Document 9JBR3YEEnzgB1wvbp4k1kd4Ye

in ch systems may result. JoC-itf / 10.1 HEALTH HAZARDS 10.1.1 Vinyl chloride monomer does not present a serious industrial health hazard provided workers are adequately supervised and observe the proper means of handling it. Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act, the U.S. Department of Labor has set a 500 ppm Ceiling Value on permitted employee exposures. However--the American Conference of "S /UQWrnmrntnl Industrial lligicnists. ia-iis--1971 No- r'",|"ys prtinost s a lime-weii'hteri ILV-.of, 300 ppn for- tin. monomer ttpor.- Rased- upoo animal and-hunTatc-obscn provide .considerable margin of uifety for industrial ) exposure*. y Ul Note: A syndrome termed occupational acro-\ \ r osteolysis, characterized primarily by Raynaud's phenomenon and osteolytic changes in certain bones. iparticularly the distal phalanges of the hands, has ' been noted among certain workers in vinyl chloride j polymerization operations. The specific cause of this disease, and particularly any role played by vinyl chloride, is unknown. Recent research studies reported from Italy in dicate that repeated, long-term high level exposures of rats to vinyl chloride monomer vapor can result in the development of malignant tumors. However, many years of industrial experience with human ex posures to concentrations frequently far above cur rent standards have not demonstrated any cajgffio-* \ genicity to humans. ^ c. r 10.1.2 Acute Toxicity Levels on the order of 6,000 ppm for five minutes exposure are required to produce minimal symptoms resembling mild alcohol intoxication in humans. Levels approximately 16,000 ppm for the same length of time will produce varying degrees of Tntbxicatioq: with iight-hcadedness. some nausea, and a dulling of visual and auditory responses in most humans. 10.1.3 Chronic Toxicity The liver is the principal target resulting from excessive chronic exposure. The currently recom mended ceiling level (OSHA) of 500 ppm is well below a level producing any signs or symptoms of toxicity. " r c Cfc***S fc- ( 4 #, > i i , , /1 J*.* A f- /w. i , . Z * .. t 4. * ' .1 -ud 7*`77^ \V ASI-PR 0003135 4*v c< .A <. v. I?v, b ' , ' ' ~ , v*' n Sf ' `' j 4 "js _* w-` 13--JARJBOE--SD-56------- 10.2 PREVENTIVE MEASURES 10.2.1 All operations in which vinyl chloride is used should be regularly evaluated and atmospheric concentrations kept, at all times, below 500 ppm. Sophisticated air sampling techniques arc required*' 'lhese include gas chromatography. Processes must be closed or ventilated sufficiently to achieve a con centration control low enough so that respiratory protection devices are needed only on an emergency basis. 10.2.2 Personal Hygiene Vinyl chloride should be kept off the skin and out of contact with the eyes. If accidental contact to the skin occurs, immediate washing with soap and water is necessary; if to the eyes, immediate irrigation for a minimum of 15 minutes with water is required. The pjesence of skin and eye washing equipment in the areas where vinyl chloride is used is necessary. Washing supplies and equipment should be maintained and always immediately available. 10.2.3 Physical Examinations Preplacement examinations should be made on all workers having potential exposure to vinyl chlo ride, with particular emphasis placed upon, liver and kidney functions. 10.3 SUGGESTIONS TO PHYSICIANS Treatment for vinyl chloride intoxication is symp tomatic; no special procedures are required. It should be recognized that the principal target of chronic exposures is the liver, with secondary effects, particularly in acute exposures, to the kidney. In acute overexposures the primary effect is on the central nervous system. Note to Physician; Avoid use of epinephrine or related drugs in treating acute overexposure cases since vinyl chloride may sensitize the heart to the arrhythmic action of these drugs. 10.3.1 Oxygen Administration Oxygen has been found useful in the treatment of inhalation exposures of many chemicals, especially those capable of causing either immediate or delayed harmful effects in the lungs. In most exposures, administration of 100% oxygen at atmospheric pressures has been found to be adequate. This is best accomplished by use of a face mask having a reservoir bag of the non-re breathing type. Inhalation of 100% oxygen should not exceed one hour of continuous treatment. After each hour, therapy may be interrupted. It may be rein^fc[ted as the clinical condition indicates, 5lootine believe that superior results arc obtain! when exposures to lung irritants are treated with oxy gen under an exhalation pressure not exceeding 4 cm. water. Masks providing for such exhalation pressures are obtainable. A single treatment may suffice for minor exposures to irritants. It is believed by some observers that oxygen under pressure is useful as an aid in the prevention of pulmonary edema after breathing irritants. In the event of an exposure causing symptoms or in case of a history of severe exposure, the patient may be treated with oxygen under 4 cm. exhalation pressuie for one-haLf hour periods out of every hour. Treatment may be continued in this way until symp toms subside or other clinical indications for inter ruption appear. CAUTION: It may not be advisable to ad minister oxygen under positive pressure in the presence of impending or existing cardiovascular failure. The use of adrenalin is not recommended because some chlorinated hydrocarbons can increase the risk of ventricular fibrillation after adrenalin therapy. a < tcn at u. 11.1 GENERAL PRINCIPLES First aid should be started at once in case of acute intoxication with vinyl chloride. Immediately re move the affected individual to fresh air. Refer all injured individuals to a physician and give a detailed account of the incident. 11.2 CONTACT WITH SKIN AND MUCOUS MEMBRANES Vinyl chloride, in concentrated form, is a skin irri tant. All contaminated clothing should be removed at once; and this ciothing, including shoes, if there is any evidence of contamination, should not be worn again until thoroughly dry'. All affected skin areas should be thoroughly washed with warm water and soap. The individual should be referred to a physi cian. \ ASI-PR 0003137 14--JARBOE--SD-56....... 11.3 CONTACT WITH EYES If vinyl chloride has entered the eyes, prompt washing with copious quantities of water for at least 15 minutes should be instituted immediately. It is advisable to irrigate the eyes gentiv with water at room temperature in order to minimize additional pain and discomfort. Prompt medical attention should be obtained. 11.4 INHALATION Promptly remove the affected individual from ex posure, to fresh air. If breathing has ceased effective artificial respiration should be started immediately. If ozygen inhalation equipment is available oxygen should be administered, provided a person authorized for such administration by a physician is available. The patient should be comfortably warm but not hot. Stimulants will rarely be necessary where adequate oxygenation is maintained. Any such drugs for shock treatment should be given only by the attending physician. Never attempt to give anything by mouth to an unconscious patient.