Preliminary results of toxicity studies in rats following low-dose and short-term exposure to methyl mercaptan.

•Low-dose and short-term exposure to methyl mercaptan had adverse effects on lung tissue.•Lipid peroxidation and alterations in blood antioxidant enzyme levels were observed following the exposure.•Oxidative damage is recognized as a potential mechanism for pulmonary stimulation and injury.•Malondialdehyde in lung tissue was significantly increased in both males and females exposure group.