Acute toxicity of marking pen emissions

To evaluate complaints of adverse reactions to marking pen emissions, groups of mice were exposed for 1 h to the emissions of 8 brands of felt-tip markers or white-board cleaner. Pneumotachographs and a computerized version of ASTM E-981 test method were used to measure changes in respiration. Sensory irritation (SI), pulmonary irritation (PI), and/or air flow limitation (AFL) of differing intensities were documented with each of the eight brands tested. At the peak of the effects, the largest SI was observed with pen F (72% of the breaths); the largest PI occurred with pen D (13% of the breaths), and the largest AFL was seen with pen F (25% of the breaths). Pens G and H produced minimal SI, PI, or AFL. A functional observational battery was used to screen for signs of neurotoxicity. Emissions from all eight of the pens produced behavioral abnormalities such as altered posture and gait, tremors, falling, and hyperactivity. The exposure concentrations were similar to the total volatile organic compounds (TVOC) values near marking pens in actual use. Gas chromatography identified mixtures of alcohols, acetates, and/or ketones. Exposures to white-board cleaner solution resulted in similar toxicity ( SI, PI, AFL, and neurotoxicity). These results document that some marking pens and white-board cleaner emit mixtures of chemicals that can produce acute respiratory toxicity and acute behavioral abnormalities in normal mice. These results provide a toxicological explanation for some of the human complaints concerning respiratory and neurological reactions to marking pen emissions.

Respiratory toxicity of mattress emissions in mice

Groups of male Swiss-Webster mice breathed emissions of several brands of crib mattresses for two 1-hr periods. The authors used a computerized version of ASTM-E-981 test method to monitor respiratory frequency, pattern, and airflow velocity and to diagnose abnormalities when statistically significant changes appeared. The emissions of four mattresses caused various combinations of upper-airways irritation (i.e., sensory irritation), lower-airways irritation (pulmonary irritation), and decreases in mid-expiratory airflow velocity. At the peak effect, a traditional mattress (wire springs with fiber padding) caused sensory irritation in 57% of breaths, pulmonary irritation in 23% of breaths, and airflow decrease in 11% of breaths. All mattresses caused pulmonary irritation, as shown by 17-23% of breaths at peak. The largest airflow decrease (i.e., affecting 26% of the breaths) occurred with a polyurethane foam pad covered with vinyl. Sham exposures produced less than 6% sensory irritation, pulmonary irritation, or airflow limitation. Organic cotton padding caused very different effects, evidenced by increases in both respiratory rate and tidal volume. The authors used gas chromatography/mass spectrometry to identify respiratory irritants (e.g., styrene, isopropylbenzene, limonene) in the emissions of one of the polyurethane foam mattresses. Some mattresses emitted mixtures of volatile chemicals that had the potential to cause respiratory-tract irritation and decrease airflow velocity in mice.

Acute respiratory effects of diaper emissions

Mice were monitored with pneumotachographs while they breathed emissions of three brands of disposable diapers (described herein as brands A, B, and C) and one brand of cloth diapers for 1 hr. The authors used a computerized version of the ASTM-E-981 test method to measure changes in the pattern and frequency of respiration. In response to two brands of disposable diapers, many mice exhibited reduced mid-expiratory airflow velocity, sensory irritation, and pulmonary irritation. During the peak effects, brand A caused sensory irritation in 47% of the breaths and reduced mid-expiratory airflow velocity in 17% of the breaths (n = 39 mice), whereas the respective percentages noted for brand B were 20% and 15% of the breaths (n = 28 mice). The effects were generally larger during repeat exposures to these emissions, with up to 89% of breaths showing sensory irritation in response to brand A and up to 35% of breaths showing reduced mid-expiratory airflow velocity with brand B. A third brand of disposable diapers caused increases in respiratory rate, tidal volume, and mid-expiratory airflow velocity. The emissions of cloth diapers produced only slight SI and slight PI. Chemical analysis of the emissions revealed several chemicals with documented respiratory toxicity. The results demonstrate that some types of disposable diapers emit mixtures of chemicals that are toxic to the respiratory tract. Disposable diapers should be considered as one of the factors that might cause or exacerbate asthmatic conditions.

