Abstract

A method for assessing safety in use of leathers by using a living organism – bioindicator is proposed. It has been assumed that extracts obtained from leathers containing harmful chemical substances cause disturbances in vital functions of the bioindicator that transforms into changes in heat emission from cells. An effect of extracts on the bioindicator was observed by using an isothermal calorimeter. The activity of Tetrahymena pyriformis was illustrated with heat power curves. It has been found that power curves were specific to individual extracts used and different from the curves determined from investigation of bioindicator activity in water. An analysis of heat power value clusters was made and allowed similar bioindicator’s responses to water and individual extracts to be indicated. An indicator enabling leathers with a possible adverse effect on living organisms to be eliminated. This indicator is defined as the ratio of the total heat emitted by the tested system to the control system expressed as percentage.