Abstract

Airborne mono-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (MEHP) was studied for acute airway effects using a bioassay with BALB/c mice. Concentration- and time-dependent effects were obtained by continuous monitoring of the breathing pattern during exposure to 0.3-43.6 mg/m3 MEHP for 60 min. Additionally, inflammatory effects of MEHP were studied from bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid. MEHP showed no upper airway irritating effect. Lower airway irritation was apparent from a concentration-dependent decrease in tidal volume (shallow respiration) with a no-observed effect level (NOEL) of 0.3 mg/m3. The respiratory rate reached a maximum at about 8 mg/m3, demonstrating a rapid shallow breathing pattern. At concentrations above 4.9 mg/m3, the time of pause, another marker of lung irritation, increased concentration-dependently, resulting in a decrease in respiratory rate at high exposure levels. BAL fluid obtained from 0 to 72 hours after a 60 min exposure to 30 mg/m3 MEHP showed that the number of macrophage reached maximum about 16 hours after exposure. The NOEL was 1.7 mg/m3. BAL content of neutrophils, lymphocytes, eosinophils and epithelial cells was normal after exposure to 30 or 1.7 mg/m3 MEHP. Based on worst case inhalation scenario in the general population, no airway irritation is expected from non-occupational levels of MEHP originating from DEHP.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.