Biological effects of carbon monoxide vs. whole emissions from engine with catalyst

Journal Article · Mon Mar 01 00:00:00 EST 1976 · J. Air Pollut. Control Assoc.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1080/00022470.1976.10470248· OSTI ID:6863290

Finelli, V N; Karaffa, M; Malanchuk, M; Danner, R M; McMillan, L; Lee, S D

The introduction of oxidizing catalytic converters in the exhaust system of automobiles has been found to be effective in reducing carbon monoxide, total hydrocarbons, and some other components of tailpipe emissions. Experiments were performed to show the biological effects of auto emissions due to CO alone or to other toxic constituents and to determine the efficacy of the converter in reducing or eliminating the effects. Some of the parameters most affected in adult rats exposed to whole emissions from engines without a converter were elevated hematocrit and hemoglobin, cardiac hypertrophy, loss in body weight and increased levels of serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). This study confirmed early observations that the growth patterns of the various groups of rats exposed to emissions from an engine with catalyst or to CO (575 mg/m/sup 3/) were not significantly different from that of controls. It was concluded that the catalytic converter eliminated the deleterious effects due to CO by greatly reducing the emission of this toxic gas. It also seemed to be effective in preventing organ damages due to other toxic components of auto emissions yet to be identified.

• Research Organization: Univ. of Cincinnati, OH
• OSTI ID: 6863290
• Journal Information: J. Air Pollut. Control Assoc.; (United States), Vol. 26:3
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
CARBON MONOXIDE
BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS
CATALYTIC CONVERTERS
EFFICIENCY
EXHAUST GASES
EMISSION
AUTOMOBILES
COMPARATIVE EVALUATIONS
INJURIES
RATS
ANIMALS
CARBON COMPOUNDS
CARBON OXIDES
CHALCOGENIDES
EQUIPMENT
FLUIDS
GASEOUS WASTES
GASES
MAMMALS
OXIDES
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
POLLUTION CONTROL EQUIPMENT
RODENTS
VEHICLES
VERTEBRATES
WASTES
560305* - Chemicals Metabolism & Toxicology- Vertebrates- (-1987)
500200 - Environment
Atmospheric- Chemicals Monitoring & Transport- (-1989)