Predictive Models for Deposition of Diesel Exhaust Particulates in Human and Rat Lungs

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Abstract
Diesel exhaust particulates are potentially hazardous when they are inhaled into the respiratory system. In this paper, theoretical models were developed to predict the deposition of such particles in humans and rats. It was shown that because of their submicron particle size, a significant fraction of diesel exhaust particulates can penetrate into the alveolar region of the lung and deposit there. Under normal breathing conditions, the alveolar deposition for humans was found to be between 7% and 13% depending upon particle size distribution. The alveolar deposition for rats was also investigated and it compared favorably with existing experimental data. Despite their considerable differences in airway size and respiratory condition, humans and rats exhibited similar deposition patterns during a breathing cycle; however, the average minute particle dose per unit pulmonary surface was found to be significantly higher for rats.