Respiratory toxicity in mice exposed to mattress covers

To evaluate factors that might contribute to the rise in prevalence of childhood asthma, we allowed groups of male Swiss-Webster mice to breath the emissions of six brands of waterproof crib mattress covers for 1 h. We used a computerized version of ASTM-E-981 test method to monitor respiratory frequency, pattern, and airflow velocity. Single exposure to the emissions of these mattress covers caused various combinations of sensory irritation, pulmonary irritation, and decreases in mid-expiratory airflow velocity. At the peak effects of these emissions, sensory irritation ranged from 9% to 51% of the breaths, pulmonary irritation ranged from 4% to 16% of the breaths, and airflow limitation ranged from 9% to 38% of the breaths. Three brands caused airflow limitation that persisted for at least 24 h after a single 1-h exposure of naive mice to these emissions. Repeat exposures to the emissions of four brands caused more marked effects (i.e., up to 96% of the breaths showing sensory irritation, up to 44% of the breaths showing pulmonary irritation, and up to 75% of the breaths showing airflow limitation). Histological evaluation of the lungs revealed a mild inflammatory response, with focal collections of polymorphonuclear leukocytes and edema, but there were no eosinophils and no bronchial mucosa changes. We used gas chromatography/mass spectrometry to evaluate one of the test atmospheres, and there was evidence of chemicals for which toxic properties have been documented previously. The results of our study demonstrated that some mattress covers emit mixtures of chemicals that can cause a variety of acute toxic effects in mice, including asthma-like reactions.

Acute toxic effects of fragrance products

To evaluate whether fragrance products can produce acute toxic effects in mammals, we allowed groups of male Swiss-Webster mice to breathe the emissions of five commercial colognes or toilet water for 1 h. We used the ASTM-E-981 test method to evaluate sensory irritation and pulmonary irritation. We used a computerized version of this test to measure the duration of the break at the end of inspiration and the duration of the pause at the end of expiration. Decreases in expiratory flow velocity indicated airflow limitation. We subjected the mice to a functional observational battery to probe for changes in nervous system function. The emissions of these fragrance products caused various combinations of sensory irritation, pulmonary irritation, decreases in expiratory airflow velocity, as well as alterations of the functional observational battery indicative of neurotoxicity. Neurotoxicity was more severe after mice were repeatedly exposed to the fragrance products. Evaluation of one of the test atmospheres with gas chromatography/mass spectrometry revealed the presence of chemicals for which irritant and neurotoxic properties had been documented previously. In summary, some fragrance products emitted chemicals that caused a variety of acute toxicities in mice.

Toxicological considerations in evaluating indoor air quality and human health: impact of new carpet emissions

This review article considers evidence regarding the toxicological impact of new carpet emissions on indoor air quality and human health. It compares emissions data from several studies and describes the dominant compounds found in those emissions. The toxicity of each these compounds is assessed for animal and human data, with a focus on inhalation exposure. Data for acute and chronic exposures are presented, and synergistic effects are considered. Differences and similarities between health responses caused by toxicity and/or by immunological reactions are discussed. Possible neurogenic pathways and associations between these and immune changes are considered as they might relate to inflammatory-based human reactions. Additionally, factors affecting human odor responses are described. The roles that a variety of psychological factors may also play in the etiology of potentially related phenomena, such as the sick building syndrome, pathogenic illness, and multiple chemical sensitivity, are considered. Gaps in the literature are identified within the article and suggestions for future research are offered. In particular, it is noted that few, if any, prior studies have evaluated both neurogenic and immune-mediated inflammation status within the same study. Based on the present information available, it is concluded that under normal environmental circumstances, VOC emissions from new carpets are sufficiently low such that they should not adversely affect indoor air quality or pose significant health risk to people.