Changes in the respiratory system of rats exposed to gases from the combustion of cashew nuts shell

Abstract

The term biomass describes all organic matter that, when burned, decomposed or recycled, can directly and/or indirectly generate some form of mechanical, thermal or electrical energy. Brazil is one of the largest producers of agricultural products in the world, making it also one of the largest producers of residual biomass. Due to its importance in the cashew crop, there is a concern to find alternatives for an environmentally safe disposal for the residual biomass of the cashew nut processing, cashew nut shell (CNS). In view of the above, this work had the objective of evaluating the effects caused by acute exposure to CNS combustion emissions. For this, a CNS combustion reactor was produced to expose animals to exhaust gases. BALB / c mice, body mass of 25 ± 5 g, randomly divided into two groups, Control, exposed for 5 hours to ambient air, and CNS, exposed for 5 hours to CNS combustion exhaust gases were used. Our results show statistically significant changes in all variables analyzed (RN, G, H, CST, CI e PV loop area)of the CNS group in relation to the control group. The use of CNS as a biofuel can be feasible, but our results reinforce the urgent need to seek control methods for the exhaustion of these gases in the atmosphere. Further investigation is necessary in order to know safe parameters for individuals who are continuously exposed to CNS combustion exhaust gases.