Inhalation toxicity of chromium from Whetlerite dust in rats

The acute inhalation toxicity and metabolic fate of chromium and copper from Whetlerite dust in rats were investigated. Groups of male and female, Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to Whetlerite dust and base carbon dust as outlined in the OECD Limit Test guidelines. At 14, 28 and 180 days post-exposure, rats were evaluated for gross pathological changes and tissues were collected for chromium and copper determination. Four deaths occurred during or post-exposure, but did not appear to be compound related. No gross pathological changes were observed at necropsy in either group. Organ chromium concentrations were below detection limits of 0.5 micrograms Cr/g dry tissue in both exposure groups. According to OECD guidelines, neither Whetlerite dust nor base carbon dust demonstrated an acute inhalation toxicity.