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)

  • 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

  • The effect of antioxidative vitamins A and E and coenzyme Q on the morphological picture of the lungs and pancreata of rats intoxicated with sodium fluoride

    Fluorides, when taken in amounts exceeding the standard therapeutic dosage, are regarded as toxic substances. Recent studies show that fluorides may affect the oxidoreductive processes of cells. The aim of the following study is to investigate the effect of antioxidative vitamins A and E and coenzyme Q on the morphological

  • Relation of exposure to airway irritants in infancy to prevalence of bronchial hyper-responsiveness in schoolchildren

    To find out whether exposure to sulphur dioxide during infancy is related to the prevalence of bronchial hyper-responsiveness (BHR), we studied schoolchildren (aged 7-13 years) from two areas of Norway--a valley containing a sulphur-dioxide-emitting aluminium smelter and a similar but non-industrialised valley. Bronchial responsiveness was assessed in 529 of the

  • 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

• Related FAN Content :

  • 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.”

  • 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

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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