Thioacetamide – inhalable fraction. Documentation of proposed values of occupational exposure limits (OELs)

2019 ◽  
Vol 35 (4(102)) ◽  
pp. 153-175
Author(s):  
Elżbieta Bruchajzer ◽  
Jadwiga Szymańska ◽  
Barbara Frydrych
Keyword(s):  
Occupational Safety ◽  
Animal Experiments ◽  
Genetic Material ◽  
Weighted Average ◽  
International Agency ◽  
Intragastric Administration ◽  
Exposure Limits ◽  
Limit Value ◽  
Short Term Exposure

Thioacetamide occurs in the form of colorless crystals with a characteristic smell of mercaptans. It was used in the past as a fumigant to prevent oranges from rotting, in rubber vulcanization and as a diesel stabilizer. It is currently used in a qualitative analysis as a source of hydrogen sulfide. According to information from the Central Register of Data on Exposure to Carcinogenic or Mutagenic Substances, Mixtures, Factors or Technological Processes in 2005-2016 from 486 to 1137 people were exposed to thioacetamide in Poland. Most of them were women. The LD50 value after intragastric administration of the compound to rats is 301 mg/kg. Thioacetamide is a strong hepatotoxic agent, its single dose caused hepatic necrosis. Administered repeatedly it induced liver damage, which was indicated by biochemical changes and cirrhosis. The effects of thioacetamide toxicity in chronic animal experiments indicated a relationship to exposure time. After chronic exposure of rats to thioacetamide in drinking water (at 0.03%, i.e., approximately 35 mg/kg/day) or in feed (0.5% in feed, i.e., approximately 28 mg/kg/day), hepatitis and local hepatic foci were noted after 4 months, these changes later intensified, and after 8–17 months chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis and cancer of the liver and bile ducts occurred. The results of mutagenicity and genotoxicity studies of thioacetamide are inconclusive. It can be assumed that the compound may damage genetic material in vivo after biotransformation to a highly hepatotoxic metabolite. The metabolism of thioacetamide by S-oxidation (mainly with the participation of CYP2E1) leads to the production of sulfoxide (TASO), and then to hepatotoxic, highly reactive sulfone (TASO2). The latter is of fundamental importance for the mechanism of toxic action of thioacetamide (by binding with hepatic macromolecules). Thioacetamide metabolites also induce oxidative stress. Because of neoplasms observed in chronic studies, International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) included thioacetamide in group 2B – agents probably carcinogenic to humans. According to the CLP classification, thioacetamide is a category-1B carcinogen with a "H350 – May cause cancer" note. The hepatotoxic effects of thioacetamide in rats after repeated administration were used as the basis for determining the maximum acceptable concentration (MAC; TLV-TWA – threshold limit value-time weighted average). A concentration of 1.5 mg/m3 was proposed as the MAC value. There are no bases to determine the short-term exposure limit (STEL) and the biological limit value (BLV). "Carc. 1B" marking is also proposed, as thioacetamide is a category-1B carcinogen. This article discusses the problems of occupational safety and health, which are covered by health sciences and environmental engineering.

An analysis of workplace exposures to asbestos at three steel mills located in the United States (1972-1982)

2019 ◽  
Vol 35 (11-12) ◽  
pp. 726-737
Author(s):  
Dana Hollins ◽  
Amanda Burns ◽  
Ken Unice ◽  
Dennis J Paustenbach
Keyword(s):  
Occupational Safety ◽  
Weighted Average ◽  
Open Hearth ◽  
The United States ◽  
Blast Furnaces ◽  
Health Administration ◽  
Steel Mill ◽  
Exposure Limits ◽  
Steel Mills ◽  
Safety And Health

