A novel system to generate WTC dust particles for inhalation exposures

J Expo Sci Environ Epidemiol. 2014 Jan-Feb;24(1):105-12. doi: 10.1038/jes.2013.68. Epub 2013 Nov 13.

Abstract

First responders (FRs) present at Ground Zero within the critical first 72 h after the World Trade Center (WTC) collapse have progressively exhibited significant respiratory injury. The majority (>96%) of WTC dusts were >10 μm and no studies have examined potential health effects of this size fraction. This study sought to develop a system to generate and deliver supercoarse (10-53 μm) WTC particles to a rat model in a manner that mimicked FR exposure scenarios. A modified Fishing Line generator was integrated onto an intratracheal inhalation (ITIH) system that allowed for a bypassing of the nasal passages so as to mimic FR exposures. Dust concentrations were measured gravimetrically; particle size distribution was measured via elutriation. Results indicate that the system could produce dusts with 23 μm mass median aerodynamic diameter (MMAD) at levels up to ≥1200 mg/m(3). To validate system utility, F344 rats were exposed for 2 h to ≈100 mg WTC dust/m(3). Exposed rats had significantly increased lung weight and levels of select tracer metals 1 h after exposure. Using this system, it is now possible to conduct relevant inhalation exposures to determine adverse WTC dusts impacts on the respiratory system. Furthermore, this novel integrated Fishing Line-ITIH system could potentially be used in the analyses of a wide spectrum of other dusts/pollutants of sizes previously untested or delivered to the lungs in ways that did not reflect realistic exposure scenarios.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Dust*
  • Emergency Responders
  • Environmental Exposure / adverse effects
  • Environmental Exposure / analysis
  • Humans
  • Inhalation Exposure* / adverse effects
  • Inhalation Exposure* / analysis
  • Lung / anatomy & histology
  • Lung Diseases / etiology
  • Male
  • Models, Animal
  • Organ Size
  • Particle Size
  • Rats
  • Rats, Inbred F344
  • September 11 Terrorist Attacks*

Substances

  • Dust