Pyocyanin-induced toxicity in A549 respiratory cells is causally linked to oxidative stress

► Pyocyanin generates oxidative stress in A549 cells. ► Oxidative stress causally linked to toxicity. ► Antioxidant N-acetylcysteine protects against oxidative stress and toxicity suggesting a potential role in therapy. ► Oxidative stress may trigger inflammatory responses in pyocyanin by activating NF-κB.