The objective is to present historical asbestos airborne concentrations associated with activities involving presumably asbestos-containing materials in steel mills. A total of 138 historical industrial hygiene air samples collected in three US steel mills from 1972 to 1982 were analyzed. The majority of samples were collected during relining of open hearth furnaces, stoves, and blast furnaces by steel mill bricklayers and bricklayer helpers. Over 75% of the samples ( n = 106) were collected for 50 min or less, four samples were collected for 227 to 306 min, and sample durations were not reported for the remaining 28 samples. Average airborne fiber concentrations measured during relining activities of open hearth furnaces, stoves, and blast furnaces were 0.21 f/cc, 0.72 f/cc and 0.13 f/cc phase-contrast microscopy (PCM), respectively. Measured airborne fiber concentrations of four time-weighted average (TWA) samples (>227 min) averaged 0.045 f/cc. Estimated 8-h TWAs concentrations averaged 0.34 f/cc for bricklayers and 0.2 f/cc bricklayer helpers. While 8-h TWA concentration estimates for monitored tasks/jobs may often have exceeded current Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Permissible Exposure Limits (PELs), they did not exceed relevant contemporaneous occupational exposure standards. This analysis provides a better understanding of historical airborne asbestos exposures that bricklayers and other tradesmen experienced during furnace and stove work in the US steel mills.

Occupational Exposure Risk for Swine Workers in Confined Housing Facilities

2019 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 37-50 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alvin C. Alvarado ◽  
Bernardo Z. Predicala
Keyword(s):  
Hydrogen Sulfide ◽  
Occupational Exposure ◽  
Weighted Average ◽  
Respirable Dust ◽  
Exposure Risk ◽  
Exposure Limits ◽  
Exposure Limit ◽  
Short Term Exposure ◽  
Swine Workers ◽  
Time Weighted Average

Abstract. Extended exposure of swine barn workers to noise and airborne contaminants has been reported to be associated with various health problems. In this study, the actual exposure of workers to respirable dust, gases (ammonia and hydrogen sulfide), and noise in swine production operations was monitored in order to determine the contribution of specific activities in the barn to potential adverse health impacts to swine workers. Selected workers in a swine barn facility were outfitted with a personal monitoring system that included a respirable dust sampler, ammonia (NH3) and hydrogen sulfide (H2S) gas monitors, and a noise dosimeter as they performed their regular duties during their workday. From a total of 50 monitoring days spanning winter and summer months, results showed that the occupational exposure of swine workers to respirable dust, NH3, H2S, and noise while performing their daily assigned tasks was generally below the respective time-weighted average exposure limits for each hazard. However, a number of tasks showed high likelihood for elevated occupational exposure risk. Respirable dust concentrations exceeded the time-weighted average limit of 3 mg m-3 while feeding and weighing pigs. These activities also exceeded the short-term exposure limit (35 ppm) for NH3. Dangerous levels of H2S were generated when draining manure from manure collection pits in the production rooms. Noise levels exceeded the recommended 15 min exposure limit (100 dBA) when weighing and loading pigs for market. The occupational exposure risks for workers to barn contaminants can be reduced through measures that control the generation of contaminants at their source, by removing generated contaminants from the work environment, as well as by outfitting the workers with protective devices that prevent personal exposure to contaminants. Keywords: Ammonia, Barn worker, Dust, Hydrogen sulfide, Noise, Occupational exposure, Risk, Swine.

Potassium bromate – inhalable fraction. Documentation of proposed values of occupational exposure limits (OELs)

2018 ◽  
Vol 34 (2(96)) ◽  
pp. 35-59 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrzej Starek
Keyword(s):  
Renal Failure ◽  
Acute Renal Failure ◽  
Occupational Exposure ◽  
Potassium Bromate ◽  
Male Rats ◽  
Intragastric Administration ◽  
Exposure Limits ◽  
Carcinogenic Agent ◽  
Short Term Exposure ◽  
Polychromatic Erythrocytes

