Modeling the dose distribution of H/sub 2/SO/sub 4/ aerosols in the human tracheobronchial tree

Journal Article · Mon Jun 01 04:00:00 EDT 1981 · Am. Ind. Hyg. Assoc. J.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1080/15298668191420053· OSTI ID:6407656

Martonen, T B ^[1]; Patel, M

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1. Univ. of California, Irvine

The influence of hygroscopic growth within the human respiratory tract upon the deposition of H/sub 2/SO/sub 4/ aerosols is investigated using an analytical model. Particles are assumed to reach their equilibium size and density upon entering the trachea from either the nasal or oral pharyngeal compartments. Hygroscopic growth is shown to affect both the total dose deposited and its regional distribution. For an inspiratory flow rate of 30 L min/sup -1/, the total deposition efficiency of H/sub 2/SO/sub 4/-and H/sub 2/O droplets, resulting from water condensation upon H/sub 2/SO/sub 4/ particles of initial geometric diameter D/sub 0/, is greater than inspired nonhygroscopic particles of identical aerodynamic diameter when D/sub 0/>0.1..mu..m. The opposite is found when D/sub 0/<0.1..mu..m. Results imply that it is important that hygroscopic growth within the human respiratory tract be accounted for when assessing the potential health hazard of airborn particulate matter.

• OSTI ID: 6407656
• Journal Information: Am. Ind. Hyg. Assoc. J.; (United States), Journal Name: Am. Ind. Hyg. Assoc. J.; (United States) Vol. 42:6; ISSN AIHAA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

560306* -- Chemicals Metabolism &amp; Toxicology-- Man-- (-1987)
63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
99 GENERAL AND MISCELLANEOUS
990200 -- Mathematics &amp; Computers
AEROSOLS
ANIMALS
BRONCHI
COLLOIDS
COMPARTMENTS
DISPERSIONS
DISTRIBUTION
HYDROGEN COMPOUNDS
INHALATION
INORGANIC ACIDS
INTAKE
MAMMALS
MAN
MATHEMATICAL MODELS
PARTICLE SIZE
PRIMATES
RESPIRATORY SYSTEM
SIZE
SOLS
SULFURIC ACID
TISSUE DISTRIBUTION
TRACHEA
VERTEBRATES