Evaluation of sensory irritation from acrolein-formaldehyde mixtures.

Groups of mice were exposed to eleven combinations of acrolein-formaldehyde atmospheres and their respiratory rate was monitored. A mathematical model, previously derived for analysis of taste receptor stimulation, was applied to the data obtained for each of the above chemicals alone and in combination. The results obtained suggest that such a model adequately described sensory irritation due to these chemicals and indicates that competitive agonism exists between acrolein and formaldehyde when present together.