What is inhalation toxicology?

Toxicology is a scientific discipline that studies the adverse effects of chemical substances and particles on people, animals and ecosystems. Inhalation toxicology relates specifically to substances inhaled by humans.

RIVM investigates which substances may cause harm, at which concentrations effects occur and the exact mechanisms behind these effects in the body. This extends well beyond the effects on the lungs and respiratory system. Certain inhaled substances may also be absorbed from the lungs into the bloodstream and distribute to other organs such as the heart, the brain and in the case of pregnant women, the placenta and unborn child. Such knowledge helps inform advice on safe limit values.

Importance of inhalation toxicology 

To be able to safeguard public health, it is important to study the harmful effects of people’s inhalation of substances, including air pollution. This research can also be used to assess the effects of exposure to volatile compounds in products such as paints and cleaning agents or occupational use of chemical substances. Such knowledge is essential in creating policies and guidelines that can help reduce exposure to hazardous substances.

What inhalation toxicology research involves

RIVM has its own laboratories for the performance of inhalation toxicology research. Researchers use a range of methods:

• Laboratory research using cell culture: Cells from the lungs and nose are grown in a lab dish and exposed to airborne substances. This is done using special techniques so the cell samples are in contact with liquid and air, just like in actual lungs.
• Research using volunteers: People spend several hours breathing in small quantities of substances such as ultrafine particles from aircrafts or nanoparticles. Researchers then measure the resulting miniscule changes in their bodies.
• Animal research: Occasionally it is still necessary to use animals for research, to study effects on the immune system or neurological system for example. Such research cannot yet be performed outside the body of an organism.  
• Chemical tests (without cell culture): Many harmful effects of inhalation start with a chemical reaction in the lungs. Examples include reactions with antioxidants such as Vitamin C or with other biological molecules such as lipids, which are essential components of cells. Such chemical reactions can cause tissue damage and inflammation. These reactions can be studied in a test tube in the laboratory in order to predict the damage.

RIVM’s role

RIVM has a strong reputation in the area of inhalation toxicology. International organisations such as the WHO, the European Union and the OECD regularly turn to RIVM for advice. The Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management also depends on RIVM for answers to questions about air quality, advanced (nano)materials, microplastics and industrial emissions.

RIVM’s strength is the ability to bring together scientific research, risk assessments to determine the likelihood of harmful effects and policy advice.  

Learn more about what RIVM does.

RIVM’s partners

RIVM’s partners are mainly public institutions such as universities and other research institutes. Much of the research is conducted through international projects, often funded by the European Union. RIVM has its own facilities, making it attractive as a collaboration partner for researchers without access to the same know-how or knowledge.