Actual conditions and annual variation in pollution from metals on airborne particles were determined on the basis of the metal content in the lungs of dogs. Also, the effects of air pollution on the respiratory system are described. The stage of lung contamination (the stage of carbonic dust deposits), pulmonary emphysema, epitherial proliferation and lung tumor (malignant and benign) in about 500 lungs of dogs living in Kawasaki city and of known age and residence were exmained. The presence of 13 different metals (Cr, Ni, Cd, Pb, Co, Cu, Zn, Mg, Fe, Ca, Sn, Ti and Be) was found by atomic absorption spectrometry. The relationship of age, residence, stage of lung contamination, pathological findings and metal content in lungs is discussed.
The following results were obtained.
1) The lungs of dog living in industrial areas exhibited significantly greater concentration of Cr, Ni, Cd, Pb and Co than those living in commercial and residential areas. The concentration of these metals was usually greater in older dogs.
2) Cr, Ni, Cd, Pb and Co content in lungs significantly increased with advancing stage of lung contamination. There was a tendency towards pulmonary accumulation of these metals in all areas but most prominently in industrial areas.
3) No relationship among pulmonary emphysema, epitherial proliferation, tumor and various metals content in lungs could be recognized.
4) A relationship between the kind of dust deposit (black, brown and combination of these) and various metals content in lungs could not be recognized.
5) A high chromium content in the lungs (over 5 μg/g dry tissue) of dogs in industrial areas suggests that the cause is related to a stationary source, but the contribution to lung contamination from a mobile source is comparatively low.
Author's findings clearly indicate that Cr, Ni, Cd, Pb and Co content in lungs, especially Cr and secondarily Ni result from air pollution. By determination of metal content in the lungs of some dogs for which other sources of exposure (smoking, occupational and etc.) may be ignored, the actual conditions and annual variation in pollution from metals on airborne particles could be adequately determined.
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