Inhalation Toxicity of Coal Fly Ash in Mice Models

Indonesia is one of world’s largest producers of coal. Coal fly ash (CFA), a product of the coal combustion process, consists of various minerals and causes toxic effects by inhalation. This study aimed to analyze the toxic effects of CFA inhalation in mice models by examining oxidative stress and inflammation markers in the blood. A true experimental with post-test control group design was used in this study. Twenty-four mice were randomly divided into three groups including control (P1), CFA inhalation for 24 hours (P2), and CFA inhalation for 30 days (P3). Mice in the P2 and P3 groups were exposed to CFA measuring 0.075 mm with doses equal to 12.5 mg/m3 for 1 hour/day. Malondialdehyde (MDA) and the percentage of blood eosinophils were examined as parameters of toxic effects. One way analysis of variance (ANOVA) test was used to compare the toxic effects between groups. MDA were significantly increased in between groups (p <0.05). The percentage of blood eosinophils in P1 was significantly differenced to P2 and P3 (p=0.04 and p=0.14, respectively), however there was no different than P2 and P3 (p = 0.891). CFA inhalation induces toxic effects through increased oxidative stress and inflammation in mice models. This may indicates health hazards after CFA inhalation.