The Acute Inhalation Toxicity of Triethylborane Spontaneous Oxidation Products: Immediate and Delayed Exposure
Abstract
Triethylborane (TEB) is used by the USAF as a fuel additive to nonhypergolic propellants to increase fuel ignition speed and retard engine flameout. Little is known of the toxicity of TEB; however, clinical symptoms of personnel accidentally exposed indicate that TEB vapors induce both central nervous system and respiratory dysfunction. A previous investigation of the inhalation toxicity of TEB in rats has been conducted; however, methodological advancements used in the present investigation render previously acquired data suspect. The present investigation was undertaken to reevaluate the acute inhalation toxicity of TEB in rats exposed for 1 hr. Triethylborane was shown to be labile in air, undergoing a series of rapid oxidations, thus the toxicity of similar concentrations of TEB vapor (actually TEB oxidation derivatives) was examined at two time points subsequent to the initiation of the spontaneous oxidation process. Several different TEB concentrations were examined in this manner. The first time point was that which was technology feasible and the second was at a time point when the oxidation process was homeostatic and presumably near completion. Both atmospheres near the highest attainable, noncombustive concentration of TEB proved be pneumo- and hepatotoxic as well as lethal, with gender but not type (time point) specific differences.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 1990
- Accession Number
- ADA236506
Entities
People
- E. C. Kimmel
- E. R. Kinhead
- H. F. Leahy
- H. G. Wall