Effect of mixing conditions on irritant potency of zinc oxide and sulfur dioxide. [Guinea pigs]

Journal Article · Sat Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1983 · Am. Ind. Hyg. Assoc. J.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1080/15298668391404284· OSTI ID:5695894

Amdur, M O; McCarthy, J F; Gill, M W

Measurement of mechanics of respiration in guinea pigs was used to assess the irritant potency of zinc oxide and sulfur dioxide mixed under different conditions of temperature and humidity. Concentrations were 1-2 mg/m/sup 3/ zinc oxide and 1 ppm sulfur dioxide. Dry conditions of mixing (Chamber RH 30%) either at 24/sup 0/C in the exposure chamber or at 480/sup 0/C in a dry furnace gave a biological response which could be completely accounted for by responses to zinc oxide and/or sulfur dioxide alone. Chemical examination of the aerosols did not indicate the formation of particulate sulfur species. Zinc oxide and sulfur dioxide mixed dry at 480/sup 0/C and fed into the exposure chamber at 80% RH reacted to produce an irritant aerosol as evidenced by a rapid increase in resistance to levels 29% above control; reversal was rapid when exposure ended. Chemical studies indicated the presence of sulfite on these aerosols. Addition of water vapor to the furnace during mixing at 480/sup 0/C produced a different irritant aerosol. The resistance rose slowly to 19% above control values and remained elevated during the post-exposure hour. Chemical studies indicated the presence of sulfate, sulfite, and adsorbed sulfur trioxide on these aerosols.

• Research Organization: Massachusetts Inst. of Tech., Cambridge
• OSTI ID: 5695894
• Journal Information: Am. Ind. Hyg. Assoc. J.; (United States), Journal Name: Am. Ind. Hyg. Assoc. J.; (United States) Vol. 44:1; ISSN AIHAA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

560305* -- Chemicals Metabolism & Toxicology-- Vertebrates-- (-1987)
63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
AEROSOLS
ANIMALS
BIOASSAY
BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS
CHALCOGENIDES
CHEMICAL COMPOSITION
COLLOIDS
DISPERSIONS
EXPOSURE CHAMBERS
GUINEA PIGS
MAMMALS
MIXING
OXIDES
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
RESPIRATORY SYSTEM
RODENTS
SENSITIVITY
SOLS
SULFATES
SULFITES
SULFUR COMPOUNDS
SULFUR DIOXIDE
SULFUR OXIDES
SULFUR TRIOXIDE
VERTEBRATES
ZINC COMPOUNDS
ZINC OXIDES