EFFECTS OF SHORT-TERM EXPOSURES TO SULFURIC-ACID AND AMMONIUM-SULFATE AEROSOLS UPON BRONCHIAL AIRWAY FUNCTION IN DONKEY

The effects of one-hour inhalation exposures to 0.3-0.6 pm H2S04 and (NH4)2S04 aerosols in the donkey were studied in terms of alterations in pulmonary flow resistance and dynamic compliance, and changes in the regional deposition and tracheobronchial mucociliary clearance of an inert test aerosoil. Short-term slowing of clearance followed certain single exposures to H2S04 at 194–1364 ng/m3 in three of four animals, while two of the four demonstrated a more persistent slowing of distinct their clearance. These exposure levels produced no measurable change in resistance, compliance or regional deposition. Exposures to (NH4)S04 up to ~ 2000 g/m3 had no measurable effect upon resistance, compliance, regional deposition or mucociliary clearance. © 1978, Taylor & Francis Group, LLC. All rights reserved.