Respiratory system pulmonary toxicity

Phenols are carcinogenic [39-42] and mutagenic thus affect the central nervous system. Long term contact to phenol may even paralyze the body and damage liver, kidneys [41] and heart [43]. Phenol and its vapour are corrosive to the eyes, skin and respiratory tract [44], Renal failure and pulmonary toxicity has been reported with overdose of 89% injectable phenol solution [45]. According to Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) the discharge limit of phenol in inland water should be lower than 1 mg/1 [46],... 

People who suffer from other pulmonary diseases that interrupt the flow of oxygen are especially sensitive to the irritating effects of SO2 and its particulate derivatives. This gas and several other gaseous air pollutants, to be mentioned in a moment, can cause other, delayed toxic effects in the respiratory system. Note also that these same chemicals are the principal causes of acid rain. 

Animal studies also indicate that the respiratory system is a major target of toxicity following inhalation exposure to chlorine dioxide. Dalhamn (1957) reported the results of several inhalation studies in laboratory animals. In one study, a single 2-hour inhalation exposure of four rats to a chlorine dioxide concentration of 260 ppm (728 mg/m ) resulted in pulmonary edema and nasal bleeding. Respiratory distress was reported in three other rats subjected to 3 weekly 3-minute exposures to decreasing concentrations of airborne chlorine dioxide from 3,400 to 800 ppm (from 9,520 to 2,240 mg/m ) bronchopneumonia was observed in two of these rats. In a third rat study, repeated exposure to approximately 10 ppm (28 mg/m ) of chlorine dioxide (4 hours/day for 9 days in a 13-day period) resulted in rhinonhea, altered respiration, and respiratory infection. No indications of adverse effects were seen in rats exposed to approximately 0.1 ppm (0.28 mg/m ) of chlorine dioxide 5 hours /day for 10 weeks. 

While the respiratory system is well-equipped to defend against exposure to a vast array of toxic substances, the intricate cellular and molecular mechanisms designed to repair injured lung tissues often fail, resulting in a number of chronic lung diseases, including cancer, fibrosis, asthma, hypersensitivity pnuemonitis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which is a combination of bronchitis and emphysema. 

Respiratory toxicity Upper respiratory system (nose, pharynx, larynx, and trachea) and the lower respiratory system (bronchi, bronchioles, and lung alveoli) Pulmonary irritation Asthma/bronchitis Emphysema Allergic alveolitis Fibrotic lung disease Lung cancer... 

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