W.1, Vlaeminck, A.1, Willems, K.1,2, Van Larebeke, N.3, Desmet, G.4, De Lathouwer, R.4, Dufour, V.5, Blust, R.1, 1 2 3 4 5 ABSTRACT- Increasing atmospheric pollution is being held responsible for several adverse human health effects on the respiratory system such as asthma, chronic bronchitis and possibly cancer. In order to assess the toxic impact of air pollution in urban and industrial areas, the area of Antwerp (Belgium) was chosen as a study case. Air samples (total suspended solids, PM10) were collected at the city centre and in the industrial area using a high-volume sampling device with poly-urethane and quartz filters. Samples collected in a "rural" rather residential area served as a control. Filter extracts were tested with a battery of bio-assays. The Ames test was applied as a reference test and was complemented with the Ames II assay and a set of bacterial strains each containing different receptor-reporter gene constructs. The latter assay was able to discriminate various types of genotoxic events (apyrimidinic/pyrinic sites, DNA adducts, DNA damage) as well as other types of toxic stress (e.g. oxidative stress). In the same extracts 10 different PAH congeners were quantified using GC-MS. The observed effects were correlated with the identified pollutants using univariate and multivariate statistical analysis techniques. By applying the toxic equivalent approach the overall contribution of the individual contaminants to the effects measured was evaluated and discussed. Key words: Air pollution, Cell bioassays |
