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INHALATION STUDIES OF MT. ST. HELENS VOLCANIC ASH IN ANIMALS: RESPIRATORY MECHANICS, AIRWAY REACTIVITY AND DEPOSITION
Citation:
Wiester, M., C. Setzer, B. Barry, R. Mercer, AND M. Grady. INHALATION STUDIES OF MT. ST. HELENS VOLCANIC ASH IN ANIMALS: RESPIRATORY MECHANICS, AIRWAY REACTIVITY AND DEPOSITION. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, D.C., EPA/600/J-85/024 (NTIS PB85198851), 1985.
Description:
Effects of fine volcanic ash aerosol on pulmonary mechanical properties of awake guinea pigs were evaluated during exposure by inhalation. Ash penetration into the lungs as well as tissue response to ash were determined by transmission electron microscopy. The reactivity of airway epithelial irritant receptors following ash exposure was assessed using a histamine bronchoprovocation test. It appears that even though Mt. St. Helens ash was well tolerated by the guinea pig during the exposure, its presence in the inhaled air did change the 'histamine sensitivity' of airway epithelial irritant receptors.