PNNL

Abstract

Coal is one of the most abundant sources for global energy production. However, the burning of coal is widely recognized as a significant contributor to atmospheric particulate matter linked to deleterious respiratory impacts. Recently, we have discovered that burning coal generates large quantities of otherwise rare Magnéli phase titanium suboxides from naturally present TiO2 minerals. Here, we sought to determine the clinical and physiological impact of pulmonary exposure to Magnéli phases using the mouse as a mammalian model organism. Methods: Mice were exposed to the most frequently found Magnéli phases, Ti6O11, at 100 ppm via intratracheal administration. Local and systemic titanium concentrations, lung pathology, and changes in airway mechanics were assessed. Additional mechanistic studies were conducted with bone marrow derived macrophages.