Health Risk Assessment of Women in Submarines: Reproductive and Developmental Toxicity Evaluation of Major Submarine Atmosphere Components (CO, CO2 and O2) in Rats (Rattus norvegicus) - Phase II (Neurological and Reproductive Performance Study)

摘要

Neurological and reproductive performance were assessed in rats exposed 23 hours/day for 28-days to mixed gas atmospheres that represent submarine air quality standards for continuous exposure limits (CELs), as well as 24-hour and 1-hour emergency exposure limits (EELs). Exposure to 28 days of elevated concentrations of CO and CO2 under hypoxic conditions, representative of CELs and EELs, did not affect the ability of rats to reproduce and did not result in any significant developmental deficits in their offspring. Phase I and II of this study indicate that existing submarine air standards are health protective of male and female crew members. This report represents Phase II of the study to assess neurological and reproductive performance. Phase I was a range-finding study completed on 27 June 2011. The conclusive portion of this study will be Phase III, which will provide a 90-day, 2-generation, developmental and reproductive study using the same exposure criteria, which final report will be submitted in 2012.