Inhalation Kinetics of C8 to C10 1‐Alkenes and Iso‐Alkanes in the Rat after Repeated Exposures

The toxicokinetic properties of C8 and C10 1‐alkenes and iso‐alkanes have been investigated in rats during inhalation of 100 p.p.m. of the single hydrocarbons for 3 days, 12 hr/day. The concentration of hydrocarbon was measured in blood, brain, liver, kidneys and perirenal fat at days 1, 2 and 3, immediately after exposure and 12 hr after exposure on day 3. The 1‐alkenes showed an efficient absorption to blood combined with extensive accumulation in organs, compared to the iso‐alkanes. The concentration of 1‐alkenes and iso‐alkanes in blood, brain, liver and fat increased with increasing number of carbon atoms. The C9 and C10 1‐alkenes and iso‐alkanes showed increasing concentration in fat during the exposure period and high concentrations 12 hr after cessation of exposure. The extensive accumulation in both blood and organs of 1‐alkenes compared to any of the other groups of hydrocarbons may have a toxicologic relevance. Products which contain 1‐alkenes should be handled carefully to minimize the risk of inhalation exposure.