Pulmonary function of guinea pigs exposed to freshly generated ultrafine zinc oxide with and without spike concentrations

Journal Article · Fri Jul 01 00:00:00 EDT 1988 · Am. Ind. Hyg. Assoc. J.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1080/15298668891379855· OSTI ID:6765450

Lam, H F; Chen, L C; Ainsworth, D; Peoples, S; Amdur, M O

Exposure of guinea pigs 3 hr/day for 5 consecutive days to freshly formed ultrafine zinc oxide (ZnO) (count median diameter: 0.05 micron; geometric standard deviation: 2.0) at a concentration of 7 mg/m3 produced a gradual decrease in total lung capacity and vital capacity over the course of the exposure period. The carbon monoxide (CO) diffusing capacity (DLCO) was not affected until the fourth day, when it dropped abruptly to 30% below control levels. Wet-lung weight/body weight ratios and wet-lung/dry-lung weight ratios increased, indicating the presence of edema. Exposures to 2.7 mg/m3 ZnO, using the same 3 hr/day, 5 day time frame, did not alter any parameters measured. In 2 experiments a single high peak of ZnO (25-34 mg/m3) occurred. In one experiment exposure was stopped, but pulmonary function measurements were made as scheduled; in the other case, exposures to ZnO were continued. In both, lung volumes were decreased abruptly and to a greater extent than when peaks were absent. Continued exposure caused greater decrements in total lung capacity (TLC) and vital capacity (VC) as well as decrements in functional residual capacity (FRC) and residual volume (RV) than were observed when exposure was stopped. Peak exposures reduced DLCO to 45%-60% below control. These values rose to 25%-30% below control with or without continued exposure. Airway resistance increased and compliance decreased following peak exposures. When exposure was stopped, these changes were reversible; with continued exposure they still were different from control levels on the fifth day.

• Research Organization: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge (USA)
• OSTI ID: 6765450
• Journal Information: Am. Ind. Hyg. Assoc. J.; (United States), Vol. 49:7
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
LUNGS
EDEMA
ZINC
TOXICITY
DYNAMIC FUNCTION STUDIES
ENVIRONMENTAL EXPOSURE
GUINEA PIGS
RESPIRATION
WELDING
ANIMALS
BODY
ELEMENTS
FABRICATION
JOINING
MAMMALS
METALS
ORGANS
PATHOLOGICAL CHANGES
RESPIRATORY SYSTEM
RODENTS
SYMPTOMS
VERTEBRATES
560300* - Chemicals Metabolism & Toxicology