The relationship between air pollution and levels of 1-hydroxypyrene in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), and the cellular analysis of BAL

Introduction: To evaluate the effects of air pollution, which threatens the health of all living organisms, on human bronchial fluids using cytological analysis and 1-Hydroxypyrene (1-OHP) level measurements. Materials and Methods: Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) samples were collected from patients undergoing bronchoscopy with various diagnoses until the planned sample size was reached. All samples were evaluated in pathology and biochemistry laboratories. Personal information of patients and air pollution data were recorded. The correlation of obtained data with 1-OHP was assessed. Results: Of the patients, 55 were male and 25 were female. 28 patients lived in the city center, 26 in the district center, and 26 in rural areas. 40% patients were retired, and 27.5% were housewives. %25 patients were simultaneously engaged in farming. It was found that 27.5% of patients fried food more than once a week. For heating, 40% of patients used natural gas and 17.5% used wood stoves. During winter, daily and 7-day average PM2,5, CO, NO2, NOX levels were significantly higher compared to summer. However, during summer, daily, 7-day, and 30-day average SO2 and O3 levels were higher. There was a positive correlation between 1-OHP in BAL and daily PM10, NO, and 30-day NO levels. Significant negative correlations were observed between 1-OHP and daily SO2, NO2, 7-day PM2.5, SO2, NO2, NOx, and 30-day SO2, NO2 levels. Macrophages were significantly higher in the summer group compared to the winter group. Levels of 1-OHP were significantly lower in those using natural gas for heating, while they were higher in those frying food at home. Farmers had significantly higher levels of 1-OHP. Conclusion: Air pollution, which forms the basis of many diseases, should be tackled at individual and national levels. Individually, preference should be given to using natural gas at home, avoiding smoking, and refraining from consuming fried foods. Particularly on days with high pollution levels, outdoor activities should be minimized, agricultural lands should be conscientiously managed, and eco-friendly transportation options should be preferred. Workers in occupations at risk for PAH exposure should diligently use personal protective equipment. It is recommended to increase monitoring of pollutants emitted from factory chimneys and take necessary measures accordingly. Keywords: Air pollution, Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, 1-Hydroxypyrene, Bronchoalveolar lavage