Biochemical Changes in Humans upon Exposure to Sulfuric Acid Aerosol and Exercise

Abstract

This study evaluated the effect of a single exposure to sulfuric acid aerosol on 6 human biochemical blood parameters. A total of 18 human subjects were exposed to ambient air for 4 h on the 1st day of exposure and to 100 .mu.g/m3 (0.033 .mu.M) sulfuric acid aerosol (0.5 .mu.m mean mass diameter) for 4 h on the 2nd day. Seventeen human subjects were exposed for 4 h to ambient air on both exposure days. On each exposure day, at 30 min and 90 min after exposure was initiated, all subjects engaged in a 15-min exercise period (walking 4 mph on a treadmill inclined at 10.degree.). Six biochemical blood parameters were measured before and after exposure: glutathione, lysozyme, glutathione reductase, serum glutamic oxaloacetic acid transaminase, serum vitamin E and 2, 3-diphosphoglyceric acid. The results indicate no significant effect of one 4 h exposure of humans to 100 .mu.g/m3 sulfuric acid aerosol. One significant post-exposure effect did occur.sbd.an increase in glutathione reductase.sbd.for both the control and acid-exposed group. At the levels studied, sulfuric acid aerosol is neutralized in the upper airways; consequently, no cellular damage is measurable.