Potassium bromate (V), (KBrO3) exists as white crystals, crystalline powder or granules. It is highly soluble in water, tasteless and odourless. Potassium bromate is a strong oxidizing agent. In the past it has been used as food additive in flour milling, as an ingredient in fish-paste in Japan, in cheese making, in beer malting, as a component of cold hair wave liquid and an oxidizing compound. Moreover, bromate is formed as a by-product of water disinfection by ozonation and is frequently detected in tap and bottled water. In fact bromate is one of the most prevalent disinfection by-product of surface water. Occupational exposure to potassium bromate occurs mainly in production plants during packaging processes. In Poland, about 1 160 persons were exposed to this compound in 2016. Bromate caused many acute poisonings by accidental ingestion, mainly among children, and more often ingested for tentative suicide by young women, especially hairdressers. In the acute phase of poisoning, gastrointestinal disturbances, irreversible hearing loss, and acute renal failure were observed. Acute renal failure was associated with hemolytic uremic syndrome. There are no data on chronic intoxication of humans by potassium bromate and epidemiological studies on this subject. On the basis of the value of median lethal dose (LD50) per os in rat, potassium bromate has been classified as a compound belonging to the category „Toxic”. Major toxic signs and symptoms in animals after a single intragastric administration of potassium bromate were tachypnea, hypothermia, diarrhea, lacrimation, suppression of locomotor movement, ataxic gait, and animals lying in a prone position. At autopsy the major findings were strong hyperemia of glandular stomach mucosa and congestion of lungs. Microscopically, necrosis and degenerative changes of the proximal tubular epithelium and hearing cells of internal ear were found. It was stated that the compound is not irritating, corrosive or sensitizing. In subchronic and chronic exposure of rodents, potassium bromate led to liver and kidney dysfunction and tubular epithelial damage. Potassium bromate had mutagenic and clastogenic effects. It induced point mutations, structural chromosome aberrations, micronuclei in polychromatic erythrocytes in male mice, DNA oxidative damage by modification of deoxyguanosine to 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine, and DNA double-strand breakage. Potassium bromate induced neoplasms in rodents and exerted promotion effect in comparison with well-known carcinogens. Besides from preneoplastic changes, expressed by high incidences of renal cell tumors and dysplastic foci, bromate induced solid neoplasms, such as adenomas and adenocarcinomas in a rat kidney and thyroid, and mesotheliomas of peritoneum and tunica vaginalis testis. The European Union classified potassium bromate as a substance that can cause cancer (Group 1.B), whereas IARC classified it as a presumably carcinogenic agent for human (Group 2.B). In principle, effects of bromate on reproduction and ontogenetic development of offspring were not observed. Animal studies suggest that a kidney is a critical organ in the exposure to potassium bromate. The results of subchronic exposure of male rats to potassium bromate administered with drinking water were used to calculate the value of MAC-NDS. The critical effects in kidney were: an increase of organ weight and dose-dependent histopathological alterations defined as epithelium urinary tract hypertrophy. The NOAEL value is 1.5 mg/kg b.w./day. For the calculation of the maximum allowable concentration (MAC) value, 5 uncertainty factors with total value of 24 were used. Based on this estimation it is proposed to accept the MAC-TWA value for potassium bromate at 0.44 mg/m3. The risks of kidney and thyroid cancer in condition of occupational exposure are 2.2 · 10-3 and 0.6 · 10-3, respectively. There is no reason to determine the value of short-term exposure limit (STEL) and the biological exposure index (BEI). „Carc.1.B” notation (carcinogenic substance) was proposed

Phenolphthalein – inhalable fraction. Documentation of proposed values of occupational exposure limits (OELs)

2018 ◽  
Vol 34 (4(98)) ◽  
pp. 89-109
Author(s):  
Katarzyna Konieczko
Keyword(s):  
Occupational Exposure ◽  
Water Soluble ◽  
Male Rats ◽  
Electrolyte Imbalance ◽  
Dust Exposure ◽  
Laboratory Animals ◽  
Crystalline Solid ◽  
Exposure Limits ◽  
Limit Value ◽  
Short Term Exposure

