Mouse pulmonary response following solid surface composite dust inhalation

Solid surface composites (SSCs) are a widely used construction material that can generate dust and volatile organic chemicals (VOCs) during fabrication. Exposure to SSC dust has been linked to pulmonary health effects, including pulmonary fibrosis and lung inflammation. Previous studies have investigated the toxicity of SSC particles using in vitro and in vivo models, but these studies have limitations. For example, they often relied on pre-generated particles that may not accurately represent the size distribution and characteristics of aerosols encountered in real-world settings. Additionally, these models did not capture the co-exposure to VOCs that can occur during SSC fabrication. To address these limitations, we developed a novel apparatus capable of real-time generation of SSC sawing particles and their simultaneous delivery to rodents via whole-body inhalation. This approach allows for a more accurate assessment of SSC toxicity under conditions that better reflect workplace exposure scenarios. The present study utilizes this system to characterize the acute pulmonary response in mice following a 4-day inhalation exposure to real-time generated SSC aerosols, with evaluations at 1, 6, 27, and 56 days post-exposure.