ABSTRACT

Recent developments have provided new data on the subject of inhalation toxicology, requiring an update of the previous edition of this popular text. Like the first, this second edition explains the basic concepts and quantitative approaches in inhalation toxicology, and it gives a comprehensive treatment of evaluations of respiratory responses to inhaled particles and gases. The author here explores new understanding of the role of cytokines in pulmonary inflammation and risk assessment. Immunologists, oncologists, respiratory specialists and students in those fields will find Concepts In Inhalation Toxicology to be essential to their practice.

An introduction to inhalation toxicology. Inhalation exposure systems. Generation and characterization of gases and vapors. Generation and characterization of test atmospheres: particles and droplets. Morphology of the respiratory tract. Lung biochemistry and intermediary metabolism. Metabolic characteristics of the respiratory tract. Deposition and clearance of inhaled particles. Pulmonary retention of particles and fibers: biokinetics and effects of exposure concentrations. Regional deposition of inhaled reactive gases. Factors modifying the disposition of inhaled organic compounds. Carcinogenic responses of the respiratory tract to inhaled toxicants. Assessment of pulmonary function and the effects of inhaled toxicants. Immunological responses of respiratory tract to inhaled materials. Biological markers in the respiratory tract. Role of cytocines in pulmonary inflammation and fibrosis. Applications of behavioral measures to inhalation toxicology. Non-carcinogenic responses of the respiratory tract to inhaled toxicants. Risk assessment for inhaled toxicants.