Respiratory response of guinea pigs to zinc oxide fume.

Guinea pigs were exposed for 1 hr to submicrometer zinc oxide fume at a concentration of approximately 1 mg/m3. Measurement of pulmonary mechanics was used to assess the response. The exposure produced a slight decrease in compliance which was statistically significant. The compliance showed a further decrease 1 hr post-exposure. In a second group of animals observed for two hours after exposure a progressive decrease in compliance was observed between the first and second post-exposure hours. No changes were observed in resistance, tidal volume, frequency, or minute volume.