Document 5DeR6QGav2aLB8X4YeyEz16DJ

HYGIENIC GUIDE SERIES American INDUSTRIAL HVGBC ASSOCIATION Vinyl Chlorid* (Chk>rothne) CH*=CHC1 Chemical Abctracts Registry No. 76014 WQnncMn myvNw nvppiM Vinyl chloride is a colorless gas at sUadard conditions but is usually handled as a liquid. Molecular weight--------------Melting point-------------------Boiling point 1 Vapor pressure------------------ Explosive limits, vol % in air Liquid density, g/ ml at 25*C Autoignition temperature -- Flash point----------------------Vapor density (ait=l)--------1 ppm-----------------------------1 mg/liter------------------------- -62.50 '153.7 - 13.8 -mm Hg 130 470 1293 *C - 50 - 25 0 -3.6-26.4 -0.9013 -472*C -78*C (Cleveland Open Cup) -2.55 at 25*C and 760 mm -0.00255 mg/liter -391 ppm 2943 25 I. Hygienic Standards A. WORKDAY EXPOSURE CONCENTRA TIONS: The Occupational Safety and Health Administration promulgated a standard for exposure to vinyl chloride1" effective April 1, 1975. The standard set the permissible exposure limit as not greater than 1 ppm averaged over any 8hour period. OSHA classifies vinyl chloride as a cancer-suspect agent. In 1975, The American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists' TLVs list placed vinyl chloride in the intended changes group and classified it lc., human carcinogen awaiting reassign ment of TLV pending further data acquisition. B. Short term exposure concentra tions: OSHA1" restricts short term exposures to a maximum concentration of 5 ppm averaged over any period not exceeding 15 minutes. Direct contact with liquid vinyl chloride is prohibited. Prior to 1975 ACGIH recommended a 500 ppm ceiling concentration. C. ATMOSPHERIC CONCENTRATION IMME DIATELY HAZARDOUS TO LIFE: Mice and The Committee wakes to srkemrlsSgi the eetmierr of Ropi L. Deem! ia the prepsratiaa of this Hypeaec Gmde. rats survived 30 minute exposures to 100.000 ppm but were killed by 300,000 ppm. A two hour exposure to rats at 150.000 ppm caused respiratory failure."1 Guinea pigs were killed by 200,000 to 400,000. II. Toxic Properties Prior to 1974, the primary hazard of occupational exposure to vinyl chloride was considered to be due to its anesthetic and explosive properties. There was conflicting opinion as to the significance of pathological changes in the liver of dogs, guinea pigs, rabbits and rats exposed for periods up to six months. On January 22,1974 NIOSH disclosed that B. F. Goodrich had reported that deaths ofseveral of to employees from angiosarcoma of the liver may have bcea occupationally related. Subsequent investigation led to the promulgation of CFR 1910.1017 Standard for Exposure to Vinyl Chloride, effective April 1, 1975. A. INHALATION: The primary effect of acute exposure to vinyl chloride is narcosis. Two industrial deaths art reported from acute exposure to vinyl chloride."1 The first signs of intoxication appeared at 800012000 ppm when human volunteers were exposed for five minute periods to 4000, 1000. 12000, 16000 and 20000 ppm.1*' Exposures to 13 human volunteers for 7- OL1 3397 1/2 boon to 50. 200 aad 500 ppm produced no clinical changer or neurological responses."' Filatova and Groasberg1*' reported angioneroaia of a rpaatk: character in workers expound to 20315 ppm vinyl chloride in a putyviayl chloride proccat. Wilson, et a/-'7' reported several cases of acroosteolyiis in the hands of workmen working in vinyl chloride polymerization processes; no estimates of exposure levels were cited. Sudtu n reported the presence of "narcotic syndrome", asthenic nervous symptoms. Raynaud's syndrome and hepatomeglia among a group of 186 employees working in polyvinyl chloride plants; exposure levels were not quantified. Mahon?