Evaluation of 90-Day Inhalation Toxicity of Petroleum and Oil Shale Diesel Fuel Marine (DFM)

Abstract : Subchronic 90 day inhalation toxicity studies were conducted to compare the toxicity of Petroleum and Oil Shale Derived Diesel Fuel Marine (DFM) . Beagle dogs, Fischer 344 rats, and C57BL/6 mice were continuously exposed to DFM at concentrations of 50 mg/cu. m and 300 mg/cu. m. Unexposed controls were also maintained. All dogs and a portion of each rodent group were sacrificed and examined at exposure termination. The remaining rodents were held for observation up to 21 months postexposure. Male rats exposed to DFM for 90 days developed nephrotoxic changes characterized by hyaline degeneration, necrosis, and intratubular cysts. Subsequently, male rats exposed to 300 mg/cu. m DFM developed mineralization and papillary hyperplasia. These postexposure renal changes were generally less severe in male rats exposed to 50 mg/cu. m Shale DFM and were absent in male rats exposed to 50 mg/cu. m Petroleum DFM. Female rats as well as dogs and mice exposed to DFM were free of significant renal damage. Mild reductions in body weight gains and erythrocyte parameters were also noted in male rats exposed to DFM. Neither material produced significant tumor formation in any species tested. The results of this study are consistent with the effects noted in other hydrocarbon fuel toxicity studies. Comparison of the effects observed in these studies with petroleum or shale suggest only minor differences between the two materials.