| Document ID (ISN) | 67704 |
| CIS number |
96-1760 |
| ISSN - Serial title |
1076-2752 - Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine |
| Year |
1996 |
| Convention or series no. |
|
| Author(s) |
Soden K.J., Marras G., Amsel J. |
| Title |
Carboxyhemoglobin levels in methylene chloride-exposed employees |
| Bibliographic information |
Apr. 1996, Vol.38, No.4, p.367-371. 12 ref. |
| Abstract |
Methylene chloride is a volatile liquid used in a wide variety of industrial applications. The present OSHA permissible occupational exposure (500ppm, 8h TWA) is proposed to be reduced to 25ppm. This is due to the concern about potentially adverse cardiac effects related to high levels of carboxyhaemoglobin (COHb) consequent to the exposure. Exposure assessments of non-smoking employees of a plant exposed to methylene chloride in the production process was performed, comparing the levels of COHb found with those of smokers. Exposure values were similar in both groups, with individually measured methylene chloride exposures averaging up to 99ppm. COHb levels ranged between 1.7-4% in non-smokers and between 4.95-6.35% in smokers. A dose-response effect was seen only in the non-smoking group. It was concluded that the observed COHb levels, resulting from exposures to methylene chloride at or below the current permissible limit (ACGIH) of 50ppm (8h TWA) are at a sufficiently low level and unlikely to produce an adverse cardiac effect in humans. |
| Descriptors (primary) |
dichloromethane; smoking; carboxyhaemoglobin level; permissible levels; heart diseases |
| Descriptors (secondary) |
exposure evaluation |
| Document type |
D - Periodical articles |
| Country / State or Province | Belgium; USA |
| Subject(s) |
Toxic and dangerous substances
|
| Broad subject area(s) |
Chemical safety
|
| Browse category(ies) |
Halogenated hydrocarbons
Blood diseases
Occupational exposure limits
Smoking
Cardiovascular diseases
|
