Investigation of Safety of Low-Dose Inhaled Chlorine Dioxide Gas on Pregnant Rats

Abstract

Background: Chlorine dioxide gas (ClO2 ) has potent antimicrobial activity at low concentrations and plays an important role in infection control. This study investigates the effect of long-term inhalation of low-concentration ClO2 by pregnant rats, followed by a two-week observational period for the offspring.Method: Twenty-two pregnant Wistar-Albino rats were used in this study. exposed to ClO2 during gestation ClO2 released at 0.03 ppm for 24 hours/day from the AirDoctor® device was tested on 11 rats of them during the whole gestation period under stable conditions. The other 11 control pregnant rats were exposed to room air only. Body weight was recorded at baseline and day-18 of gestation. ALT and Creatinine serum levels were measured. Nasal cavity swabs were taken to test for bacterial microbiota at baseline and after 18 days of exposure to the gas. Offspring survival, weights, and teratogenic features were monitored for two weeks after delivery.Results: No ClO2 -related toxicity signs were observed during the whole study period. No significant differences were observed either in body weights, hepatic and renal markers, microbiota ratios, or the number and weight of pups. No negative observations were recorded about the general health of the offspring. Conclusion: Exposure of pregnant rats to 0.03 ppm ClO2 for 24 hours/day from the AirDoctor® device by inhalation might have no observed toxic effects.