SYMPOSIA PAPER Published: 01 January 1976
STP37214S

Assessment of the Relative Toxicity of Materials: Concept of a Limiting Toxicant

Source

Experiments were conducted on male Long-Evans rats instrumented for measurement of vital functions and a conditioned avoidance response. An intra-arterial cannula was used for removal of blood samples. Rats were exposed to combustion products of three polymeric materials. A National Bureau of Standards smoke chamber and a smaller “static” chamber were used for exposures. Material A produced a syndrome of carbon monoxide (CO)-induced anoxia, the severity of which depended only upon the amount of material degraded and not upon the mode of combustion (heat flux, flaming, or nonflaming). Material B produced a syndrome of epilepsy and carboxyhemoglobin levels below 10 percent. Material C produced a metabolic acidosis and mild CO-induced anoxia, the severity of which was related to the amount of material degraded, irrespective of the combustion mode. The combustion products of Materials B and C produced intoxication syndromes distinctly different from the syndrome of CO-induced anoxia produced by Material A. “Limiting” toxicants or substances with high biological activity may be present in combustion products and produce unique intoxication syndromes.

Author Information

Petajan, JH
Flammability Research Center, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
Baldwin, RC
Flammability Research Center, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
Rose, RF
Flammability Research Center, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
Jeppsen, RB
Flammability Research Center, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
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Developed by Committee: E05
Pages: 285–297
DOI: 10.1520/STP37214S
ISBN-EB: 978-0-8031-4687-7
ISBN-13: 978-0-8031-0352-8