Irritation, acute definition

Toxicology. The acute oral and dermal toxicity of naphthalene is low with LD q values for rats from 1780—2500 mg/kg orally (41) and greater than 2000 mg/kg dermally. The inhalation of naphthalene vapors may cause headache, nausea, confusion, and profuse perspiration, and if exposure is severe, vomiting, optic neuritis, and hematuria may occur (28). Chronic exposure studies conducted by the NTP ia mice for two years showed that naphthalene caused irritation to the nasal passages, but no other overt toxicity was noted. Rabbits that received 1—2 g/d of naphthalene either orally or hypodermically developed changes ia the lens of the eye after a few days, foUowed by definite opacity of the lens after several days (41). Rare cases of such corneal epithelium damage ia humans have been reported (28). Naphthalene can be irritating to the skin, and hypersensitivity does occur. 

Data on acute exposures of humans to both isomers of dimethylhydrazine are limited to case reports of accidental exposures. Signs and symptoms of exposure include respiratory irritation, pulmonary edema, nausea, vomiting, and neurologic effects. However, definitive exposure data (concentration and duration) were unavailable for these accidents. The limited data in humans suggest that the nonlethal toxic response to acute inhalation of dimethylhydrazine is qualitatively similar to that observed in animals. No information was available regarding lethal responses in humans. In the absence of quantitative data in humans, the use of animal data is considered a credible approach for developing AEGL values. 

A general definition of the term acute toxicity is The adverse effects occurring within a given time, following a single exposure to a substance. The term usually excludes local irritant or corrosive effects arising from a single application of a substance to the skin or eye (Section 4.5) (EC 2003). 

In the OECD test guideline for acute dermal irritation/corrosion (OECD TG 404), the following definitions are provided ... 

It is interesting that the grave effects of pulmonary edema and hemorrhage from acute exposure of ozone may be prevented in animals by so simple a procedure as a combination of vitamins and reducing agents prior to ozone exposure (Table VI). The clues furnished by such substances on the mechanism of action of ozone, and related oxidative pulmonary irritants such as nitrogen dioxide, are considerable from such information a definitive hypothesis of action of these pulmonary irritants may be formulated and tested. 

Definitive information regarding the acute toxicity of di-N-octylphthalate is not available. An estimated lethal oral dose in humans is between 0.5 and 15gkg, or between 1 oz equivalent to 29.6 mis and 1 qt equivalent to 0.96 liters in a 70 kg adult. Compounds that are structurally similar to di-N-oct-ylphthalate are known to irritate mucous membranes resulting in irritation of the eyes, throat, and upper respiratory tract passages and in gastrointestinal disturbances. There is evidence that some phthalates, such as di-s-octylphthalate, may be reproductive and developmental toxicants. Generally, the acute oral toxicity of alkylphthalates is low and the acute oral toxicity decreases as molecular weight increases. 

Nitrofen is weakly toxic to m mals. The acute oral for rats is 2630 mg/kg. Neither the active ingredient nor the formulation emulsifiable concentrate caused irritation to rabbit skin. Rats on dietary levels of 100 and 500 ppm for 13 weeks and on 10 100 and 1000 ppm for 97 weeks showed no definite differences in growth, feed consumption or mortality, when compared to controls (Ambrose et al., 1971). 

EINECS/ELINCS 272-493-2 Definition Blend of tetradecene and hexadecene Properties Water-wh. clear liq. dens. 0.776 g/ml (20 C) b.p. 245-279 C (5-95%) pour pt. -14 C flash pt. (PMCC) 113C Toxicology Low acute toxicity by oral and dermal exposure not expected to be skin or eye irritant... 

Occupational reactive airways dysfunction syndrome (RADS) is defined as persistent respiratory symptoms and nonspecific airway hyperreactivity in patients with a history of acute exposure to an inhaled agent (gas or aerosol) and no prior history of allergies, smoking, or asthma (25). The definition of RADS can usefully be extended in the WTC context (Table 1) to include those with repeated irritant exposure who have developed irritant-induced asthma. RADS can progress to irreversible lower airways obstructive disease. 

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