Health hazards of tertiary amine catalysts.

Tertiary amine catalysts are widely employed in foundry and polyurethane foam manufacture operations. These highly reactive amines have been associated with graphic disturbances in vision and systemic health effects. Prominent among the reported effects on vision are mydriasis (dilated pupils), cycloplegia (loss of accommodation), and corneal edema, which may result in hazy (looking through smoke) or blurry (out of focus) vision and halo perception. Systemic symptoms, possibly due to a release of endogenous histamine, are consistent with pharmacologic actions of amines and have also been described. These symptoms, as well as the disturbances in vision, are transient. Nevertheless, employees who work with or around machinery, or drive vehicles, may be at an increased risk of accident and injury when experiencing these symptoms.

Polymer-fume fever associated with smoking and use of a mold-release spray containing polytetrafluoroethylene.

An ephemeral and debilitating flu-like illness experienced by stamp-makers prompted them to solicit assistance from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. It was determined that a combination of the use of a mold-release spray containing a fluorocarbon polymer (polytetrafluoroethylene), poor general hygiene, and smoking during and after use of the spray was responsible for the workers' symptoms, commonly referred to as "polymer-fume fever." Recommendations made, and which resulted in the abatement of illness included: ventilating the vulcanizing furnace, cessation of smoking in the workplace, or using a mold-release spray that does not contain fluorocarbon.

Toxicology and hazard assessment of 1,3-dichloropropene (Telone II).

Potential adverse health effects from occupational exposure to 1,3-dichloro-propene (DCP) are reviewed and hazards assessed. Further toxicologic evaluations should be conducted using only high-purity material that is free from possibly confounding impurities and stabilizers. Safety considerations when handling the material are included.

Occupational exposure to 1,3-dichloropropene (Telone II) in Hawaiian pineapple culture.

1,3-dichloropropene (DCP), the primary constituent of Telone II, is a subsoil fumigant that has supplanted 1,2-dibromo-3-chloropropane (DBCP) and ethylene dibromide (EDB) as primary fumigant in Hawaiian pineapple culture. To determine the potential for adverse health effects, an environmental survey was done to assess worker exposures. Exposures were predominantly below 1 ppm, which is the no-effect level determined with experimental animals, and the Threshold Limit Value (TLV) recommended by the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH).

Central nervous system toxicity of some common environmental residues in the mouse.

To ascertain changes in the level of general central nervous system (CNS) excitability and, therefore, postulated neurotoxicity of some common environmental residues, a bioassay was developed that used a known general CNS stimulant, pentylenetetrazol (PTZ, Metrazol). As a positive control, dieldrin was compared to PTZ and nine other compounds (caffeine, 1,2,3-trichloropropane, ethylene dibromide, Arochlor 1254, pentachlorophenol, heptachlor epoxide, DDT, lindane, and chlordecone) for CNS stimulatory effects, both acutely and subchronically. All doses were administered on an equimole per kilogram basis, rather than milligram per kilogram or %LD50 comparisons. The general level of CNS excitability elicited by each compound relative to the others was assessed. Of the 10 compounds examined, dieldrin showed the most activity in decreasing metrazol-challenge ED50, while chlordecone was most potent in increasing the ED50. Dieldrin, heptachlor epoxide, and chlordecone were shown to potently inhibit PTZ-induced kindling. Of all compounds examined, dieldrin is concluded to have the greatest potential for causing an increase in general CNS excitability, which may relate to persistent behavioral stimulation.