Phenolphthalein is a colorless and odorless crystalline solid; in a powdered form white or pale yellow. It is non-volatile, practically insoluble in water, but it dissolves in ethanol. Phenolphthalein is not known to occur as a natural product. The synthetic substance is used as a pH indicator in laboratories, during work on metal surfaces in galvanizing plants as well as for measuring the saturation of concrete with carbon dioxide. Until the end of the 20th century, it was widely used as a component of non-prescription laxatives – in 1999 FDA removed phenolphthalein from the list of substances considered safe. In 2016 in Poland 255 enterprises were reported to work with phenolphthalein (mainly laboratories) and there were 2500 occupationally exposed people. Phenolphthalein used in therapeutic doses was well tolerated. Only a few side effects were reported: abdominal discomfort, nausea, reduced blood pressure and weakness. Chronic use of phenolphthalein resulted in widening of the colon, reduced thickness of the lining of the mucosa, gastric disorders, dehydration and electrolyte imbalance. In a 13-week study in which phenolphthalein was administered to laboratory animals with diets, mice turned out to be a more sensitive species from rats. Changes in testes and epididymides were observed in males and hypoplasia and bone marrow necrosis in males and females. The results of genotoxicity studies indicated that phenolphthalein acts as a promutagen and exerts a clastogenic effect after metabolic activation. Studies on the effect of phenolphthalein on the reproduction of animals indicated its harmful effect on reproductive functions of males. In the EU, phenolphthalein is classified as a category-2 mutagen and category-2 reproductive toxicant (due to its effect on fertility). A small increase in the risk of colorectal cancer and ovarian cancer was observed in case-control studies in patients using phenolphthalein-based laxatives (especially with intensive use of these agents), but the relationship was not statistically significant. In a 2-year NTP carcinogenicity study a significant increase in the number of benign phaeochromocytomas and adenomas of renal tubular epithelium was observed in male rats. There was also a significant increase in histiocytic sarcomas in mice of both sexes and in malignant lymphomas (of all types) and thymic lymphomas and benign ovarian tumors in females. Based on these experiments phenolphthalein has been identified as a substance reasonably anticipated as human carcinogen (NTP R). The experiment on heterozygous p53 (+/-) mice of both sexes confirmed an increase in lymphoma cases. Phenolphthalein is classified by European Union experts as a category-1B of carcinogenic substances, i.e. known or presumed human carcinogens, however the classification is largely based on animal evidence. The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) identified phenolphthalein as a substance of very high concern (SVHC). Based on the NTP test results, the additional risk of malignant lymphoma at 8.25 mg/m3 occupational exposure to phenolphthalein for 40 years is 10-4. A concentration of 8 mg/m3 was proposed as the MAC-TWA value for phenolphthalein. Since phenolphthalein is a poorly water-soluble solid, only dust exposure of the substance will occur in the work environment, hence the proposed MAC value should concern the inhalable fraction of the substance. It is proposed to label phenolphthalein as "Carc. 1B" indicating that phenolphthalein is a category-1B carcinogen and "Ft" due to reprotoxicity. There are no bases for establishing the short-term exposure limit value (STEL) and the limit value in biological material (BEI).

4,4’- Isopropylidenediphenol – inhalable fraction. Documentation of proposed values of occupational exposure limits (OELs)

2018 ◽  
Vol 34 (4(98)) ◽  
pp. 5-40
Author(s):  
Jan Gromiec
Keyword(s):  
Occupational Exposure ◽  
Bisphenol A ◽  
Respiratory System ◽  
Mammalian Cells ◽  
Epoxy Resins ◽  
Exposure Limits ◽  
Exposure Limit ◽  
Short Term Exposure ◽  
Occupationally Exposed

