Bisphenol A concentrations in receiving waters near US manufacturing and processing facilities.

Bisphenol A (BPA) (CAS 80-05-7) was analyzed in receiving waters upstream and downstream of US manufacturers (1996 and 1997) and processors (1997) during seasonal low flow periods. BPA was not detected (< 1 microgram/l) in any surface water sample in 1996 or at six of seven sites in 1997. Concentrations near the seventh site ranged from 2 to 8 micrograms/l; however, its receiving stream had no measurable flow and concentrations represent undiluted effluent. All surface water concentrations from this and other studies were less than the freshwater predicted no effect concentration (PNEC) of 64 micrograms/l, suggesting that BPA discharges from manufacturing and processing facilities to surface water do not pose an environmental concern.

A review of the environmental fate, effects, and exposures of bisphenol A.

Bisphenol A (CAS 85-05-7) may be released into the environment through its use and handling, and permitted discharges. BPA is moderately soluble (120 to 300 mg/L at pH 7), may adsorb to sediment (Koc 314 to 1524), has low volatility, and is not persistent based on its rapid biodegradation in acclimated wastewater treatment plants and receiving waters (half-lives 2.5 to 4 days). BPA is "slightly to moderately" toxic (algal EC50 of 1000 micrograms/L) and has low potential for bioaccumulation in aquatic organisms (BCFs 5 to 68). The chronic NOEC for Daphnia magna is > 3146 micrograms/L. Surface water concentrations are at least one to several orders of magnitude lower than chronic effects, with most levels nondetected.

A survey of airborne HDI, HDI-based polyisocyanate and solvent concentrations in the manufacture and application of polyurethane coatings.

This study summarizes the results of industrial hygiene surveys performed between 1979 and 1987 in paint manufacturing and application operations using polyurethane coatings containing hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI) and HDI-based polyisocyanates (trade name Desmodur N). A total of 466 Desmodur N and 457 HDI samples were collected from 47 operations most of which were in application. The application surveys covered manufacture and refinishing of transportation vehicles, painting of large military and civilian equipment, industrial finishing operations, and maintenance and construction operations. The primary objective of the surveys was to assess the potential exposure to HDI and HDI-based polyisocyanate. In more than 60% of the surveys, concentrations of airborne organic solvents also were monitored. Isocyanates were sampled using toluene/nitroreagent in midget impingers, and solvents were collected using charcoal tubes. They were analyzed using high pressure liquid chromatography and gas chromatography, respectively. The data from these workplace situations show there is some potential for isocyanate overexposure of unprotected workers and that it is greater in spray than in nonspray operations.