Abstract

Fluoride has been in focus as a possible causal agent for respiratory symptoms amongst aluminium potroom workers for several decades. Previously, using bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), we demonstrated airway inflammation in healthy volunteers 24 hours after exposure to hydrogen fluoride (HF). The objective of the present study was to examine early lung responses to HF exposure. Bronchoscopy with BAL was performed 2 hours after the end of 1-hour exposure to HF. Significant reductions in the total cell number and the number of neutrophils and lymphocytes were observed in bronchoalveolar portion (BAP), whereas there were no significant changes in the bronchial portion (BP). Significantly decreased concentrations of beta2-MG, IL-6 and total protein were found in both BAP and BP. Additionally, IL-8 was significantly reduced in BP, and ICAM-1 and albumin were present in lower concentrations in BAP. Lung function measurements were not affected by HF exposure. These reported effects are presumably transitory, as many were not present in the airways 24 hours after a similar HF exposure.

• Related Studies :

  • Human exposure to hydrogen fluoride induces acute neutrophilic, eicosanoid, and antioxidant changes in nasal lavage fluid

    The development of asthma-like symptoms among aluminum potroom workers has been associated with exposure to fluorides. In the present study, the immediate nasal response in humans was examined subsequent to short-term hydrogen fluoride (HF) exposure. Ten healthy subjects were exposed to HF (3.3-3.9 mg/m(3)) for 1 h. Nasal lavage (NAL)

  • Fluoride in low concentration modifies expression and activity of 15 lipoxygenase in human PBMC differentiated monocyte/macrophage

    Epidemiological and experimental evidences demonstrate positive correlation between environmental and occupational fluoride exposure and risk to various cardio-respiratory disorders. Therefore we decided to examine the effect of fluorides on activity and expression of 15LOX enzyme which is implicated in biosynthesis of inflammatory mediators. Expression of 15LOX-1 and -2 enzymes mRNA

  • Suppression of pulmonary antibacterial defenses mechanisms and lung damage in mice exposed to fluoride aerosol

    In endemic fluorosis areas in China associated with coal burning, indoor airborne fluoride pollution is severe. To determine the effects of fluoride aerosols on pulmonary antibacterial defense mechanisms and lung damage, mice were exposed to various concentrations of fluoride aerosol (2, 5, or 10 mg/m3) or filtered air (control) for

  • Bronchial responsiveness, eosinophilia, and short term exposure to air pollution

    The number of capillary blood eosinophils and the prevalence of bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR) were compared between schoolchildren living in a polluted area (Ardal) and unpolluted area (Laerdal). In Ardal there is an aluminium smelter emitting sulphur dioxide and fluoride to the environment. Daily measurements of these pollutants in ambient air

  • Subchronic neurotoxicity in rats of the structural fumigant, sulfuryl fluoride

    Inhalation exposure of male and female Fischer 344 rats to sulfuryl fluoride [Vikane (Dow Chemical Company) gas fumigant] at 300 ppm for 6 hr/day, 5 days week, for 13 weeks caused diminished weight gain, dental fluorosis, a slight decrease in grooming, decreased flicker fusion threshold, slowing of flash, auditory and

• Related FAN Content :

  • Fluoride Enhances Toxicity of Beryllium

    Occupational exposure to beryllium is well-documented to put workers' health at risk. The two principal targets of beryllium poisoning are the respiratory system and the skin. Of all beryllium compounds, beryllium fluoride complexes (including beryllium fluoride and beryllium oxyfluoride) appear to be the most toxic. As shown below, studies dating back

  • Respiratory Risks from Occupational Fluoride Exposure

    Starting in the 1930s, scientists have observed that workers exposed to airborne fluorides suffer from an elevated rate of respiratory disorders. For over 50 years, however, US government and industry scientists made repeated assurances that the allowable level of fluoride dusts and gases in industrial workplaces would not cause any

  • Fluoride & the Immune System - Summation from the US National Research Council (2006)

    “There is no question that fluoride can affect the cells involved in providing immune responses. The question is what proportion, if any, of the population consuming drinking water containing fluoride at 4.0 mg/L on a regular basis will have their immune systems compromised? Not a single epidemiologic study has investigated whether fluoride in the drinking water at 4 mg/L is associated with changes in immune function. Nor has any study examined whether a person with an immunodeficiency disease can tolerate fluoride ingestion from drinking water.”

  • Does Fluoride Ingestion Affect Developing Immune System Cells?

    Considerations, supported by some published experimental evidence, suggest that fluoride released during the resorption of high-fluoride bone may produce detrimental effects not only on bone cells but on developing cells of the immune system.

  • Is the Ingestion of Fluoride an Immunosuppressive Practice?

    This paper records several observations which suggest that habitual ingestion of small doses of fluoride, even as small as the 1 mg/L contained in fluoridated water, may decrease the function of the immune system.