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Inhalation toxicity of high flash aromatic naphtha
D G Clark1, S T Butterworth, J G Martin
1Shell Research Ltd., Sittingbourne, Kent, U.K.
Toxicology and Industrial Health
|May 1, 1989
Summary
This study found that chronic inhalation exposure to a high aromatic naphtha blend did not cause systemic toxicity in rats. Key findings indicate no treatment-related abnormalities, suggesting safety under tested conditions.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Petroleum Chemistry
Background:
- A high aromatic naphtha blend (SHELLSOL A/SOLVESSO 100) containing C9 isomers was previously found to cause mild effects in preliminary studies.
- A 13-week inhalation study indicated potential liver, kidney, and hematological changes in female rats.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the systemic toxicity of a 50/50 blend of SHELLSOL A and SOLVESSO 100 in rats following chronic inhalation exposure.
- To determine the long-term health effects of this specific petroleum distillate.
Main Methods:
- Rats were exposed via inhalation to the naphtha blend at three concentrations (1800, 900, and 450 mg/m3) for 12 months.
- Body weight, hematology, clinical chemistry, organ weights, and histopathology were assessed.
Main Results:
- Transient hematological changes were observed in males, deemed not biologically significant.
- Increased liver and kidney weights in high-exposure males were considered physiological adaptations without histopathological correlation.
- No treatment-related histopathological abnormalities were detected in any exposure group.
Conclusions:
- Chronic inhalation exposure to this high aromatic naphtha blend is not associated with systemic toxicity in rats.
- The observed organ weight increases are likely adaptive physiological responses rather than adverse effects.