Sulphuric acid

Epidemiological data

Administrative data

Endpoint:

epidemiological data

Type of information:

experimental study

Adequacy of study:

supporting study

Reliability:

2 (reliable with restrictions)

Rationale for reliability incl. deficiencies:

other: Single epidemiology study

Data source

Reference

Reference Type:

publication

Title:

Epidemiological-Environmental Study Of Lead Acid Battery Workers. III. Chronic Effects Of Sulfuric Acid On The Respiratory System And Teeth

Author:

Gamble J, Jones W, Hancock J & Meckstroth RL

Year:

1984

Bibliographic source:

Environmental Research, Vol. 35, No. 1, pages 30-52

Materials and methods

Study type:

cohort study (retrospective)

Endpoint addressed:

repeated dose toxicity: inhalation

Test guideline

Qualifier:

no guideline available

Principles of method if other than guideline:

Investigation of respiratory tract and dental effects in workers exposed to sulphuric acid

GLP compliance:

no

Remarks:

: not applicable

Test material

Test material information

Constituent 1

Reference substance name:

Sulphuric acid

EC Number:

231-639-5

EC Name:

Sulphuric acid

Cas Number:

7664-93-9

Molecular formula:

H2O4S

IUPAC Name:

sulfuric acid

Method

Details on study design:

The chronic effects of sulfuric acid on teeth and the respiratory system of workers in lead acid battery factories were examined. Workers exposed to sulfuric-acid mist were given questionnaires. Chest radiograms were taken and teeth were examined for evidence of etching or erosion.

Exposure assessment:

not specified

Results and discussion

Results:

Respiratory symptoms such as cough, phlegm, dyspnea, and wheezing showed no significant differences between factories or by amount of sulfuric-acid exposure. Teeth etching and erosion showed a very strong association with acid exposure. Etching developed in 4 months with an average daily exposure of 0.23 milligram per cubic meter. High sulfuric-acid exposure groups had reduced forced vital capacity. Mean pulmonary function was not related to average exposure. Those with respiratory symptoms tended to have reduced pulmonary function. There was no excess of industrial bronchitis in the sulfuric-acid exposed workers.

Applicant's summary and conclusion

Conclusions:

The authors conclude that sulfuric-acid at low concentrations does not irritate the upper respiratory tract. The sulfuric-acid may cause dental changes, even when it is at a concentration below what is considered the recommended standard.

Executive summary:

The chronic effects of sulfuric-acid on teeth and the respiratory system of workers in lead acid battery factories were examined. Workers exposed to sulfuric-acid mist were given questionnaires. Chest radiograms were taken and teeth were examined for evidence of etching or erosion. Respiratory symptoms such as cough, phlegm, dyspnea, and wheezing showed no significant differences between factories or by amount of sulfuric-acid exposure. Teeth etching and erosion showed a very strong association with acid exposure. Etching developed in 4 months with an average daily exposure of 0.23 milligram per cubic meter. High sulfuric-acid exposure groups had reduced forced vital capacity. Mean pulmonary function was not related to average exposure. Those with respiratory symptoms tended to have reduced pulmonary function. There was no excess of industrial bronchitis in the sulfuric-acid exposed workers. The authors conclude that sulfuric-acid at low concentrations does not irritate the upper respiratory tract. The sulfuric-acid may cause dental changes, even when it is at a concentration below what is considered the recommended standard