An approach to the toxicology of combustion products of materials.
Physiological and behavioral (conditioned avoidance) responses of male Long-Evans rats were determined during exposure to combustion products produced on thermal degradation of three different polymeric materials. Arterial blood samples were obtained for determination of carboxyhemoglobin (COHb) and acid/base status. Material A produced a syndrome of carbon monoxide (CO)-induced anoxia, the severity of which was a function of the mass of material degraded. Material B produced grand mal seizures despite COHb levels of less than 10%. Material C produced metabolic acidosis and a mild degree of CO-induced anoxia. Loss of avoidance responses occurred at significantly lower COHb levels for materials B and C in comparison to CO alone. Using responses to COHb as a reference, it was possible to detect the presence of other toxicants present in combustion products. Compounds found in smoke in very low concentrations may have a high degree of biological activity and be responsible for impairment of survival responses. We have labeled these compounds "limiting" toxicants. They constitute a significant hazard, which is added to that of CO and anoxia.
D000818:Animals; D001522:Behavior, Animal / Q000187:drug effects; D002263:Carboxyhemoglobin / Q000032:analysis; D005260:Female; D005390:Fires; D005740:Gases / Q000009:adverse effects; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D000860:Hypoxia / Q000139:chemically induced; D008297:Male; D000432:Methanol / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000031:analogs & derivatives; D010101:Oxygen Consumption / Q000187:drug effects; D010635:Phenolphthaleins / Q000009:adverse effects; D011108:Polymers / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011143:Polyvinyl Chloride / Q000009:adverse effects; D011407:Propane / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000031:analogs & derivatives; D051381:Rats; D012640:Seizures / Q000139:chemically induced; D013997:Time Factors
D005740:Gases; D010635:Phenolphthaleins; D011108:Polymers; D011143:Polyvinyl Chloride; D002263:Carboxyhemoglobin; D011407:Propane; D000432:Methanol