Behavioral-Physiological Effects of Red Phosphorus Smoke Inhalation on Two Wildlife Species
Abstract
This report summarizes a 3-year Project Order (85PP5847) to determine lethal and sub-lethal symptomatological, behavioral and physiological effects of red phosphorous/butyl rubber (RP/BR) smoke exposure(s) upon black-tailed prairie dogs (Cynomys ludovicianus) and rock doves (Columba livia). Use of this mammalian and avian model extended the Army's comparative database of RP/BR- smoke effects. All research involved whole-body, inhalation chamber studies designed to assess immediate, acute or sub-acute effects. Research comprising the project was divided into 3 tasks. Task 1 involved: (1) setup and modification of a RP/BR-aerosol and inhalation system developed by the Analytical Chemistry Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, (2) checks of ambient carbon monoxide (CO) at the test site and (3) studies to assess spatial and temporal uniformity of the RP/BR smoke within the inhalation chamber. Task 2 involved a series of toxicity range-finding studies with the 2 species. Task 3 involved 4 pairs of separate behavioral physiological studies to assess sub- lethal consequences of RP/BR smoke in the 2 species. Basically, the research that prairie dogs and rock doves are extremely tolerant of RP/BR-smoke exposure(s). Multiple, high-concentration exposures to RP/BR smoke were needed to produce any symptomatological, behavioral and physiological effects in these species. Nevertheless, rock doves were more vulnerable to this obscurant than prairie dogs, with male rock doves relatively more sensitive than females.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1990
- Accession Number
- ADA226375
Entities
People
- B. E. Johns
- R. D. Thompson
- R. T. Sterner
- S. A. Shumake
Organizations
- United States Fish and Wildlife Service