Justification of the maximum single maximum permissible concentration of dimethyl sulfoxide in the atmospheric air of urban and rural settlements

Abstract

Introduction. Atmospheric air pollution by volatile sulfur compounds is one of the most urgent environmental and hygienic problems. However, the maximum single maximum permissible concentration (MPC) of dimethyl sulfoxide in the atmospheric air of urban and rural settlements has not yet been established.
 The study aims to substantiate the maximum single maximum permissible concentration оf dimethyl sulfoxide in the atmospheric air of urban and rural settlements.
 Materials and methods. White mongrel male rats weighing 180–240 gr., dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), CAS No. 67-68-5. The authors conducted the study in accordance with the current regulatory, methodological and instructional documents. Experts conducted surveys of experimental animals according to a generally accepted and unified methodology. Statistical processing of the research materials was carried out using standard Statistica 10.0 application programs.
 Results. During the study of dimethyl sulfoxide, researchers found that the threshold of acute inhalation general toxic effect (Limac) is a concentration of 2.4±0.09 mg/m3, the threshold of irritant effect (Limir) is 0.6±0.03 mg/m3, the odor threshold (Limolf) is 1.741 mg/m3. Unpleasant odors and general toxic effect of the substance are prevented by a concentration of 0.6 mg/m3, irritant effect — a concentration of 0.3 mg /m3.
 Conclusion. In accordance with the principle of the limiting index of harmfulness, a concentration of 0.3 mg/m3 is recommended as the concentration of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) in the atmospheric air, which prevents odors, general toxic and irritating effects.
 Ethics. The material of the article was approved by the Ethics Committee at the Novosibirsk Research Institute of Hygiene of Rospotrebnadzor (No. 1 of January 21, 2022).