Emissions from indoor dust inhibit proliferation of A549 cells and TNFα release from stimulated PBMCs

Dust accumulating on hot indoor surfaces, e.g., heaters and light fixtures, are likely to emit chemicals when heated. Using in vitro techniques we have investigated biological effects of extracts from such emissions from three indoor and two outdoor dust samples heated at 50–250 °C. The cell cultures were a lung epithelial cell line (A549) and primary immune cells [peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMCs)]. We found that a 24-h incubation with extracts generated at 200 °C or higher inhibit both proliferation and mitochondrial activity of the epithelial cells. At non-cytotoxic concentrations, the extracts generated at 100 °C or higher inhibit the release of the pro-inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα) from lipopolysaccharide-stimulated PBMCs. The results imply that temperatures relevant for surfaces of equipment in the indoor environment cause emissions from dust that may have an impact on indoor air quality and affect the respiratory health of building occupants.