Showing papers in "American Industrial Hygiene Association Journal in 1980"
Journal Article•
TL;DR: This documents the current availability of IARC Monographs concerning the carcinogenic risk of chemicals to humans.
Abstract: On 3/4/80, a Special communication was received from the Acting Director of the National Cancer Institute, National Cancer Program and the Director of the International Agency for Research on Cancer. This documents the current availability of IARC Monographs concerning the carcinogenic risk of chemicals to humans. Since this information is of vital interest to many in the profession, the Special Communication is published herewith. All inquiries, requests for information and orders for documents should be directed to the organizations and addresses set forth in the text.
682 citations
TL;DR: The retention of the radioactive particles present in the body after aerosol administration is measured with a body counter designed and constructed for these experiments, and the elimination of material from the chest is found to be much slower for the material deposited in the alveolar region than for the amount deposit in the tracheobronchial tree.
Abstract: The experimental techniques and the results of inhalation studies with radioaerosols on normal non-smokers for mouth-breathing are described and discussed. Monodisperse iron oxide particles tagged with198Au are produced with a spinning top generator in the aerodynamic size range between 1 to 10 µm. An aerosol inhalation apparatus enables the subjects to breathe under standardized conditions with respect to tidal volume and breathing frequency. The calculation of total deposition is based upon measurements of the number of in- and exhaled particles per breath by means of photometric methods and pneumotachography. The retention of the radioactive particles present in the body after aerosol administration is measured with a body counter designed and constructed for these experiments. Retention measurements as functions of time after inhalation are carried out in extrathoracic-, chest- and stomach-position. The body counter consists of four shielded NaF(TI)-detectors. The geometrical arrangement, the collimat...
404 citations
TL;DR: Regional deposition of inhaled particles was studied experimentally in a hollow cast of the human larynx-tracheobronchial tree extending through the first six branching levels, and in twenty-six non-smoker human volunteers in vivo, indicating a linear dependence of particle deposition efficiency on the Stokes number for aerosols with aerodynamic diameters greater than 2 micrometers.
Abstract: Regional deposition of inhaled particles was studied experimentally in a hollow cast of the human larynx-tracheobronchial tree extending through the first six branching levels, and in twenty-six non-smoker human volunteers in vivo. Results of the hollow cast study indicated a linear dependence of particle deposition efficiency on the Stokes number for aerosols with aerodynamic diameters greater than 2 micrometers. Alveolar and total respiratory tract in vitro deposition in healthy non-smokers was minimal for particles of approximately 0.4 micrometers, and alveolar deposition for mouthpieces inhalations peaked for particles of approximately 3 micrometers. A new anatomic parameter, the bronchial deposition size (BDS), is introduced to permit the classification of various individuals and populations according to their tracheobronchial deposition efficiencies. The average BDS's were 1.20 cm for 26 healthy non-smokers, 1.02 cm for 46 cigarette smokers, 0.90 cm for 19 clinical patients being treated for obstructive lung disease and 0.60 cm for six severely disabled patients.
365 citations
TL;DR: A substantial reduction in the airborne fluorochemical levels within the plant was achieved through certain modifications in the process steps and improvements in engineering controls.
Abstract: Higher than normal levels of organic fluorine were found in the blood of workers exposed to fluorochemicals in an industrial environment. No ill health effects attributable to exposure to fluorochemicals were found among these workers. The ambient air in the process operation areas in the plant was found to contain measurable amounts of organic fluorine. Through certain modifications in the process steps and improvements in engineering controls, a substantial reduction in the airborne fluorochemical levels within the plant was achieved.
126 citations
TL;DR: Toxicological evaluations of ammonium perfluorooctanoate, a commercial surfactant, include acute and subchronic feeding studies with rabbits, mice, rats and monkeys as well as in vitro mutagenicity assays with Salmonella typhimurium and Saccharomyces cerevisiae.
Abstract: These studies were conducted to evaluate the potential toxicity of ammonium perfluorooctanoate, a commercial surfactant. They include acute and subchronic feeding studies with rabbits, mice, rats and monkeys as well as in vitro mutagenicity assays with Salmonella typhimurium and Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The compound was non-irritating to the skin and moderately irritating to the eyes of rabbits. The rat oral LD50 was 540 mg/kg; no deaths resulted from a one hour rat inhalation exposure at a nominal concentration of 18.6 mg/L. All in vitro assays were negative. The liver was the target organ in rodents in both the 28 day and 90 day feeding studies with males showing a greater response than females. Serum and liver concentrations of organic fluorine were greater in male than in female rats. In a 90 day oral study in rhesus monkeys the gastrointestinal tract and the reticuloendothelial system were the sites of toxic effects. The gastrointestinal effects were attributed to the potent surface activity of the ...
