METHOD FOR STUDIES ON INHALED PARTICLES IN HUMAN RESPIRATORY SYSTEM AND RETENTION OF LEAD FUME
1966 Volume 4 Issue 3 Pages 118-128
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1966 Volume 4 Issue 3 Pages 118-128
Method for the determination of retention of inhaled particles in the human res- piratory tract was studied. Aerosol concentration was determined by light scattering, respiratory air flow by pneumotachograph, and carbon dioxide content by infrared analyzer (Capnograph). These were recorded simultaneously and continuously during breathing aerosol. Detector or parts of these measuring apparatus were inserted into the mouthpiece of which inner space was only 9.5 ml. This extreme reduction of the dead space of mouthpiece enabled the measuring apparatus to work with quick response.
By this method, the retention of lead fume in the respiratory tract was studied. Lead fumes with various sizes from 0. 05 μ to 1 μ were prepared by high frequency induction furnace. Total retention rate of lead fumes decreased with particle size, for instance, it was 63.2% for 1 μ particle but 42.5% for 0.05 μ at 10 respirations per minute. And the increase of respiratory rate resulted in the drop of retention. Reten- tion rates in the upper and lower respiratory tracts were also determined.
