Effect of amosite and chrysotile asbestos on the clearance of TiO/sub 2/ particles from the lung. [Rats]

Journal Article · Thu Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1976 · Environ. Res.; (United States)

OSTI ID:7256530

Ferin, J; Leach, L J

It is well known that the pulmonary system encompasses pathways by which foreign materials can be removed from the body. The defense mechanisms involved in this removal are presently being examined closely in order to more fully understand the complex interactions between the lung parenchyma and airborne agents. In the experiments described here, techniques have been developed to assess the effects of air pollutants on the alveolar clearance pattern of inert particles deposited in the lungs of laboratory animals. Amosite or chrysotile asbestos exposures, relatively short in duration (1 to 3 hours) and high in concentration (approximately 10 mg/m/sup 3/) depressed the alveolar clearance of titanic oxide (TiO/sub 2/) particles in rats. This effect was not observed when asbestos air concentrations were reduced to about 10x the Threshold Limit Value (TLV) estimated to be approximately 0.1 mg/m/sup 3/. Extending the postexposure observation period and the number of exposures to 11 or 22 a suppressive effect on TiO/sub 2/ clearance was seen. How important this late effect is can not be determined at this time. However, the effect of high concentrations of amosite or chrysotile at exposures lasting only a short time should be considered with concern.

• Research Organization: Univ. of Rochester, NY
• OSTI ID: 7256530
• Journal Information: Environ. Res.; (United States), Journal Name: Environ. Res.; (United States) Vol. 12; ISSN ENVRA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

500200 -- Environment
Atmospheric-- Chemicals Monitoring & Transport-- (-1989)
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
551000* -- Physiological Systems
59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
AEROSOLS
AIR POLLUTION
ANIMALS
ASBESTOS
BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS
CHALCOGENIDES
CLEARANCE
COLLOIDS
DISPERSIONS
EXCRETION
LUNG CLEARANCE
MAMMALS
OXIDES
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
POLLUTION
RATS
REMOVAL
RODENTS
SOLS
TITANIUM COMPOUNDS
TITANIUM OXIDES
TRANSITION ELEMENT COMPOUNDS
VERTEBRATES