Abstract
The International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) is an international project aimed at the production of carbon-free energy through the use of thermonuclear fusion. During ITER operation, in case of a loss-of-vacuum-accident, tungsten nanoparticles (W-NPs) could potentially be released into the environment and induce occupational exposure via inhalation. W-NPs toxicity was evaluated on MucilAir™, a 3D in vitro cell model of the human airway epithelium. MucilAir™ was exposed for 24 h to metallic ITER-like milled W-NPs, tungstate (WO42−) and tungsten carbide cobalt particles alloy (WC-Co). Cytotoxicity and its reversibility were assessed using a kinetic mode up to 28 days after exposure. Epithelial tightness, metabolic activity and interleukin-8 release were also evaluated. Electron microscopy was performed to determine any morphological modification, while mass spectrometry allowed the quantification of W-NPs internalization and of W transfer through the MucilAir™. Our results underlined a decrease in barrier integrity, no effect on metabolic activity or cell viability and a transient increase in IL-8 secretion after exposure to ITER-like milled W-NPs. These effects were associated with W-transfer through the epithelium, but not with intracellular accumulation. We have shown that, under our experimental conditions, ITER-like milled W-NPs have a minor impact on the MucilAir™ in vitro model.
Highlights
The International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) project is the most important ongoing venture aimed at demonstrating the feasibility of exploiting thermonuclear fusion as an unlimited carbon-free source of energy
We have investigated the behavior and the toxic potential of ITER-like W-NPs produced by planetary milling and we have compared them to particulate tungsten carbide alloy doped with cobalt (WC-Co) and to tungstate (WO42−) a non-particulate form to compare the speciation of W-NPs in lung
Scanning electron microscopy (SEM; Figure 2A) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM; Figure 2B) micrographs showed that milled W-NPs exhibited a polyhedral structure with a size range of 50–100 nm
Summary
The International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) project is the most important ongoing venture aimed at demonstrating the feasibility of exploiting thermonuclear fusion as an unlimited carbon-free source of energy. To prevent any potential contamination into the environment and/or exposure to workers supervising the tokamak cleaning operations, high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters will be used. Those filters have a low retention capability for particles in the 100–500 nm range [2]. In case of a breakdown of the first protection barrier (loss-of-vacuum-accident, LOVA), particles could be accidentally inhaled and this might be harmful for the exposed populations. The consequences, if such activated particles are released into the environment, are unidentified as W-NPs hazard remains largely unknown. It is important to assess the impact of W-NPs on lungs in case of accidental inhalation before studying tritiated W-NPs toxicity
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