Sensory irritation response in mice to sulfur dust

The potential of sulfur dust to produce sensory irritation was evaluated in mice. Male Swiss--Webster mice were exposed by head-only inhalation to 106, 263, or 451 mg/m3 sulfur dust aerosol at room temperature. Breathing frequency and patterns were monitored before, during, and after exposure to evaluate the animal's sensory irritation response to the test atmosphere. Group average breathing rates were decreased 7 and 17% below pretest values in mice exposed to 106 and 263 mg/m3, respectively; however, breathing patterns appeared normal, indicating that there was no sensory irritation. Mice exposed to 451 mg/m3 showed an increase in breathing frequency of 7%, with 1/4 mice displaying very slight signs of pulmonary (deep lung) irritation. Some of the mice in the low- and high-dose groups exhibited signs of slight eye irritation immediately after exposure, but all mice were normal 1 day later. On the basis of these findings, exposure to sulfur dust up to 451 mg/m3 did not produce any sensory or upper airway irritation in mice.