120 citations
TL;DR: The concentrations of eight air contaminants suspected of causing acute and chronic health problems for firefighters were measured in over 200 fires in the City of Boston using a personal air sampler.
Abstract: The concentrations of eight air contaminants suspected of causing acute and chronic health problems for firefighters were measured in over 200 fires in the City of Boston using a personal air sampler. Threatening concentrations of both carbon monoxide and acrolein were found in a small proportion of the fires. Less hazardous levels of hydrogen chloride, hydrogen cyanide, nitrogen dioxide and carbon dioxide were also noted. Benzene was found in most fires, but at concentrations well below those expected to cause acute injury. The air sampling data have application in treatment of smoke inhalation victims, development of firefighting strategies and selection of respiratory protection devices.
99 citations
TL;DR: Improved methodology has been developed for generating controlled test atmospheres and the J-tube vaporization assembly minimizes the possibility of thermal decomposition of the test material and affords a better margin of safety when vaporizing potentially explosive materials.
Abstract: Improved methodology has been developed for generating controlled test atmospheres. Vaporization of volatile liquids is accomplished in a 28 mm (O.D.) glass J-tube in conjunction with a compressed air flameless heat torch, a pressure-sensitive switch, and a positive displacement piston pump. The vaporization system has been very reliable with a variety of test materials in studies ranging from a few days to several months. The J-tube vaporization assembly minimizes the possibility of thermal decomosition of the test material and affords a better margin of safety when vaporizing potentially explosive materials.
89 citations
TL;DR: Chronic high levels of exposure are associated with the development of leukemia and animal experiments have suggested that overexposure to benzene may result in certain reproductive risks.
Abstract: Benzene is a major commodity chemical of great value to industry. It has long been recognized that overexposure to benzene could result in damage to the blood-forming organs of the body. More recently, it has become apparent that chronic high levels of exposure are associated with the development of leukemia. Animal experiments have also suggested that overexposure to benzene may result in certain reproductive risks.
71 citations
TL;DR: A new criterion for accurate aerosol sampling in calm air is derived and experimental data are discussed in the light of this new sampling criterion, and the data are found to be in accord with the theoretical predictions.
Abstract: The problem of aerosol sampling under calm air conditions has been studied by solving the Navier-Stokes equations and integrating the equations of particle motion. Both particle inertia and settling are considered. The sampling efficiency of an inlet has been found to depend on two dimensionless parameters, the Stokes number and the relative settling velocity. A new criterion for accurate aerosol sampling in calm air is then derived. Experimental data of several researchers are discussed in the light of this new sampling criterion, and the data are found to be in accord with the theoretical predictions.
70 citations
TL;DR: An animal bioassay model was used to determine the potency of some common industrial solvents as sensory irritants, and acetone was found to be the least potent and ethyl acetate the most potent.
Abstract: An animal bioassay model was used to determine the potency of some common industrial solvents as sensory irritants. Acetone was found to be the least potent and ethyl acetate the most potent. A series of alcohols tested, from methanol to pentanol, revealed an increase in potency with the increasing number of carbons.
62 citations
TL;DR: It was concluded that strength testing can be used to identify workers who would be at increased risk of suffering medical incidents if placed on jobs which exceeded their strength abilities.
Abstract: This study was performed to develop and evaluate a scheme for matching the strength of workers to the strength demands of their jobs. Biomechanical analyses were performed on production jobs in an aluminum reduction plant to identify and quantify strength demands. These data were used to design a set of nine strength tests which simulated job activities with the greatest strength requirements. A cross section of plant employees assigned to these jobs was strength tested and monitored for medical incidents for a period of over two years. Significant relationships were found among job strength requirements, worker strengths, and medical incidents. Workers with strength abilities (as determined by the tests) less than job strength requirements suffered a higher rate of medical incidents than workers whose strength abilities matched or exceeded job demands. It was concluded that strength testing can be used to identify workers who would be at increased risk of suffering medical incidents if placed on jobs whi...
TL;DR: Although physical examinations detected no apparent toxic effects in the study group, biological sampling results indicated a need for personal protective equipment during the handling and application of these pesticides.
