[Toxicity of paraquat used in the form of aerosols in experimental studies]

The toxic effect of paraquat aerosol was studied in 30 rats using three different concentration: 3 mg, 15 mg and 30 mg. Extensive lung involvement was observed in rats exposed to medium and high doses, which in most animals was fatal. In 2 rats exposed to the small concentrations of paraquat on the 15th day atelectasis and cellular infiltrations in the lung parenchyma were found. These changes could not be found in rats sacrificed on the 29th day of the experiment. The results of this study show that even low doses of paraquat may injure the respiratory system, producing changes that are symptom free.