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Chemical Asphyxiants and Noise
Laurence D. Fechter1, Guang-Di Chen, Deepa Rao
1Center for Toxicology, The University of Oklahoma, Health Sciences Center, P.O. Box 26901, Oklahoma City, OK 73190, USA.,
Noise & Health
|April 8, 2003
Summary
Chemical asphyxiants like carbon monoxide can worsen noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). Free oxygen radicals are likely responsible for this potentiation, as shown in laboratory animals.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Auditory Science
- Occupational Health
Background:
- Noise exposure can damage hearing.
- Certain chemical agents can alter noise's ototoxic effects.
- Chemical asphyxiants may potentiate noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL).
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how chemical asphyxiants potentiate NIHL in a laboratory animal model.
- To identify exposure conditions and mechanisms behind this potentiation.
- To relate findings to occupational exposure limits.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a laboratory animal model to assess NIHL.
- Exposed animals to carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrogen cyanide, alone and with noise.
- Employed a free radical spin trap agent (PBN) and electron paramagnetic spin resonance (EPR) to study mechanisms.
Main Results:
- Low to moderate CO and hydrogen cyanide exposure potentiated NIHL.
- The free radical spin trap agent PBN mitigated CO's adverse effects.
- Combined CO + noise exposure significantly increased cochlear free radicals, unlike individual exposures.
Conclusions:
- Chemical asphyxiants potentiate NIHL at low to moderate levels.
- Free oxygen radicals are implicated as a mechanism for NIHL potentiation by chemical asphyxiants.
- Findings have implications for workplace safety and environmental health standards.