Abstract: An occupational study was conducted for a firm employing 22 pest control operators (PCOs) exposed to three organophosphorus insecticides. Measurements of 8-hour exposure levels were less than: 131.0 µg/m3 for Vaponite® ; 41.0 µg/m3 for Diazinon® ; and 27.6 µg/m3 for Dursban ®. Twenty-four-hour urines analyzed for alkyl phosphates showed the presence of metabolites of these three pesticides. The effect of this exposure is reflected by a statistically significant inhibition of plasma acetylcholinesterase (AChE) among the PCOs as compared to an age and sex-matched control group. There were no significant differences in the mean RBC AChE values of either group. Although physical examinations detected no apparent toxic effects in the study group, biological sampling results indicated a need for personal protective equipment during the handling and application of these pesticides.
TL;DR: A new passive monitor for organic vapors has been developed for the determination of the time-weighted average (TWA) concentration of contaminants in air and its overall accuracy is at least equivalent to the charcoal tube method in determining ambient contaminant concentration.
Abstract: A new passive monitor for organic vapors has been developed for the determination of the time-weighted average (TWA) concentration of contaminants in air. This personal dosimeter type badge monitor collects the organic vapors through the mechanism of molecular diffusion and adsorption onto an activated carbon collection element. After exposure, the activated carbon is removed from the device and analyzed using gas chromatographic techniques outlined in NIOSH Physical and Chemical Analysis Method (P&CAM) 127. Current NIOSH standards for measuring the concentration of organic vapors in the atmosphere involve the use of charcoal tubes and sampling pumps for collection, desorption by carbon disulf ide and subsequent analysis using gas chromatographic techniques. In comparative testing, the new passive monitor has demonstrated that its overall accuracy is at least equivalent to the charcoal tube method in determining ambient contaminant concentration. Several organic compounds were sampled over the range of 0....
TL;DR: Evidence is presented that low concentrations of mercury and chlorine vapor in air form reaction products and the rate of formation increases with chlorine concentration and relative humidity.
Abstract: Evidence is presented that low concentrations of mercury and chlorine vapor in air form reaction products. At constant mercury concentration the rate of formation increases with chlorine concentration and relative humidity. The mercury-chlorine compound as well as the vapor of elemental mercury are absorbed by Hopcalite or by KMnO4-H2SO4 scrubber solution. The compound can be separated from mercury vapor by its absorption in polyurethane or by filtration by means of Millipore aerosol membranes.
TL;DR: High positive correlation was found between post-shift urinary concentrations of metabolites and 8-hour TWA styrene exposure and both MA and total metabolites (MA + PGA) gave correlation coefficient values of 0.96.
Abstract: Styrene is rapidly metabolized in humans to mandelic () and phenylglyoxylic acids (P) which are excreted in urine. The present study investigates a gas chromatographic technique for measuring urinary concentrations of MA and PGA of workers exposed to styrene, compares the urinary concentrations of metabolites with time-weighted average air exposures to styrene and determines the levels of these metabolites in a population of workers not exposed to styrene. Post-shift urine specimens were obtained from a group of workers exposed to styrene in the reinforced plastic industry and from a control group. High positive correlation was found between post-shift urinary concentrations of metabolites and 8-hour TWA styrene exposure. Both MA and total metabolites (MA + PGA) gave correlation coefficient values of 0.96, p less than 0.0001. The mean MA excretion for the control groups was 6 mg/L. Determination of the concentration of these metabolites in a post-shift urine provides an effective means of estimating and monitoring human exposure to styrene.
TL;DR: An acute inhalation exposure of laboratory mice to respirable Mn3O4 aerosols is described and systemic distribution of the manganese was observed in various tissues following exposure.
Abstract: An acute inhalation exposure of laboratory mice to respirable Mn3O4 aerosols is described. The generation system consisted of a Wright dust generator which produced 1.40 µm aerosols. A non-linear loss of deposited manganese from mouse lungs over the initial 24-hour post-exposure period was observed. Systemic distribution of the manganese was observed in various tissues following exposure.
TL;DR: Ten photocopying machines of different makes and models were tested for ozone emissions and all but one produced detectable amounts, and preservicing levels were retained after several weeks of operation.
Abstract: Ten photocopying machines of different makes and models were tested for ozone emissions. All but one produced detectable amounts. Concentrations at operator's breathing zone varied from <4 to 300 µg/m3, which corresponded to emission rates of <1 to 54 µg/copy. Servicing reduced emissions to <1–4 µg/copy, but preservicing levels were reattained after several weeks of operation.
TL;DR: The extension of knowledge about silicosis, one of civilization's oldest known occupational diseases, is traced from antiquity to the twentieth century and there has been a failure to eradicate the disease.
