Sulfur Dioxide (SO 2 ) Exposure and Recovery Effects on Mice 1

Summary

Continuous exposure of mature, male mice to 40 ppm atmospheric SO₂ depressed feed and water intake, body weight, and O₂ consumption; and caused upper respiratory damages. After approximately 20 days of exposure, feed and water intake returned to control values, although body weight and metabolism remained low. Immediately following cessation of SO₂ exposure, the animals began to recover body weight and overcompensated in feed and H₂O intake. Oxygen consumption was normal at 32–34 days postexposure; and limited histological evidence showed no apparent damaging effects of exposure on the surviving mice.