4,4’- Isopropylidenediphenol (bisphenol A) is a white solid present in the form of crystals or flakes. It is used mostly in the production of epoxy resins (appr. 95% of its consumption). It is also used in the polycarbonate plastics, unsaturated polyester, polysulphonte and polyacrylate resins as well as flame retardants. Polycarbonate plastics are used to make products such as emulsions for thermal printers employed for printing tickets, labels, receipts, faxes etc. The routes of occupational exposure during production and application of bisphenol A are the respiratory system and the skin. The exact number of occupationally exposed to 4,4’- isopropylidenediphenol is not known but taking into account the wide use of polycarbonate and polyester resins it can be counted in thousands. Because of only trace amounts of bisphenol A in most of the resins, the levels of exposure are usually minimal. In Poland 4,4’- isopropylidenediphenol is used mainly as a component of glues for electronic parts, PVC stabilizer, addition components of epoxy resins and brake fluids. In 2010 only 4 persons were reported as occupationally exposed to bisphenol A dust in concentrations exceeding Polish OEL (5 mg/ m3) – 2 in the crop and animal production, hunting and related service activities sector and 2 in the water transport sector. In 2013 no workers exposed above OEL value were reported. Oral LD50 values beyond 2 000 mg/kg bw were found in the rat and mouse, and dermal LD50 values above 2 000 mg/kg are evident in the rabbit. 4,4’- Isopropylidenediphenol has been classified as Repr. 1.B, H360F (may damage fertility or the fetus) and substance that causes serious eye damage (H318) and may cause respiratory system irritation (H355). In workers having occupational contact with 4,4’- isopropylidenediphenol irritation of eyes, skin and respiratory system was observed. In animal experiments it was clearly shown that bisphenol A did not cause skin irritation, however, it was shown that the compound is an eye irritant. Slight and transient nasal tract epithelial damage was observed in rats exposed to bisphenol A dust which suggests that it appears to have a limited respiratory irritation potential. There are several reports of patients with dermatitis responding to BPA in patch tests, however, it is unclear whether bisphenol A or related epoxy resins were the underlying cause of the hypersensitive state. No reliable sensitisation animal data from experiments meeting the required standards are available. Toxicity of bisphenol A has been tested on mice, rats and dogs. The compound administered orally caused mainly a decrease in body weight gain; minor changes in organ weight, mostly in liver; respiratory disorders, diarrhea and death. From chronic experiments the liver and kidney seem to be the target organs. There are no in vivo data on mutagenic activity of bisphenol A. It also does not appear to produce either gene mutations or structural chromosome aberrations in bacteria, fungi or mammalian cells in vitro. The compound did not induce gene mutations in yeasts; sister chromatid exchange tests carried out on mammalian cells also gave negative effects. No information on human cancerogenicity of 4,4’- isopropylidenediphenol has been found in the literature and databases available. In a 103-week test on rats and mice of both sexes no convincing evidence indicating carcinogenic action of bisphenol A was found. Some studies indicate negative action of 4,4’- isopropylidenediphenol on reproduction which is a result of a mechanism of its action – in in vivo test the compound was found to bind to the nuclear estrogen receptors. However, data on the embryotoxic activity of bisphenol A and its effects on reproduction are not conclusive. Contradictory findings between the studies have been reported in several studies in rodents which was thoroughly discussed in the EFSA Report of 2015. In studies carried out in accordance with the FDA/NTCR standards 4,4’- isopropylidenediphenol effects on reproduction have been seen only at high doses showing also other toxic effects. Comprehensive tests with a wide range of doses did not confirm effects of 4,4’- isopropylidenediphenol on reproduction and development at low doses below 5 mg/kg bw. In Chinese epidemiological studies, impaired sperm quality in workers occupationally exposed to bisphenol A has been found, however, the effect of other concurrent exposures cannot be excluded. 4,4’- Isopropylidenediphenol in all species studied is conjugated with glucuronic acid and excreted as glucuronid with urine. The major route of excretion is via faeces; regardless of the route of entry 50-80% of the administered dose is eliminated with faeces in the unchanged form. In humans the compound is excreted as glucuronide or sulphate conjugates in urine. In Poland as well as in most other countries 5 mg/m3 as OEL and 10 mg/m3 as STEL have been established for 4,4’- isopropylidenediphenol. Scientific Committee on Occupational Exposure Limits (SCOEL) has proposed to establish an Indicative Occupational Exposure Limit (IOEL) in workplace air at the level of 2 mg/m3 taking the inhalation NOAEC of 10 mg/m3 from the rat study as a starting point for recommending an OEL. The critical effect in this study was respiratory tract irritation. According to SCOEL there is no toxicological basis for recommending an additional specific short-term exposure limit (STEL). Assignment of “skin” notation was also not recommended. The proposed OEL value for 4,4’- isopropylidenediphenol (inhalable fraction) has been derived from its irritating action on nasal tract epithelium in an inhalation study on experimental animals. The proposed OEL value is 2 mg/m3. This value should also protect workers against toxic effects on liver and kidney. There are no grounds for establishing a short-term exposure limit (STEL) nor for recommending a biological limit value (BLV). It is also proposed to introduce the following assignments: “I” – irritating substance and “A” – sensitizing substance.

Buta-1,3-diene. Documentation of proposed values of occupational exposure limits (OELs)

2018 ◽  
Vol 36 (4(98)) ◽  
pp. 5-40
Author(s):  
Anna Kilanowicz ◽  
Krystyna Sitarek ◽  
Małgorzata Skrzypińska-Gawrysiak
Keyword(s):  
Occupational Exposure ◽  
Genetic Material ◽  
Maximum Allowable Concentration ◽  
Official Journal ◽  
Exposure Limits ◽  
Carcinogenic Effect ◽  
Eu Member States ◽  
Limit Value ◽  
Central Registry ◽  
The Eu