Abstract: The extension of knowledge about silicosis, one of civilization's oldest known occupational diseases, is traced from antiquity to the twentieth century. In the past, silicosis was widely misunderstood and inadequately defined. As silicosis became widespread and concomitant with industrial and technological growth and as the numbers of workers at risk increased, new interest generated new information, and new concepts of control and prevention. Today, although we possess the significant medical and technical knowledge to prevent silicosis, there has been a failure to eradicate the disease.
TL;DR: A new method for the collection and analysis of atmospheric formaldehyde is described, which generated and collected on solid sorbent tubes containing impregnated charcoal which converted formaldehyde to formate and was analyzed by ion chromatography.
Abstract: A new method for the collection and analysis of atmospheric formaldehyde is described. Known concentrations of formaldehyde were generated and collected on solid sorbent tubes containing impregnated charcoal which converted formaldehyde to formate. After desorption with dilute hydrogen peroxide, the formate was analyzed by ion chromatography. The sample generation system, collection on impregnated charcoal, desorption, ion chromatographic analysis, and recoveries are presented. The overall recovery of laboratory generated samples was 100% with 11% relative standard deviation. These samples were collected at 50 cc/min and 200 cc/min.
TL;DR: On the average, the inhalation exposure was 26% of the lapel concentration, but the effective protection varied widely between individuals and from day to day, so this relationship may be useful for estimating the approximate average inhalation Exposure of a group of workers routinely using half mask respirators.
Abstract: The objective of this study was to determine the average reduction in inhalation exposures produced by intermittent use of filter cartridge respirators by cadmium workers. Inhalation exposure was estimated by measuring the cadmium concentration inside the respirator while it was worn or hanging around the worker's neck. Air concentrations of cadmium were measured simultaneously inside the respirator and at the worker's lapel with a dual sampling system. Each of nine workers were measured on three consecutive days for a full work shift. The average inhalation exposures ranged from 3 to 67 µg/m3 while the TWA lapel concentrations ranged from 19 to 3600 µg/m3; respirator use produced a substantial reduction in inhalation exposures when lapel concentrations were above 100 µg/m3. On the average, the inhalation exposure was 26% of the lapel concentration, but the effective protection varied widely between individuals and from day to day. If used cautiously, this relationship may be useful for estimating the app...
TL;DR: A nonindustrial noise exposed population (NINEP) that describes the age effects for a black male and female population has been established and the mean hearing threshold levels for the black NINEP are significantly lower than the previously established mean HTLs when compared by sex.
Abstract: A nonindustrial noise exposed population (NINEP) that describes the age effects for a black male and female population has been established. The mean hearing threshold levels for the black NINEP are significantly lower (better hearing) than the previously established mean HTLs for a white NINEP when compared by sex. The availability of the black NINEP now makes it possible to more accurately evaluate a typical industrial noise exposed population (INEP).
TL;DR: A mathematical model of a cascade impactor including collection efficiency functions for solid aerosols on various impaction surfaces was developed and used to operate upon a series of log-normal size distributions, which confirmed the accuracy of the model was verified experimentally.
Abstract: Accurate measurement of particle size distribution by a cascade impactor requires that particles remain on the collection surfaces after impaction. Recent studies show that, when a solid aerosol is sampled, significant rebound and re-entrainment of particles occur in cascade impactors. A mathematical model of a cascade impactor including collection efficiency functions for solid aerosols on various impaction surfaces was developed and used to operate upon a series of log-normal size distributions. The impactor modeled was a six stage Andersen operated at 28.3 L/min. When bare metal or glass impaction surfaces are used, the impactor indicates non-log-normal distributions and the estimated distribution parameters are in error by as much as a factor of 7. When glass fiber impaction surfaces are used, although less serious errors are indicated, the deviation from log-normality is significant for aerosols with MMD larger than 3 micro;m. When oil covered impaction stages are used the indicated distribution para...
TL;DR: A simple technique is developed to correct concentration measurements for short term sampling and to estimate error when sampling real-time transient atmospheres using Fick's second law of diffusion and Duhamel's superposition integral.
Abstract: A gas sampler that operates on the principle of molecular diffusion was analyzed theoretically for its time dependent response. Applying Fick's second law of diffusion and the mathematical procedure of separation of variables and Duhamel's superposition integral, a simple technique is developed to correct concentration measurements for short term sampling and to estimate error when sampling real-time transient atmospheres.
TL;DR: Performance characteristics of a flame aerosol generator that produces aggregates of metal oxide particles in high concentration of iron pentacarbonyl are described.
