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Health implications of the Mount St. Helens' eruption: laboratory investigations.

Green FH; Bowman L; Castranova V; Dollberg DD; Elliot JA; Fedan JS; Hahon N; Judy DJ; Major PC; Mentnech MS; Miles PR; Mull J; Olenchock S; Ong T

Ann Occup Hyg, Inhaled Particles V, 1982 Sep; 26(1-4):921-933

https://doi.org/10.1093/annhyg/26.8.921

00139476

The mutagenic, fibrogenic, and cytotoxic potential of volcanic ash from the eruption of Mount Saint Helens was assessed, together with the effects on immunological, antiviral, and antibacterial defense mechanisms. The mutagenic potential of the ash was tested by a Salmonella reversion assay and an arabinose resistant forward mutation assay. Interferon induction by ultraviolet irradiated influenza virus was determined in monkey kidney cell monolayers treated with the ash. Cytotoxicity was assayed by culturing rat tracheal tissue in the presence of radiolabeled glucosamine and the ash, and counting the filtrate by liquid scintillation. To determine the fibrogenic properties of the ash, its effect on growth of fetal lung fibroblasts was monitored; the ability of the ash to hemolyze sheep red cells was also studied, as was the effect on macrophages. In-vitro and in-vivo pulmonary effects were assayed. The ash extracts were found to be mildly fibrogenic in-vitro and in- vivo, but they were not mutagenic and had no effect on interferon production. There was some indication that the ash impaired antibacterial host defense mechanisms. The authors conclude that volcanic ash is moderately biologically active and cannot be considered inert.

Immunology; Mutagenicity; Carcinogenicity; Cytotoxic-effects; In-vivo-study; In-vitro-study; Biological-effects; Respirable-dust

Laboratory Investigations Branch, Division of Respiratory Disease Studies, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, WV, U.S.A.

AOHYA3

19820901

Journal Article

Walton WH

1982

9780080268385

1-4

0003-4878

DRDS

Annals of Occupational Hygiene, Inhaled Particles V

WV