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Abstract
A new method has been devised for evaluating the cytotoxicity of suspended particulate matters in vitro. It uses the proliferative capacity of mouse alveolar macrophages, estimated by the uptake of 3H-tymidine, as an index of cytotoxicity, and provides a simple and rapid means of evaluating the cytotoxicity of suspended particulate matter collected on a filter by a personal air sampler. A significant decrease in 3H-thymidine uptake (an indication of impaired proliferation) could be detected in the range of approximately 0.31 to 1.03 μg of nickel sulfide particles per square centimeter of culture dish, suggesting the relatively great sensitivity of this method to particulate toxicants. A preliminary application of this method to suspended particulate matter collected in an urban atmosphere indicated that 3 hours of sampling, corresponding to that in about 0.72 cubic meters of air, were sufficient for evaluation of toxicity by this method.