*1 observed that vinyl chloride inhalation produced in rats. Zymbal gland carcinomas, nephroblastomas, angio sarcomas and angiomas of the liver and other sites, skin carcinomas, hepatomas and brain neuroblastomas; in mice, lung adenomas, mammary carcinomas, angiosarcomas and angiomas of the liver and other sites, skin epithelial tumors; in hamsters, liver angiosarcomas. Several reports"*''*1 make reference to the mutagenic potential of vinyl chloride. An excess of chromosomal aberration in lymphocytes of workers exposed to vinyl chloride as compared to controls was observed."*'1" B. SKIN CONTACT: Rapid evaporation of liquid vinyl chloride in contact with clothing or skin may cause freezing or frost bite, inhibited vinyl chloride may leave a residue in clothing that could cause skin irritation. C. Eye CONTACT: Eye contact with liquid vinyl chloride may cause frost bite. D. INGESTION: The quantity of vinyl chloride likely to be ingested incidential to industrial handling will not cause injury. III.' Industrial Hygiene Practice A. Industrial uses and occurrences: Most of the vinyl chloride produced is polymerized to polyvinyl chloride. It is also copolymerized with other monomers and is used as a chemical intermediate. B. Evaluation of exposure: 1. Air Sampling mtd Analysis: a. Direct field methods: (1) Combustion type instru ments may be used in the absence of interfering substances."*1 (2) Gas Chromatography is the method of choice when more than one air contaminant is present. b. Personnel monitoring methods: (I) Adsorption on charcoal and desorption with carbon disulfide followed by pi chromatographic measure ment it the method of choice.'"'*' C. Hazards and their recommended control. The imminent danger when uncontrolled conditions exist ate fire and explosion. Vinyl chloride polymerizes readily in the prtsica of air. sunlight or heat.'"" hut is safety shipped in commerce without a polymerization inhibitor. Uncontrolled polymerization may cause closed vcmcle to explode. The odor is not detectable below 4000 ppm by many persons and therefore is not an adequate warning property to prevent overexposure by inhalation. 1. Inhalation: There is little dispute that vinyl chloride is carcinogenic to man. OSH A has concluded that employee exposures to vinyl chloride must be limited to a one ppm time-weighted average and to a ceiling concentration of five ppm. NIOSH approved chemical cartridge respirators are the minimum respiratory protective equipment for performing any task in vapor concentrations that exceed the above limitations. Sampling, dis connecting transfer lines, entry of storage and polymerization vessels are tasks that have high potential for overexpoaure and that require work practices and engineering controls to limit exposure. 2. Skin contact: Protective garments are to be worn to prevent skin contact with liquid vinyl chloride or with polyvinyl chloride residue from vessel walls. 3. Eye contact: Prevent eye contact by use of chemical safety goggles whenever there is danger of the liquid entering the eyes. 4. Fire and explosion: Since vinyl chloride is a gas at standard conditions, the fire and explosion hazard is high. Precautions must be taken to prevent leaks in closed systems aad to avoid contacts with sources of ignition. IV. Medical Information A. Emergency treatment 1. Inhalation: Mild overexposure requires no treatment other then removal from the contaminated area. Severe overexposure may produce deep anesthesia. If this occurs remove the patient from the area, place in e supine poeition, keep breathing passage open and call a physician. If breathing has Mopped, begin mouthto-moutb resuscitation without interruption until breathing is resumed. Federal regulation"' requires that each employee exposed to an "emergency'' which is likely to or does result in massive release of vinyl OLI 3398 chloride shall be afforded appropriate medical turveillance. 2. Skin contact: Remove contaminated clothing and wash skin thoroughly with water. If frostbite has occurred refer to a physKmn. 