Inhalerbare

Inhalerbare is a term used to describe substances or particles that can be inhaled into the respiratory tract through the nose or mouth. The concept is important in toxicology, occupational health, and pharmaceutical sciences, where the potential for exposure or drug delivery depends on particle behavior in the air and the human airway. Inhalerbare is often discussed alongside related concepts such as inhalable, thoracic, and respirable fractions, which describe progressively smaller particle sizes and deeper penetration into the lungs.

Particle size is the key factor determining where inhaled material deposits in the respiratory system. In general, inhalable particles have an aerodynamic diameter up to about 100 micrometers (µm). Particles up to about 10 µm can reach the thoracic region, while smaller particles—typically around 4 µm or less—can reach the gas-exchange regions of the lungs (the respirable fraction). Actual deposition depends on multiple factors including particle shape, airflow, and individual anatomy.

Applications of the concept include occupational exposure assessment, where inhalable dust measurements inform safety standards and controls, and pharmaceutical inhalation, where drug particles are engineered to be inhalable and delivered to the lungs using devices such as metered-dose inhalers, dry powder inhalers, or nebulizers. Inhalable formulations aim to achieve effective local action in the airways or systemic absorption.

Notes: exact cutoffs for inhalable, thoracic, and respirable fractions vary by standard and context. The term is commonly translated as “inhalable” in English-language texts, and is used across languages to describe particles capable of entering the respiratory tract.