Studies on the toxicity of triethylaluminum (TEA)

Summary

A series of exposure experiments with Triethylaluminum were undertaken using animals, and the following results were obtained:

• 1. Gas Chromatographic analysis of the exposure gas showed that the gas contained various combustion products of TEA in the air and contained an unidentified substance which had a retention time equivalent to a 6-carbon compound. The substance was assumed to be TEA itself.

• 2. A moderate systemic effect of “TEA” gas on various organs was observed when it contained considerable amounts of the 6-carbon compound.

• 3. Characteristic changes in the lungs of animals exposed to “TEA” were found by histological examination. The changes in the lungs were a result of moderate irritation.

• 4. The effects of exposure to the “TEA-toluene” mixture were more severe in the animals than the effects of “TEA”. Those effects would be mainly due to toluene because the same effects could be seen by the exposure to toluene alone.

• 5. Direct action of “TEA” on the skin was identical to that of a burn.

A possible relation between these results and the clinical symptoms found among some of the workers handling TEA was briefly discussed.