Synergistic effects of nitrogen dioxide and carbon dioxide following acute inhalation exposures in rats

All fires occurring in air produce carbon dioxide (CO{sub 2}). Fire involving nitrogen-containing products will also generate nitrogen dioxide (NO{sub 2}), a pulmonary irritant. In Fischer 344 male rats, the LC50 (30 minute exposure plus 14 day post-exposure observation period) for NO{sub 2} was 200 ppm (with 95% confidence limits of 43 to 51%); whereas, the LC50 for NO{sub 2} in the presence of 5% CO{sub 2} was 90 ppm (with 90% confidence limits ranging from 70-120 ppm). Exposure to NO{sub 2} increased the methemoglobin (MetHb) levels in the arterial blood. At the end of the 30 minute exposures, the MetHb levels were 2-3 times higher in the animals exposed to the combination of NO{sub 2} (200 ppm) and CO{sub 2} (5%) than in those exposed to NO{sub 2} only. Deaths from NO{sub 2} were all post-exposure and occurred earlier in the presence of NO{sub 2} plus 5% CO{sub 2} than in the absence of the CO{sub 2}. The time of death was concentration-dependent when both gases were present. At death, evidence of hemorrage and extensive edema was observed in the lungs. The mean lung wet weight/body weight ratio from rats exposed to 200 ppm NO{sub 2} with and without more » 5% CO{sub 2} was 3-4 times that of non-exposed rats. More edema was noted with NO2 and CO{sub 2} than with NO{sub 2} alone. « less