Mass-transport models to predict toxicity of inhaled gases in the
upper respiratory tract.
Hubal, E. A. Cohen, P. S. Fedkiw, and J. S. Kimbell.
Department of Chemical Engineering, North Carolina State
University, Box 7905, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695; and Chemical
Industry Institute of Toxicology, P.O. Box 12137, Research Triangle
Park, North Carolina 27709-2137
APStracts 2:0560A, 1995.
Mass transport (the movement of a chemical species) plays an important
role in determining toxic responses of the upper respiratory tract
(URT) to inhaled chemicals. Mathematical dosimetry models incorporate
physical characteristics of mass transport and are used to predict
quantitative uptake (absorption rate) and distribution of inhaled
gases and vapors in the respiratory tract. Because knowledge of dose
is an essential component of quantitative risk assessment, dosimetry
modeling plays an important role in extrapolation of animal study
results to humans. A survey of existing mathematical dosimetry models
for the URT is presented, limitations of current models are
discussed, and adaptations of existing models to produce a generally
applicable model are suggested. Reviewed URT dosimetry models are
categorized as early, lumped-parameter, and distributed-parameter
models. Specific examples of other relevant modeling work are also
presented.
Received 4 August 1994; accepted in final form 30 November 1995.
APS Manuscript Number A800-4.
Article publication pending Journal of Applied Physiology.
ISSN 1080-4757 Copyright 1995 The American Physiological Society.
Published in APStracts on 23 December 95