Aerosols II The Role of Particle Size in Inhalation Therapy by Atomization and by Penicillin Dusts

¹ The 1st Medical Service and the Laboratories of The Mount Sinai Hospital, New York City.

1) The particle size distribution of the droplets of atomized liquids and three particulate dusts have been measured.

2) The particle size distribution of a commercially available atomizer, especially designed to produce small particles reveals that approximately 6 per cent by weight of the droplets produced by this nebulizer may reach the aveolar ducts.

3) Three samples of commercially available penicillin dusts designed for inhalation therapy show important differences in the particle size distribution. One of these dusts has particles so large that it is practically useless for therapy of the lungs. Two others have particle size distributions by which approximately 40 to 80 per cent of the particle weight may reach the aveolar ducts.

4) The difficulties of using dusts in connection with tropical storage and maintenance of suitable particle size distribution is pointed out. It is emphasized that if penicillin dust therapy is to be suitable at all, the particle size distribution to begin with must be so designed that penetration into the nose, oropharynx and larynx of a reasonable fraction should be possible.