Abstract: Described are performance characteristics of a flame aerosol generator that produces aggregates of metal oxide particles in high concentration. Operating modes can be selected to generate predominantly cluster-shaped or linear chain aggregates from iron pentacarbonyl, consisting of up to 200 spherical primary particles of constant density. Primary particle diameters are log-normally distributed with medians between 0.02 and 0.08thinsp;µm and αg ≃1.5, depending on flame's temperature, length, turbidity and carbonyl vapor concentration.
TL;DR: This paper describes the experiments and the results of an exhaustive and critical laboratory study which evaluated the performance of continuous area and personal monitors popularly used in measuring the concentrations of TDI in industrial environments.
Abstract: This paper describes the experiments and the results of an exhaustive and critical laboratory study which evaluated the performance of continuous area and personal monitors popularly used in measuring the concentrations of TDI in industrial environments. The studies consisted of dynamic calibrations, the effect of humidity and temperature on the measurements, and the interferences due to commonly encountered contaminants in a TDI manufacturing plant. The response and resolution of the personal monitor for short-term fluctuations of TDI concentration in time and space are also reported.
TL;DR: The results of this study show that the properties of aerosols produced by a FBG depend on fluid bed height and air flow through the bed after the minimum fluidizing velocity is exceeded.
Abstract: The relationships between bed operation in a fluid bed aerosol generator and aerosol output were studied. A two-inch diameter fluid bed aerosol generator (FBG) was constructed using stainless steel powder as a fluidizing medium. Fly ash from coal combustion was aerosolized and the influence of FBG operating parameters on aerosol mass median aerodynamic diameter (MMAD), geometric standard deviation (σg) and concentration was examined. In an effort to extend observations on large fluid beds to small beds using fine bed particles, minimum fluidizing velocities and elutriation constant were computed. Although FBG minimum fluidizing velocity agreed well with calculations, FBG elutriation constant did not. The results of this study show that the properties of aerosols produced by a FBG depend on fluid bed height and air flow through the bed after the minimum fluidizing velocity is exceeded.
TL;DR: Two hundred and thirty one urine and 20 blood samples of Japanese subjects from 4 geographic areas without known chromium pollution were assayed for chromium by direct flameless atomic absorption spectrophotometry and no hexavalent chromium could be detected in urine.
Abstract: Two hundred and thirty one urine and 20 blood samples of Japanese subjects from 4 geographic areas without known chromium pollution were assayed for chromium by direct flameless atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Normal chromium level in urine of Japanese subjects was 0.41 µg/L on an average. Urine level was less than 0.8 µg/L for all age and sex groups. Chromium levels in 2 hour urines did not correlate with those in 24 hours urine. Blood level of chromium was 2.9 ng/mL. A rabbit given an oral administration of 100 mg hexavalent chromium excreted 8.2 mg in 15 days after administration. No hexavalent chromium could be detected in urine. Ninety percent of the urinary excretion occurred within 2 days of administration.
TL;DR: Studies of airborne asbestos fiber concentrations associated with various operations of the drywall taping process have been undertaken in the province of Alberta, Canada and show that mixing, sanding and sweeping created high levels of asbestos dust.
Abstract: Studies of airborne asbestos fiber concentrations associated with various operations of the drywall taping process have been undertaken in the province of Alberta, Canada. The results show that mixing, sanding and sweeping created high levels of airborne asbestos dust. The measured concentrations were frequently in excess of occupational health standards. Sanding in particular was assessed the most hazardous operation. The results are discussed in light of present and proposed Occupational Health Standards, and in terms of its implications for other workers, household contacts, and consumer's risk. Measures to reduce and control the health hazards associated with the process are described.
TL;DR: Measurement of both the percent total extractables and the specific PAH, benzo(alpha)pyrene (B alpha P), showed toluene to be a better extractant than benzene and both to be superior to cyclohexane.
Abstract: The efficiency of three organic solvents for extraction of adsorbates, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), on five rubber-grade oil furnace blacks was studied. Measurement of both the percent total extractables and the specific PAH, benzo(α)pyrene (BαP), showed toluene to be a better extractant than benzene and both to be superior to cyclohexane. Spectral analysis for BαP was preceded by chromatographic separation. A thin layer technique was shown to be a rapid and reliable replacement for paper chromatography.
TL;DR: A variable-opening mechanical larynx which was designed for use in deposition studies performed under cyclic flow conditions is described.
Abstract: The realistic study of particle deposition in model systems of the tracheobronchial tree requires that respiratory patterns and airflow profiles mimic those occurring in vivo. This paper describes a variable-opening mechanical larynx which was designed for use in deposition studies performed under cyclic flow conditions.