Animal experiments indicate that 1,1,1-trichloroethane can cause degeneration of the olfactory epithelium. The effects of 1,1,1-trichloroethane on human odor perception still have not been investigated. The goal of this study was to learn more about acute effects of 1,1,1-trichloroethane.Twelve healthy, nonsmoking students were exposed to 200 and 20 ppm (control) 1,1,1-trichloroethane in an exposure chamber for 4 hours according to a crossover design. Olfactory functioning was investigated with the Sniffin' Sticks. The test includes the determination of the detection threshold for n-butanol and an odor identification test.After 1 hour of exposure to 200 ppm 1,1,1-trichloroethane, no effects on olfactory functioning were observed. After 4 hours, the olfactory threshold for n-butanol was slightly (p = 0.04) elevated.The threshold shift may be caused by different mechanisms, including inflammation of the olfactory mucosa or degeneration of receptor cells.

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degeneration of the olfactory epithelium detection threshold receptor cells human odor perception sniffin olfactory functioning nbutanol

Axel, Muttray Bertram, Moll Michael, Faas Ludger, Klimek Wolf, Mann Johannes, Konietzko,.Acute effects of 1,1,1-trichloroethane on human olfactory functioning.. 18 (2),113-7.

Axel, Muttray Bertram, Moll Michael, Faas Ludger, Klimek Wolf, Mann Johannes, Konietzko,"Acute effects of 1,1,1-trichloroethane on human olfactory functioning." 18

Axel, Muttray Bertram, Moll Michael, Faas Ludger, Klimek Wolf, Mann Johannes, Konietzko,"Acute effects of 1,1,1-trichloroethane on human olfactory functioning."