Abstract 820: Analysis of potential mutagenic effects of World Trade Center dust on in vitro systems
Authors: Soares Barbara , Cortese Kayla , DiLorenzo Ann Marie 
Published: August 2015

Following the World Trade Center tragedy of September 11, 2001 rescue workers as well as New York City residents were exposed to thousands of tons of complex particulate matter that was inhaled and ingested over an extended period of time. Some of the immediate effects of these pollutants included “World Trade Center Cough,” a condition that resulted in increased coughing, respiratory pathway irritation, and decreases in lung function. Though there are several known carcinogens found within the heterogeneous mixture of particles that make up World Trade Center dust, there is has been no clearly defined link between World Trade Center dust inhalation and specific cancer development. This study investigated the physical and chemical properties of World Trade Center dust using in vitro methods. A sample of this dust from the tragic events was given for this research by Dr. Paul Lioy of Rutgers University in New Jersey, who was the leader of the 20+ scientists who analyzed and published information on the chemical contents of this particulate matter. Human lung fibroblast cells (MRC-5 and WI-38) were exposed to various concentrations of World Trade Center dust and controls to simulate the World Trade Center dust exposure in in vivo lung systems. Proliferation and apoptosis rates were measured in cells exposed to various concentrations of World Trade Center dust. Assays such as the Apo-Live Glo Multiplex Assay (Promega) utilizing the techniques of luminescence and fluorescence were read by 96 well plate reader. The goal was to elucidate any physical or chemical interactions between cells and particles that may decrease cell viability and induce injury or mutation in DNA. These studies indicate that there is a very specific timing and concentration of particulate matter exposure which leads to noticeable apoptotic events in cultured cells. Apoptosis occurs after 24 hours of incubation for cells exposed to 25 ppm, but likely occurs earlier in cells exposed to 50 ppm and greater. An Ames assay was also performed to further demonstrate possible mutagenic effects that various concentrations of World Trade Center dust may have on living systems. Mutations were incurred by Salmonella typhimurium cells and successfully point to the increased possibility that World Trade Center dust would be a definite mutagenic material. These studies conclude that analysis of proliferation and the timing of apoptosis in cells exposed to World Trade Center dust, in conjunction with Ames assay, allow for a better understanding of the future risks to be faced by personnel exposed to particulate matter pollution following the World Trade Center attack of 9-11.

Citation Format: Barbara Soares, Kayla Cortese, Ann Marie DiLorenzo. Analysis of potential mutagenic effects of World Trade Center dust on in vitro systems. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 106th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2015 Apr 18-22; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(15 Suppl):Abstract nr 820. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2015-820