Buta-1,3-diene is a gas used in the production of thermoplastic resins, elastomers and synthetic rubber. Buta-1,3-diene is absorbed mainly in the respiratory tract and then metabolized to monoepoxide – 1,2-epoxybut-3-ene and diepoxide – 1.2:3,4 diepoxybutane, and after their conjugation with glutathione is excreted with urine. According to data from the Central Registry on Exposure to Substances, Mixtures, Agents or Carcinogenic or Mutagenic Technological Processes, in 2015 the number of people exposed to buta-1,3-diene in Poland was 958 and additionally about 200 were exposed to petroleum substances which carcinogenic effect is depending on the buta-1,3-diene. According to data from sanitary-epidemiological stations, in Poland in 2013 and 2016, there were no workers exposed to buta-1,3-diene at levels exceeding maximum allowable concentration (MAC) of 4.4 mg/m3. Buta-1,3-diene in small concentrations is a mild narcotic agent for humans, while for occupationally exposed workers it has irritating properties to the mucous membranes of the eyes and airways. Buta-1,3-diene is a substance with low acute toxicity to animals (LC50 value for rats is 270 000 mg/m3). This substance is mutagenic and genotoxic, it can cause damage to the genetic material of somatic and germ cells. It has been proved that buta-1,3-diene is carcinogenic for B6C3F1 mice and rats. There is also epidemiological evidence that occupational exposure to buta-1,3-diene is associated with the risk of a cancer of a lymphohematopoietic system. According to the IARC classification, buta-1,3-diene is included in group 1, i.e., carcinogenic substances for humans, and according to ACGIH classification to group A2, i.e., substances suspected to be carcinogenic for humans. In Europe, buta-1,3-diene is classified in Cat. 1A. carcinogens and Cat. 1B. mutagenic compounds. Buta-1,3-diene does not cause fertility disturbances, and its teratogenic effects appeared when doses were toxic to mothers only. In Directive 2017/2398 of the European Parliament and of Council (EU) 2017/2398 of 12 December 2017 amending Directive 2004/37/EC on the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to carcinogens or mutagens at work for buta-1,3-diene, binding occupational exposure limit value (BOELV ) was at the level of 2.2 mg/m3 (Official Journal of the EU L 345 of 27/12/2017, p. 87). The directive will be in force in the EU Member States on January 17, 2020. It was proposed to adopt the value of the maximum allowable concentration (MAC) of the buta-1,3-diene at the level of 2.2 mg/m3 and the following values of the biological exposure indices (BEI):  1.6 mg of 1,2-dihydroxy-4-(N-acetyl-cystein-S-yl)butane/g creatinine in urine measured at the end of working shift  2.1 pmol/g Hb - hemoglobin adducts: mixture of N-[1-(hydroxymethyl)prop-2-enyl]valine and N (2-hydroxybut-3-enyl)valine in blood showing exposure for the last 120 days. This standard is additionally marked Carc. 1A – a substance with proven carcinogenic effect for humans and Muta. 1B – a substance that is considered mutagenic for humans. There is no evidence for establishing STEL value for buta-1,3-diene. The estimated additional risk of leukemia during the 40-year exposure to buta-1,3-diene at a concentration of 2.2 mg/m3 is 8×10-7, it is lower than the risk for the general population in Poland, which is 7.15×10-5.

Zinc dichloride. Determination in workplace air

2019 ◽  
Vol 36 (2(100)) ◽  
pp. 15-26
Author(s):  
Jolanta Surgiewicz
Keyword(s):  
Textile Industry ◽  
Occupational Safety ◽  
Severe Pneumonia ◽  
Absorption Spectrometry ◽  
Work Place ◽  
Good Precision ◽  
Limit Value ◽  
Short Term Exposure ◽  
Workplace Air

