Abstract
Nitrogen dioxide is one of the important components of the air pollution.The effect of this substance on the mucous membrane of the nasal cavity and the paranasal sinuses of mice was studied.
Fifteen mice were divided into two groups.Group 1 consisting 4 mice was taken as a control.Group 2, consisting of the rest of 11 mice, was exposed to nitrogen dioxide 5 hours per day for 5 days per week for 3 months.The concentration of the gas was between 0.5 to 1, 0 ppm.As a result, marked purulent infection was observed in Group 2 at the respiratory and olfactory regions of the nasal cavity and in the paranasal sinuses in 4 of 11(36.3%), at the respiratory and olfactory regions in 2 of 11(18.2%), and only at the olfactory region in 2 of 11(18.2%).Infection was not observed in 3 of 11(27.3%).
It was concluded that when mice were exposed to nitrogen dioxide for a considerable period of time, even at low concentration, the mucous membrane of the nasal cavity and the paranasal sinuses were easily affected and subsequent infection in the mucous membrane was elicited.
