Noncardiac pulmonary edema, newer environmental aspects. An update.

Accidental spread of potentially toxic gases, fumes, and particulate chemicals has been reported recently in various cities throughout the country and appears to be on the increase throughout the world in the past few years. Moreover, cerebral trauma, septic shock (ARDS), and environmental pulmonary edema from drug intoxication have been commonly encountered. Newer modalities of treatment include selective [corrected] fiber optic bronchoscopy, constant positive airway pressure mask, administration of surfactant, pentoxifylline, and use of newer experimental agents such as nitrous oxide, antitumor necrosis factor (ATNF), and extracorporeal carbon dioxide with low-frequency positive pressure (ECCO2R-LFPPV). The future holds promise for probable reductions in both morbidity and mortality rates of this ubiquitous occupational and environmental health problem, which is of global importance.

Role of the industrial hygienist. Evaluation and management of occupational skin disease.

The industrial hygienist provides an important resource for the prevention of occupational skin disease and injury. This is accomplished by the anticipation, recognition, evaluation, and control of dermal hazards in the workplace. The industrial hygienist can assess and control dermal hazards before the occurrence of injury or disease. For instances in which injury has occurred, the industrial hygienist can assist the physician in determining the cause as well as developing and implementing controls to reduce or eliminate the problem.

Sampling and analytical determination of airborne N,N-dimethylcyclohexylamine.

A method has been developed for the collection on a reactive surface and subsequent analytical determination of airborne N,N-dimethylcyclohexylamine (DMCA). DMCA from ambient or test atmosphere is collected on a Tenax sorbent sample tube treated with hydrochloric acid (HCl) using a low flow, personal sampling pump. The Tenax sorbent sample tube is desorbed with tetrahydrofuran (THF) and sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and the resulting solution is analyzed on a gas chromatograph/mass spectrometer (GC/MS) using selected ion monitor. The peak areas for ions 84 and 127 are integrated and compared to standards. It is shown that collected samples are stable at room temperature for more than 50 days. This method was proven in the laboratory using concentrations in air from 1.0 ppm to 4.1 ppm.

What industrial hygienists should know about TSCA.

Direct participation of industrial hygiene personnel in planning and implementing compliance with several pertinent sections of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) is warranted. TSCA is administered by the Environmental Protection Agency and there is a variety of areas in which industrial hygiene input is and will be required. Major sections of TSCA which require industrial hygiene participation include Testing, Premanufacture Notices (PMNs), Regulation of Hazardous Chemicals, and Reporting and Recordkeeping. The industrial hygiene input requires interaction with other groups such as Toxicology, Environmental, Government Regulations, Legal, Medical, Research and Development, Marketing and Manufacturing in order to provide a comprehensive response to and compliance with current and anticipated TSCA rules.

Occupational health survey: an evaluation of potential health hazards in the workplace.

Critical reviews of production jobs, potential exposure to chemical and physical agents, and job placement policies are necessary to provide a safe and healthful working environment for employees. To achieve this objective, a five-phase survey has been developed at BASF Wyandotte Corporation. Phase one assembles a data bank which cross references chemical substances with job classifications. Phase two provides toxicological evaluation for each chemical, physical, and ergonomic stress. Phase three evaluates the magnitude of each stress for a particular job classification. Phase four identifies present members of the work force or applicants who may have a heightened susceptibility to any stress. Phase five provides an integrated health manual with useful data and materials disseminated to various staff groups, manufacturing personnel, and plant employees.