udefined lacrimating gas exposure in a chemical company: a case study

ABSTRACT

A chemical company which produces chlorine as a by-product was undertaking a new project for renewal of the plant. On application of paints, tile binders and coatings, the workers complained of unusual increased eye irritation and continuous lacrimation that hindered the progress of the work. Both the company and the project contractors denied their responsibility for the problem. To define the unknown irritant, gas samples of all raw materials used were collected and scanned by infra-red gas analyzer. Further on the spot direct sampling on point of application, as well as atmospheric air samples collected on active carbon were taken and analyzed by the same technique. In the mean time, chlorine gas samples were collected and analyzed at the same locations. Chlorine gas was found to be below the TLV, which could not be responsible for the irritating effect. Infra-red analysis revealed that styrene, methyl styrene, chloroform and methyl ethyl ketone are the most abundant vapours which are still below their TLVs. It has been concluded that lacrimation occurs by the interaction between styrene and low chlorine concentration in the atmosphere that is catalyzed by ultra-violet radiation to form a strong lacrimator