Negligible respiratory irritation and inflammation potency of pigmentary TiO2 in mice.

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) is manufactured in millions of tons yearly, and it is used widely as pigment in various applications. Until recently, TiO2 was considered toxicologically harmless and without adverse health effects. In this study, respiratory irritation and inflammation potencies of commercially available pigmentary TiO2 particles (<5 µm, rutile) were studied.

Inhaled silica-coated TiO2 nanoparticles induced airway irritation, airflow limitation and inflammation in mice.

The wide use of nanotechnology is here to stay. However, the knowledge on the health effects of different engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) is lacking. In this study, irritation and inflammation potential of commercially available silica-coated TiO2 ENMs (10 × 40 nm, rutile) were studied.

Exposure to flame retardants in electronics recycling sites.

Waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) contains various hazardous substances such as flame retardants (FRs). Inhalation exposures to many FRs simultaneously among WEEE recycling site workers have been little studied previously. The breathing zone airborne concentrations of five brominated FR compounds tetrabromobisphenol-A (TBBP-A), decabromodiphenylethane (DBDPE), hexabromocyclododecane, 1,2-bis(2,4,6-tribromophenoxy)ethane, hexabromobenzene, and one chlorinated FR (Dechlorane Plus®) were measured at four electronics recycling sites in two consecutive years.

Micronuclei, hemoglobin adducts and respiratory tract irritation in mice after inhalation of toluene diisocyanate (TDI) and 4,4'-methylenediphenyl diisocyanate (MDI).

Toluene diisocyanate (TDI) and 4,4'-methylenediphenyl diisocyanate (MDI), used in the production of polyurethane foam, are well known for their irritating and sensitizing properties. Contradictory results have been obtained on their genotoxicity. We investigated the genotoxicity and protein binding of inhaled TDI and MDI in mice by examining micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes (PCEs) in bone marrow and peripheral blood and TDI- and MDI-derived adducts in hemoglobin.

Nanosized TiO₂ caused minor airflow limitation in the murine airways.

The use of nanotechnology is increasing exponentially, whereas the possible adverse health effects of engineered nanoparticles (NPs) are so far less known. Standardized mouse bioassay was used to study sensory and pulmonary irritation, airflow limitation, and inflammation potency of nanosized TiO(2). Single exposure (0.

Respiratory and dermal exposure to organophosphorus flame retardants and tetrabromobisphenol A at five work environments.

Organophosphorus compounds (OPs) and tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA) are widely utilized as flame retardants (FRs) in plastics, textiles, rubbers, and building materials. Eight OPs and TBBPA were quantified by GC/MS from air samples collected from a furniture workshop, a circuit board factory, two electronics dismantling facilities, a computer classroom, and offices and social premises. In addition, dermal exposure was assessed with patch and hand wash samples at some workplaces.

Microbial volatile organic compounds.

Microbial volatile organic compounds (MVOCs) are a variety of compounds formed in the metabolism of fungi and bacteria. Of more than 200 compounds identified as MVOCs in laboratory experiments, none can be regarded as exclusively of microbial origin or as specific for certain microbial species. Thus, the recognition of microbially contaminated areas by MVOC measurements is not successful with current methods.

Controlling occupational allergies in the workplace.

Objectives: In recent years, the prevalence of work-related asthma has increased. Therefore, more attention needs to be paid to occupational allergens and their avoidance and control in workplaces. However, risk assessment of occupational allergen exposure is difficult because the relationship between exposure concentration, sensitization, and symptoms has not been fully established.

Detection of mouse and rat urinary aeroallergens with an improved ELISA.

Background: Risk analysis of laboratory animal work presupposes allergen monitoring with sensitive methods. Commercial ELISA kits have recently become available for the detection of mouse (Mus m 1) and rat (Rat n 1) urinary allergen from settled dust samples and air samples with high allergen levels.

Objective: Our aims were to enhance the sensitivities of the commercial ELISA kits for low aeroallergen levels (less than 1 ng/m(3)) and to test these methods with air samples collected from an animal facility.

Effects of aerosols from nontoxic Stachybotrys chartarum on murine airways.

Acute effects on the upper and lower respiratory tract due to inhalation exposure to Stachybotrys chartarum (Sc) extract were investigated in mice. In addition, the capacity of the Sc exposure to activate immune system and cause inflammation in the respiratory tract was studied. The inhalation of Sc extract aerosols was observed to provoke sensory irritation in the airways of both naive and Sc-immunized mice.