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Chemical and physical characteristics of cellulose insulation particulates, and evaluation of potential acute pulmonary toxicity
Author(s) -
Morgan Daniel L.,
Su YinFong,
Dill Jeffrey A.,
Turnier John C.,
Westerberg R. Bruce,
Smith Cynthia S.
Publication year - 2004
Publication title -
american journal of industrial medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.7
H-Index - 104
eISSN - 1097-0274
pISSN - 0271-3586
DOI - 10.1002/ajim.20101
Subject(s) - pulmonary toxicity , medicine , toxicity , cellulose , particulates , acute toxicity , lung , inhalation , hydroxyproline , environmental chemistry , toxicology , chemistry , anesthesia , biochemistry , organic chemistry , biology
Abstract Background During installation of cellulose insulation (CI) in new and older houses, significant quantities of airborne material are generated. This study characterized the chemical and physical properties, and potential acute pulmonary toxicity of CI. Methods CI from four manufacturers was analyzed for inorganic additives and trace element impurities. Aerosols were generated and size fractionated. The number and size of fibrous and nonfibrous particles in the respirable fractions were determined. Respirable CI particulates were intratracheally instilled in rats (5 mg/kg) to evaluate potential pulmonary toxicity. Results CI samples were similar in composition with small differences due primarily to fire retardants. Less than 0.1% of CI was respirable and contained few fibers. Acute exposure to CI caused transient inflammation in the lungs and increased 4‐hydroxyproline. Microscopic evaluation revealed a minimal to mild, non‐progressing granulomatous pneumonitis. Conclusions Low concentrations of respirable particles were found in CI aerosols. Particles consisted primarily of fire retardants with few fibers, and caused mild pulmonary toxicity in rats. Am. J. Ind. Med. 46:554–569, 2004. Published 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.