Researchers in nanocomposite processing may inhale a variety of chemical agents, including nanoparticles. This study investigated airway oxidative stress status in the exhaled breath condensate (EBC). Nineteen employees (42.4 ± 11.4 y/o), working in nanocomposites research for 18.0 ± 10.3 years were examined pre-shift and post-shift on a random workday, together with nineteen controls (45.5 ± 11.7 y/o). Panels of oxidative stress biomarkers derived from lipids, nucleic acids, and proteins were analyzed in the EBC. Aerosol exposures were monitored during three major nanoparticle generation operations: smelting and welding (workshop 1) and nanocomposite machining (workshop 2) using a suite of real-time and integrated instruments. Mass concentrations during these operations were 0.120, 1.840, and 0.804 mg/m³, respectively. Median particle number concentrations were 4.8 × 10⁴, 1.3 × 10⁵, and 5.4 × 10⁵ particles/cm³, respectively. Nanoparticles accounted for 95, 40, and 61%, respectively, with prevailing Fe and Mn. All markers of nucleic acid and protein oxidation, malondialdehyde, and aldehydes C₆⁻C13 were elevated, already in the pre-shift samples relative to controls in both workshops. Significant post-shift elevations were documented in lipid oxidation markers. Significant associations were found between working in nanocomposite synthesis and EBC biomarkers. More research is needed to understand the contribution of nanoparticles from nanocomposite processing in inducing oxidative stress, relative to other co-exposures generated during welding, smelting, and secondary oxidation processes, in these workshops.

Biocev 1st Faculty of Medicine Charles University Prumyslova 595 252 50 Vestec Czech Republic

Department of Biomedical and Nutritional Sciences Zuckerberg College of Health Sciences Lowell MA 01854 USA

Department of Machining and Assembly Department of Engineering Technology Department of Material Science Faculty of Mechanical Engineering Technical University in Liberec Faculty of Mechanical Engineering Studentská 1402 2 461 17 Liberec Czech Republic

Department of Occupational Medicine 1st Faculty of Medicine Charles University Prague and General University Hospital Prague Na Bojisti 1 128 00 Prague 2 Czech Republic

Faculty of Physical Education and Sport 1st Faculty of Medicine Charles University Prague and General University Hospital Prague José Martího 31 162 52 Prague 6 Czech Republic

Institute of Biophysics and Informatics 1st Faculty of Medicine Charles University Prague and General University Hospital Prague Salmovská 1 120 00 Prague 2 Czech Republic

Institute of Chemical Process Fundamentals of the CAS Rozvojová 1 135 165 02 Prague 6 Czech Republic

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Individual DNA Methylation Pattern Shifts in Nanoparticles-Exposed Workers Analyzed in Four Consecutive Years

Three-Year Study of Markers of Oxidative Stress in Exhaled Breath Condensate in Workers Producing Nanocomposites, Extended by Plasma and Urine Analysis in Last Two Years

DNA Methylation Profiles in a Group of Workers Occupationally Exposed to Nanoparticles

NanoTiO2 Sunscreen Does Not Prevent Systemic Oxidative Stress Caused by UV Radiation and a Minor Amount of NanoTiO2 is Absorbed in Humans

Deep Airway Inflammation and Respiratory Disorders in Nanocomposite Workers