ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: Workers in aluminium production are exposed to a complex mixture of particles and gases potentially harmful to the airways, among them aluminium oxide (Al2O3). With the use of an exposure chamber, we aimed to examine the effects of short-term controlled exposure to Al2O3 on lung function and inflammatory markers in healthy volunteers. METHODS: 15 men (age 19-31) were exposed in random order to clean air or Al2O3 particles (3.8-4.0â mg/m(3)) for 2â h including 30â min exercise (stationary bike, 75â W). The permissible exposure level (PEL) for Al2O3 by Occupational Safety and Health Administration, USA, is 5â mg/m(3) time weighted average (TWA). Sham and particle exposures were separated by at least 2 weeks. Spirometry was carried out, and induced sputum and blood samples were collected 48â h before and 4 and 24â h after exposure. RESULTS: Levels of sputum neutrophils (mean (±SEM)) was increased 24â h post-Al2O3 vs pre-Al2O3 exposure (43% (4) vs 31% (4), p=0.01) and the protein level of interleukin (IL)-8 had a 4.8 (0.9)-fold change increase 24â h after exposure (p<0.01). Following Al2O3 exposure, gene signatures in sputum were significantly increased related to several pathways. CONCLUSIONS: The present study suggests that controlled exposure to Al2O3 particles at levels below PEL (TWA) induces airway inflammation in healthy humans marked by elevated neutrophils and elevated IL-8. In addition, increased expression of genes associated with several biological processes was observed in sputum. Interestingly, inhaled Al2O3-induced effects were localised to the airways and not systemic.