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The general public and workers in occupational settings are frequently exposed to elevated levels of airborne particles. Furthermore, the introduction of nanotechnology in society has led to an increased likelihood of exposure to nanoparticles (particles smaller than 100 nm) for workers and consumers. This research project is focused on understanding lung cell toxicity and underlying mechanisms following lung exposure to metal-containing particles. We investigate which particle characteristics that are of most importance for the various toxic effects observed, such as the particle size and release of metal ions. In particular, we focus on investigating effects linked to genome instability and cancer such as the ability of particles to cause genotoxicity, oxidative stress, epigenetic alterations and cell transformation. These effects are mainly studied using in vitro cultures of human lung cells as well as reporter cell lines based on mouse embryonic stem cells. A further aim with the research is to develop and use in vitro methods that better resembles the real exposure situation in the lung. This includes e.g. to expose lung cells to an aerosol of particles in the “air-liquid interface” as well as using long term (weeks) cellular exposures and co-cultures.

These projects are important for hazard identification and risk assessment of (nano)particles with the overall goal to prevent negative health, particularly cancer, as a consequence of exposure to (nano)particles.

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