Zinc dichloride is very soluble in water. It is used in galvanic processes, for wood impregna-tion, in the textile industry, in organic synthesis and for the production of explosives, for example smoke candles. Zinc dichloride has an irritating, corrosive and damaging effect on the eyes, mucous membranes of the airways, causes severe pneumonia, skin burns and systemic poisoning. Maximum allowable concentration value (MAC) for the inhalable fraction of zinc dichloride in Poland is 1 mg/m3 and the short-term exposure limit value (STEL) is 2 mg/m3. The aim of the study was to amend standard PN-Z-04367:2008 and to develop a method for determining zinc dichloride in workplace air in the range from 1/10 to 2 MAC values. The developed method of determination is based on taking a sample of air into two membrane filters, washing out zinc dichloride from the filters with deionized water and de-termining that compound as zinc by atomic absorption spectrometry (F-AAS) with atomiza-tion in air-acetylene flame. The method allows determination of zinc dichloride in the work-place air in the concentration range of 0.07–2.17 mg/m3 (for an air sample with a volume of 720 L, which corresponds to 0.1–2.2 of the MAC value. The method is characterized by good precision and accuracy and meets the requirements of European Standard PN-EN 482 for procedures for the determination of chemical substances. The method for the determination of zinc dichloride has been recorded in the form of an analytical procedure (see Appendix). This article discusses the problems of occupational safety and health, which are covered by health sciences and environmental engineering.

Use of Methanol as a Coolant During Machining of Aluminum in a Shipbuilding Environment: A Failure to Assess and Manage Risk

2014 ◽  
Vol 955-959 ◽  
pp. 1061-1064 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas Neil McManus ◽  
Assed N. Haddad
Keyword(s):  
Weighted Average ◽  
Threshold Limit Value ◽  
Breathing Zone ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Limit Value ◽  
Diffusion Tubes ◽  
Exposure Limit ◽  
Long Duration ◽  
Short Term Exposure ◽  
Time Weighted Average

Minimization of harm during the conduct of work is one of the most important tenets of industrial hygiene. Organizations make changes to solve perceived problems. What appears to be expedient for solving a problem can create serious risks totally unrecognized by the proponent. This investigation reports on such a situation involving the use of methanol as a lubricant during machining of aluminium panels using a router. Spot samples for methanol were measured using colorimetric detector tubes and samples of long duration by colorimetric diffusion tubes utilizing similar chemistry. Both were positioned in the breathing zone. Most of the spot samples exceeded the 8-hour TLV-TWA (Threshold Limit Value-Time-Weighted Average) of 200 ppm and the TLV-STEL (Short-Term Exposure Limit) of 250 ppm. The two long duration samples also exceeded the TLV-TWA. A change in the operation prevented collection of additional long duration samples. By these measures, workers were overexposed to methanol during this activity. An additional serious consequence from use of methanol in this manner was risk of fire. This situation illustrates the complexity of decisions affecting workplace operations. What appears to be expedient for solving a problem may be totally inappropriate.

scholarly journals Medición de concentraciones de formaldehído en un laboratorio de anatomía humana, comparándolas con estándares internacionales

2017 ◽  
Vol 11 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 7-13 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ernesto Hurtado ◽  
Andrea Vallecampo ◽  
Karen De Liévano ◽  
Beatriz De Artiga ◽  
Guadalupe Vásquez
Keyword(s):  
Weighted Average ◽  
Threshold Limit Value ◽  
International Agency ◽  
Limit Value ◽  
Threshold Limit ◽  
Time Weighted Average

Introducción. El Laboratorio de Anatomía Humana dispone de cadáveres que han sido sometidos al proceso de fijación y conservación de tejidos mediante la aplicación de formaldehído (al 10%), sustancia tóxica y cancerígena para el ser humano, según lo estipulado por la International Agency for Research on Cancer (iarc), a la que están expuestos estudiantes, profesores y técnicos. La presente investigación tuvo como propósito medir las concentraciones de formaldehído en el ambiente dentro de las instalaciones de un laboratorio de Anatomía Humana y compararlas con estándares laborales internacionales. Metodología. El diseño del estudio fue transversal con enfoque descriptivo. La muestra del estudio fue de 640 mediciones realizadas con el aparato digital hal-hfx105 HalTech y aplicando la norma técnica de prevención ntp 587, validada para la determinación de gases y vapores orgánicos en el aire dentro del laboratorio. Resultado. La concentración de formaldehído promedio estimada en general dentro de las instalaciones del Laboratorio de Anatomía fue de 0.24 ppm. ConclusIón. El promedio de concentración de formaldehído encontrado en el presente estudio es inferior al límite de exposición profesional estimado por la American Conference of Industrial Hygienists (acgih), cuyo valor tlv-twa (Threshold Limit Value-Time Weighted Average) para un día laboral de 8 horas y una semana de 40 horas, y como límite máximo a las concentraciones que cualquier trabajador puede ser expuesto día tras día sin efectos adversos, es de 0.3 ppm.CREA CIENCIA Vol. 11 No 1-2 ISSN 1818-202X enero-diciembre 2017, p. 7-13

