Comparative cytotoxicity of DQ12-quartz and fly ash particles from coal combustion.

Fly ash samples obtained from different coal combustors were tested for cytotoxicity to alveolar macrophages in vitro by measuring the release of dehydrogenase into the culture media. Fly ash samples obtained from the combustion of a variety of coals in several types of combustors were not found to be cytotoxic when compared to a quartz sample of known toxicity.