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Inhalation toxicity studies with boron trifluoride.
Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology
|March 30, 1986
Summary
Boron trifluoride (BF3) exposure in rats caused kidney damage at high concentrations (17 mg/m3). Lower exposures showed minimal effects, indicating a dose-related toxicity pattern for this industrial chemical.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Environmental Health
- Occupational Safety
Background:
- Boron trifluoride (BF3) is an industrial chemical with potential health risks.
- Previous studies indicated acute toxicity and irritation from BF3 exposure.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the subchronic toxicity of boron trifluoride (BF3) in Fischer 344 rats.
- To determine dose-response relationships and identify target organs for BF3 toxicity.
Main Methods:
- Rats were exposed to a respirable aerosol of BF3 (0, 2.0, 6.0, 17 mg/m3) for 6 hours/day, 5 days/week, over 13 weeks.
- Clinical signs, body weight, organ weights, clinical pathology, and histopathology were assessed.
Main Results:
- Exposure to 17 mg/m3 BF3 resulted in mortality and significant renal toxicity, characterized by proximal tubular necrosis.
- Lower exposure groups (2.0, 6.0 mg/m3) showed minimal respiratory irritation and dose-related increases in fluoride levels, but no significant toxicity.
- Reversible decreases in serum total protein and globulin were observed in the high exposure group.
Conclusions:
- Subchronic exposure to 17 mg/m3 BF3 causes significant renal toxicity in rats.
- BF3 exposure exhibits a dose-related toxicity profile, with 6 mg/m3 not inducing a toxic response despite elevated fluoride levels.