Buta-1,3-diene. Documentation of proposed values of occupational exposure limits (OELs)

2018 ◽  
Vol 35 (3(97)) ◽  
pp. 129-159
Author(s):  
Anna Kilanowicz-Sapota ◽  
Krystyna Sitarek ◽  
Małgorzata Skrzypińska-Gawrysiak
Keyword(s):  
Occupational Exposure ◽  
Genetic Material ◽  
Maximum Allowable Concentration ◽  
Official Journal ◽  
Exposure Limits ◽  
Carcinogenic Effect ◽  
Eu Member States ◽  
Limit Value ◽  
Central Registry ◽  
The Eu

Buta-1,3-diene is a gas used in the production of thermoplastic resins, elastomers and synthetic rubber. Buta-1,3-diene is absorbed mainly in the respiratory tract and then metabolized to monoepoxide – 1,2-epoxybut-3-ene and diepoxide – 1.2:3,4 diepoxybutane, and after their conjugation with glutathione is excreted with urine. According to data from the Central Registry on Exposure to Substances, Mixtures, Agents or Carcinogenic or Mutagenic Technological Processes, in 2015 the number of people exposed to buta-1,3-diene in Poland was 958 and additionally about 200 were exposed to petroleum substances which carcinogenic effect is depending on the buta-1,3-diene. According to data from sanitary-epidemiological stations, in Poland in 2013 and 2016, there were no workers exposed to buta-1,3-diene at levels exceeding maximum allowable concentration (MAC) of 4.4 mg/m3. Buta-1,3-diene in small concentrations is a mild narcotic agent for humans, while for occupationally exposed workers it has irritating properties to the mucous membranes of the eyes and airways. Buta-1,3-diene is a substance with low acute toxicity to animals (LC50 value for rats is 270 000 mg/m3). This substance is mutagenic and genotoxic, it can cause damage to the genetic material of somatic and germ cells. It has been proved that buta-1,3-diene is carcinogenic for B6C3F1 mice and rats. There is also epidemiological evidence that occupational exposure to buta-1,3-diene is associated with the risk of a cancer of a lymphohematopoietic system. According to the IARC classification, buta-1,3-diene is included in group 1, i.e., carcinogenic substances for humans, and according to ACGIH classification to group A2, i.e., substances suspected to be carcinogenic for humans. In Europe, buta-1,3-diene is classified in Cat. 1A. carcinogens and Cat. 1B. mutagenic compounds. Buta-1,3-diene does not cause fertility disturbances, and its teratogenic effects appeared when doses were toxic to mothers only. In Directive 2017/2398 of the European Parliament and of Council (EU) 2017/2398 of 12 December 2017 amending Directive 2004/37/EC on the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to carcinogens or mutagens at work for buta-1,3-diene, binding occupational exposure limit value (BOELV ) was at the level of 2.2 mg/m3 (Official Journal of the EU L 345 of 27/12/2017, p. 87). The directive will be in force in the EU Member States on January 17, 2020. It was proposed to adopt the value of the maximum allowable concentration (MAC) of the buta-1,3-diene at the level of 2.2 mg/m3 and the following values of the biological exposure indices (BEI): • 1.6 mg/g creatinine of 1,2-dihydroxy-4-(N-acetyl-cystein-S-yl)butane in urine measured at the end of working shift • 2.1 pmol/g Hb - hemoglobin adducts: mixture of N-[1-(hydroxymethyl)prop-2-enyl]valine and N (2-hydroxybut-3-enyl)valine in blood showing exposure for the last 120 days. This standard is additionally marked Carc. 1A – a substance with proven carcinogenic effect for humans and Muta. 1B – a substance that is considered mutagenic for humans. There is no evidence for establishing STEL value for buta-1,3-diene. The estimated additional risk of leukemia during the 40-year exposure to buta-1,3-diene at a concentration of 2.2 mg/m3 is 8×10-7, it is lower than the risk for the general population in Poland, which is 7.15×10-5.

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