Abstract
BackgroundInhalation of high concentrations of zinc oxide particles (ZnO) may cause metal fume fever. In an earlier human inhalation study, no effects were observed after exposure to ZnO concentrations of 0.5 mg/m3. Further data from experimental studies with pure ZnO in the concentration range between 0.5 and 2.5 mg/m3 are not available. It was the aim of this experimental study to establish the concentration-response relationship of pure nano-sized ZnO particles.MethodsSixteen healthy subjects were exposed to filtered air and ZnO particles (0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 mg/m3) for 4 h on 4 different days, including 2 h of cycling with a low workload. The effects were assessed before, immediately after, and about 24 h after each exposure. Effect parameters were symptoms, body temperature, inflammatory markers and clotting factors in blood, and lung function.ResultsConcentration-dependent increases in symptoms, body temperature, acute phase proteins and neutrophils in blood were detected after ZnO inhalation. Significant effects were detected with ZnO concentrations of 1.0 mg/m3 or higher, with the most sensitive parameters being inflammatory markers in blood.ConclusionA concentration-response relationship with nano-sized ZnO particles in a low concentration range was demonstrated. Systemic inflammatory effects of inhaled nano-sized ZnO particles were observed at concentrations well below the occpational exposure limit for ZnO in many countries. It is recommended to reassess the exposure limit for ZnO at workplaces.
Highlights
Inhalation of high concentrations of zinc oxide particles (ZnO) may cause metal fume fever
ZnO exposure had no effect on Club cell protein (CC16), IL-6, clotting factors in blood, fractional exhaled nitric monoxide (FeNO), and all lung function parameters
Questionnaire There was a small increase in the number of subjects with flu-like symptoms 24 h after exposure to 2.0 mg/m3 ZnO when compared to the number of complaints directly after exposure (Fig. 3)
Summary
Inhalation of high concentrations of zinc oxide particles (ZnO) may cause metal fume fever. In an earlier human inhalation study, no effects were observed after exposure to ZnO concentrations of 0.5 mg/ m3. Further data from experimental studies with pure ZnO in the concentration range between 0.5 and 2. It was the aim of this experimental study to establish the concentration-response relationship of pure nano-sized ZnO particles. In previous human experimental inhalation studies, most volunteers developed zinc fever after exposure to 5 mg/m3 ZnO for 2 h [2, 3].
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