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George J. Taylor IV; Willard S. Harris, MD

JAMA. 1970;214(1):81-85.

Abstract
The fluoroalkane gases used to propel aerosols were toxic to the hearts of 34 mice, sensitizing them to asphyxiainduced sinus bradycardia, atrioventricular block, and T-waue depression. Cardiac sensitization was rapid, long-lasting, and lethal. It also occurred in rats and dogs. The propellants are postulated to possess a spectrum of cardiotoxic effects capable, in various species, of causing bradyarrhythmias, tachyarrhythmias, or myocardial depression. In humans the cardiac toxicity of aerosol propellants, particularly during asphyxia, may be a cause of sudden death in youths who "turn on" by inhaling propellants and in patients with asthma who make excessive use of bronchodilator aerosols. To a degree presently unknown, cardiac toxicity, including arrhythmias, due to propellant inhalation may be a potential hazard to frequent users of pressurized aerosol dispensers.

Author Affiliations
From the Department of Medicine, Section of Cardiology, University of Illinois Hospital, Chicago.

Footnotes
Reprint requests to Room 921, 840 S Wood St, Chicago 60612 (Dr. Harris).

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