Sulphur dioxide

Direct observations: clinical cases, poisoning incidents and other

Administrative data

Endpoint:

direct observations: clinical cases, poisoning incidents and other

Type of information:

other: human case

Adequacy of study:

key study

Reliability:

1 (reliable without restriction)

Rationale for reliability incl. deficiencies:

other: Entry adopted from the OECD SIAR on sulfur dioxide without modification.well ducumented study

Data source

Reference

Reference Type:

publication

Title:

Effects of inhalation of sulphur dioxide by man

Author:

Amdur; M.O.; et al.

Year:

1953

Bibliographic source:

The Lancet, Oct. 10, 1953: 758

Materials and methods

Study type:

study with volunteers

Endpoint addressed:

acute toxicity: inhalation

Test guideline

Qualifier:

no guideline followed

Principles of method if other than guideline:

Study reports exposure- related observations in human: Respiratory response of man to low concentrations of sulfur dioxide.

GLP compliance:

no

Test material

Test material information

Constituent 1

Reference substance name:

Sulphur dioxide

EC Number:

231-195-2

EC Name:

Sulphur dioxide

Cas Number:

7446-09-5

Molecular formula:

SO2

IUPAC Name:

Sulphur dioxide generated from sulphur by combustion

Details on test material:

- Name of test material (as cited in study report): sulfur dioxide
No further details are given.

Method

Type of population:

general

occupational

Subjects:

no details given

Ethical approval:

not specified

Route of exposure:

inhalation

Reason of exposure:

intentional

Exposure assessment:

measured

Details on exposure:

Concentrations of sulfur dioxide were established in a 2c.ft. "Lucite" chamber by metering in diluted SO2 (1% in air) from a steel cylinder. The SO2 joined the main air stream before entering the chamber. The concentrations of SO2 in the chamber were measured.
The subjects of the experiment were at rest and breathed through a face-mask.

Examinations:

The volume of expired air was measured in a spirometer, which was read every minute. The respiratory rate and pattern were obtained with a pneumotachograph, a device for instantaneous recording of air-flow during breathing. From direct tracing the whole breathing pattern, inspiratory and expiratory flow-rates, and other breathing characteristics can be obtained.

Medical treatment:

no medication

Results and discussion

Clinical signs:

At 5 ppm most people complained of a slight feeling of dryness in the throat and upper respiratory passages, but they could not actually "smell" SO2. One person found at 5 ppm so objectionable that the exposure was stopped after 5 minutes, whereas other barely noticed it. People exposed to 6-8 ppm definitely detected SO2 in the air but said they became accustomed to it as the exposure continued.

Results of examinations:

14 normal people exposed to SO2 1-8 ppm showed changes in respiration and pulse-rate. Tidal volume decreased, respiratory rate increased, minute volume remained unchanged, and pulse rate increased.

Effectivity of medical treatment:

no medication

Applicant's summary and conclusion

Conclusions:

At 5 ppm most people complained of a slight feeling of dryness in the throat and upper respiratory passages, but they could not actually "smell" SO2. One person found at 5 ppm so objectionable that the exposure was stopped after 5 minutes, whereas other barely noticed it. People exposed to 6-8 ppm definitely detected SO2 in the air but said they became accustomed to it as the exposure continued.