RIFM Respiratory Science Program Publishes New Approach for Vapor Transport and Lung Deposition Measurement for Fragrance Materials

WOODCLIFF LAKE, New Jersey, September 1, 2011 /PRNewswire/ --

Dr. Madhuri Singal, RRT, Manager of Respiratory Science at The Research Institute for Fragrance Materials, Inc. (RIFM) announced that the recently published study, Derivation of Mass Transfer Coefficients for Transient Uptake and Tissue Disposition of Soluble and Reactive Vapors in Lung Airways, Annals of Biomedical Engineering, vol. 39, No. 6, June 2011, pp. 1788-1804 is now available from the Respiratory Science and Publications section of the RIFM web site at http://www.rifm.org.

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Assessment of inhaled vapor uptake in the lung and distribution among other organs of the body is needed to link human exposure to biological response. Since experimental studies in humans are not feasible, mechanistic models have been developed to assess the deposited dose upon inhalation. A new approach to lung dosimetry developed in this study is based on the unsteady transport of materials by diffusion as it actually occurs in the respiratory system. The model takes into account the complete breathing cycle including desorption on exhalation. The detection of vapor in exhaled air may also provide clues about adverse health conditions. This approach is capable of evaluating pathways of elimination via the respiratory tract and is a powerful tool for detailed assessment of tissue dose.

RIFM's advanced model is an alternative method that will lead to improved understanding of lung doses and more accurate risk assessment profiles for fragrance materials upon inhalation. For more information, read the full study.

RIFM is the international scientific authority for the safe use of fragrance materials. RIFM generates, evaluates and distributes scientific data on the safety assessment of fragrance raw materials found in personal and household care products. Through extensive research, testing and constant monitoring of all scientific literature available, RIFM maintains its Database as the most comprehensive source worldwide of physical-chemical, toxicological and eco-toxicological data associated with known fragrance and flavor materials. All of RIFM's scientific findings are evaluated by an independent Expert Panel-an international group of dermatologists, pathologists, toxicologists, reproductive, respiratory and environmental scientists. The Expert Panel evaluates the safety of fragrance ingredients under conditions of intended use and publishes their results in peer-reviewed scientific journals. The decisions of the Expert Panel regarding restrictions of use are also published in the IFRA Standards. For more information about RIFM and its activities, visit http://www.rifm.org or e-mail rifm@rifm.org.

Contact: Marie Gartshore, Communications Manager
e-mail: mgartshore@rifm.org
tel: +1-201-689-8089