Search for: [Abstract = "Particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter of less than 2.5 µm, i.e. PM2.5, are considered to be the most toxic components of air pollution. They contain a fraction of nanoparticles \(NPs\), i.e. particles with a diameter less than 0.1 µm, which can enter the circulation through bronchial epithelium and alveoli. Epidemiological and experimental studies strongly indicate that PM2.5 have harmful effects on human health and are associated with an increased prevalence of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. Nevertheless, the exact mechanisms of PM2.5 biological actions are still unclear.The aim of the study was to assess the potential toxicity of the real particulate matter and selected nanoparticles on human bronchial epithelium and vascular endothelium. PM2.5 were collected in Krakow during the winter months of 2010 and 2011, near a road with heavy traffic and at a location 1 km away from heavy traffic. Elemental composition and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon \(PAHs\) content was assessed in both samples. Cytotoxicity of PM2.5 and their organic extracts was examined by testing the viability and genomic response in three\-dimensional cultures of normal human bronchial epithelium \(EpiAirway\) and human umbilical vein endothelial cells \(HUVEC\). In addition, the bioreactivity of zinc oxide \(ZnO\), silicon oxide \(SiO2\) in crystalline and amorphous forms, carbon black \(CB\) and nicke"]
