Abstract

The aim of this study was to examine the pathological effects of inhalation of bleach vapors, both short and long term, on the lower respiratory system of mice. This laboratory experimental study was done on 28 male mice which divided into four groups; Control: no contact with the toxic vapors and then they autopsied after 6 weeks. Acute: exposed to the toxic vapor (300ppm) for 2 hours and then autopsied immediately. Sub-acute: exposed to the vapors for 2 hours, had no contact with the toxic materials for 6 weeks and then autopsiedChronic: exposed to the toxic materials 2 hours per day for 6 weeks and then were autopsied. The results were compared according to the time and the amount of the exposure. In the control group the score for involvement was zero and no pathological changes were observed. In the acute group, infiltration of acute and chronic inflammatory cells, bleeding and edema (with different scores) were observed in 100 of the test subjects, while the score of fibroblastic reaction was zero. In the sub-acute group, the score for the acute inflammatory cells was zero. As a result of the infiltration of the chronic inflammatory cells in this group, bleeding, edema and fibroblastic reaction with the score of one were detected in 40, leaving the rest (60) unchanged. In the chronic group, there were no acute inflammatory cells, bleeding or edema, while in 100, chronic inflammatory cells infiltration and fibroblastic reaction were observed. The inhalation of bleach vapors can stimulate immune and fibroblastic systems which can lead to fibrosing disease in people who have come to contact with these materials. © IDOSI Publications, 2011.