Acute inhalation toxicity of aerosolized electrochemically generated solution of sodium hypochlorite

Abstract

Objective

The objective was to determine the inhalation toxicity of the electrochemically generated sodium hypochlorite solution after its single administration to laboratory animals in the form of a highly dispersed aerosol.

Materials and methods

The study has been conducted according to the OECD Test Guideline №403 ‘Acute Inhalation Toxicity.’ Laboratory animals were exposed to inhalation of an aerosol containing 1.7 ± 0.13 mg/m³ of active chlorine. The hematological and biochemical parameters of the blood of experimental animals have been determined, as well as specific parameters: the activity of cathepsins B and L, catalase, and α1-antitrypsin. Histological study of the lungs of animals has been carried out.

Results

During inhalation and 14 days after it, no death of the animals was observed; the behavior, appearance, and weight gain did not differ from the control group. There were no significant deviations in hematological parameters, except the decrease in the level of platelets. The biochemical study showed slight changes in the activity of alkaline phosphatase and aspartate aminotransferase on the 1st day after inhalation; these parameters returned to normal within 14 days of observation. Specific biochemical parameters did not show the development of oxidative stress. No specific histological pathologies of lung tissue have been found.

Conclusions

Thus, the studied electrochemically generated sodium hypochlorite solution under single inhalation exposure in aerosol form practically does not cause a toxic effect. The data obtained allow classifying such solution to the 4th (or even 5th – after additional studies) class of toxicity in accordance with Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals.

Keywords:

• Disinfection
• active chlorine
• hypochlorite
• hypochlorous acid
• inhalation
• oxidative stress

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Data availability statement

Additional data, including individual hematological, biochemical and histological parameters of experimental animals, can be provided by authors upon request.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Ministry of Health of Ukraine as part of the research project ‘Multifunctional polymer materials with powerful antimicrobial properties for antiseptic treatment of wound surfaces and disinfection of air and water’ [0120U101548] and by the Francophone University Agency under Grant [DRECO-5512] ‘Active protection with Active Chlorine (APACh 51.5)’ under the programme AUF COVID-19 Special Plan.