Absorption of mercury vapour from the respiratory tract in man.

Author: Kudsk FN.

Source: Acta Pharmacol Toxicol (Copenh).

Year: 1965

Comment:

This study examines the impact of inhaled mercury vapor.

Abstract / Excerpt:

“Studies on the absorption of mercury vapour from the respiratory tract in four volunteers who breathed air with mercury concentrations ranging from 50 to 350 ug/m3 are reported. Determinations of the ratio of the expired to the inspired amounts of mercury gave an expression of the fraction that a notional dead space for mercury absorption represented of the average tidal volume measured during the experimental period. A comparison with the results reported by other authors on the size of the physiological dead space in relation to the tidal volume showed that the notional dead space for mercury absorption was of the same magnitude as the physiological dead space and, within the range investigated, largely independent of the mercury concentration in the inspired air. It was also demonstrated that the last part of the air expired during maximal expiration contained only negligible amounts of mercury. It is therefore reasonable to assume that almost complete absorption of mercury vapour occurs from the alveolar parts of the lungs in normal individuals.”

Citation:

Kudsk FN. Absorption of mercury vapour from the respiratory tract in man. Acta Pharmacol Toxicol (Copenh). 1965; 23(2):250-62.