3. Eye contact: Irrigate immediately with copious quantities of water for at least IS minutes and place under care of an ophthalmologist. B. Special procedures OSHA requires that all vinyl chloride workers be on a medical surveillance program."1 The details are found in the OSHA vinyl chloride standard. \wj. gne v- ai-w---n---m-- 1. Coda of Federal Regulation*: Title 29. Pan 1910.1017 2. Maetromattao. E,, A. M. richer. H. Christie and H. Oanzigar: Acute Inhalation, Toxicity of Vinyl Chloride to Laboratory Animals. Am. Inti. Hyg. Assoc J. 27:394(1960) 3. Denziger, H.: Accidental Poisoning by Vinyl Chloride: Report of Two Cases. Can. Mati. Assoc. J. 52:829 (1960) 4. Lester, D.. L. A. Greenberg and W. R. Adams: Effects of Single and Repeated Exposures of Humans and Rats to Vinyl chloride. Am. Ind. Hyg. Assoc. J. 24:265 (1963). 5. Baretta. E. D., R. O. Stewart and J. E. Mutchler: Monitoring Exposures to Vinyl Chloride Vapor: Breath Analysis and Continuous Air Sampling. Am. Ind. Hyg. Assoc. J. 30:537 (1969). 6. Filatova. U. S. and E. 8. Oreneberg: Hygienic Working Conditions in Polyvinyl Chloride Tar Plants. Gigi Ssnti 35:42 (1957). 7. Wilson. R. H,, W. E. McCormick. C. F. Tatum and J. L. Creech: Occupational Acrootteoiysis. J.A.M.A. 201:577 (1967). 8. Sudu. I.. J. Ore)man end M. Vataefci: Contributions to The Study of Affections Caused by Vinyl Chloride. Madicins Intarna IB:967 (1963). 9. Mattoni. Cesar*: The Value of Predictive Experimental Bioassays in Occupational and Environments! Carcinogeneses. An Example: Vinyl Chloride. Ambto 4:18 (1975). 10. Baitsch. H., C. Malavielle and R. Monteseno: Human. Rat and Meuse Liver-mediated Mutagenicity of Vmyi Chloride in S. Typhinurium Strains. Int J. Cancer 15*29 (1975). 11. Ligdii.W..R-Bards.8.VarcwcaM,at at: Erahiadon of the Genetic Effects of Vinyl Chloride Monomer Under the Influence of Liver Microeome*. Mutation ftseeordv In prats. 12. flawg, U-. A. Johansson. C Ramrnel and C. A. mull listsr The MuUgenidty of Vinyl Oderide After Metabolic Activation. Aatio 3:194 (1974). 13. Hubarraan. E,, H. Borsch and L. Sacha: Mutation Induction in Chinese Hamster V79 Cells by Two Vinyl Chloride Metaboirties. Chloroethylene Oxide and 2-Chloro-acetaldehyde Int. J. Cancer IB:639 (1975). 14. Mama. P. F.; Oncogenic end Mutagenic RMts in Communities With Polyvinyl Chloride Production Facilities. Ann. N. Y Acad. Set. 27f:49 (1976). 16. Infanta. P. F., J. K. Wagoner. A. J. McMicheol. R. J. Waxeder and H. Falk: Genetic Risks of Vinyl Chloride, Lancet (1976). 16. Ducetmen, A., K. Hhachhom end I. J. Sedfcoff: Vinyl Chloride Exposure and Hyman Chromosome Aberrations. Mutat. Has. 37:163(1975). 17. Funes-Cravloto, F.. B. Lambert. J. Lbidatan, at at.: Chromosome Aberrations in Workers Exposed to Vinyl Chloride. Lancet r459 (1975). 18. Purchase. I. F. H..C.R. Richardson and O, Anderson: Chromosomal and Dominant Lethal Effects of Vinyl Chloride. Lancet *r410 (1975). 19. Schaffer, A. W. and H. R. Hoyle: Nine Years Experience with the Davis Halide Meter. Am. Ind. Hyg. Assoc. J. 22:93 (1961). 20. National Institute for Occupetional Safety and Health: Analytical Method P end CAM #178. 5600 Fishers Lane. Rockville, MD 20852. 21. Manufacturing Chemists' Association. Inc.: Chemical Safety Data Sheet SD-56, Revised 1972. Praparvd uwfcr the >iepacc* of tbc Hypteac Gunk* Coemum Howard E Rutoe. CWiau; (TNdl M. banki, FED.; litl W. hew; Psal E- CkRhir. WDu D. Ckeiewn; Exail E. Cbrinataao; Cria E CMtea; KxSerd D. FMeilw, ScD.; Dsvid Cndky, Chartre E. HoMnetk FED.. 9m 5. Horvath; William C Jane; Man Y. Lorahy. Pk. D.; Freak L MxcfccU. D.O.; Jobe D. Neefoi, Ffc. D.; Jeffrey Fwteoe; Wilkun E. Shoemaker, H. 1. Tnrkisioeict. Sc.D.; Ee|cae G. Wood; Urtai Wri*ht. Copyright I97g Anrericaa Indratrisl Hygiene Assoreatioa Revised Feb. 1978 0LI 3399