Deposition and clearance of inhaled aerosols
When aerosols are inhaled by man, different fractions of the inhaled materials are deposited by a variety of mechanisms in various locations in the respiratory tract. Particle size distribution, particle chemical properties, respiratory tract anatomy, and airflow patterns in the lung airways all influence the deposition. Subsequent to deposition, the inhaled material will be translocated by processes that depend on its character and site of deposition. Both deposition and retention play roles in determining the effects of inhaled particulate toxicants. In our modern society, virtually everyone is exposed occupationally, avocationally, or environmentally to a variety of dusts, fumes, sprays, mists, smoke, photochemical particles, and combustion aerosols. Particulate toxic aerosols, which may have detrimental effects on the lung, include asbestos, silica, metal fumes, infectious agents, pollen, acid mists, fibrous glass, tobacco smoke, insecticides, herbicides, organic carcinogens, and from the nuclear industry, radioactive aerosols. The particle size distribution and chemical and physical composition of airborne particulate material require special attention in evaluation of respiratory toxicology since a wide variability of physico-chemical properties may be encountered in both experimental and actual inhalation exposures. The essential features of the main factors affecting the mechanism of aerosol deposition and clearance are summarized. Selected references to available published works have been chosen to illustrate these factors rather than to serve as a complete bibliography. Although some supportive data from studies with experimental animals has been cited to illustrate basic phenomena, the emphasis is on deposition and clearance of potentially toxic particulate materials inhaled by people.
- Research Organization:
- California Univ., Davis (USA). Lab. for Energy-Related Health Research
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC03-76SF00472
- OSTI ID:
- 5061179
- Report Number(s):
- UCD-472-503; TRN: 80-017089
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
AEROSOLS
BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS
CLEARANCE
RADIOACTIVE AEROSOLS
DEPOSITION
DISTRIBUTION
INHALATION
MAN
MATHEMATICAL MODELS
PARTICLE SIZE
ANIMALS
COLLOIDS
DISPERSIONS
INTAKE
MAMMALS
PRIMATES
SIZE
SOLS
VERTEBRATES
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