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TOXICOLOGICAL PROFILE FOR I< CHLORIDE
AGENCY FOR TOXIC SUBSTANCES AND DISEASE REGISTRY, ATLANTA, GA
APR 93
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Technical Information Service
Nns.
*
UCC 108168-
VINYL CHLORIDE
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES
Public Health Service
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry
REPRODUCED BY
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
NATIONAL TECHNICAL INFORMATION SERVICE* SPRINGFIELD, VA 22161
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UCC 108169
TOXICOLOGICAL PROFILE FOR VINYL CHLORIDE
Prepared by: Clement International Corporation Under Contract No. 205-88-0608
Prepared for:
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Public Health Service
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry
April 1993 \
UCC 108170
ii DISCLAIMER
The use of company or product name(s) is for identification only and does not imply endorsement by the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry.
UCC 108171
iii UPDATE STATEMENT
A Toxicological Profile for vinyl chloride was released on August 1989. This edition supersedes any previously released draft or final profile. Toxicological profiles are revised and republished as necessary, but no less than once every three years. For information regarding the update status of previously released profiles, contact ATSDR at:
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry Division of Toxicology/Toxicology Information Branch
1600 Clifton Road NE, E-29 Atlanta, Georgia 30333
UCC 108172
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FOREWORD
The Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA) of 1986 (Public Law 99-499) extended and amended the Comprehensive Environmental Response. Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA or Superfund). This public law directed the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) to prepare toxicological profiles for hazardous substances which axe most commonly found at facilities on the CERCLA National Priorities List and which pose the most significant potential threat to human health, as determined by ATSDR and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The lists of the 250 most significant hazardous substances were published in the Federal Register on April 17, 1987, on October 20, 1988, on October 26, 1989, on October 17,1990. and on October 17,1991. A revised list of 275 substances was published on October 28. 1992.
Section 104(iX3) of CERCLA. as amended, directs the Administrator of ATSDR to prepare a toxicological profile for each substance on the lists. Each profile must include the following:
(A) The examination, summary, and interpretation of available toxicological information and epidemiological evaluations on a hazardous substance in order to ascertain the levels of significant human exposure for the substance and the associated acute, subacute, and chronic health effects.
(B) A determination of whether adequate information on the health effects of each substance is available or in the process of development to determine levels of exposure which present a significant risk to human health of acute, subacute, and chronic health effects.
(O Where appropriate, identification of toxicological testing needed to identify the types or levels of exposure that may present significant risk of adverse health effects in humans.
This toxicological profile is prepared in accordance with guidelines developed by ATSDR and EPA. The original guidelines were published in the Federal Register on April 17. 1987. Each profile will be revised and republished as necessary.
The ATSDR toxicological profile is intended to characterize succinctly the toxicological and adverse health effects information for the hazardous substance being described. Each profile identifies and reviews the key literature (that has been peer-reviewed) that describes a hazardous substance's toxicological properties. Other pertinent literature is also presented but described in less detail than the key studies. The profile is not intended to be an exhaustive document; however, mote comprehensive sources of specialty information are referenced.
Each toxicological profile begins with a public health statement, which describes in nontechnical language a substance's relevant toxicological properties. Following the public health statement is information concerning levels of significant human exposure and. where known, significant health effects. The adequacy of information to determine a substance's health effects is described in a health effects summary. Data needs that are of significance to protection of public health will be identified by ATSDR and EPA. The focus of the profiles is on health and toxicological information; therefore, we have included this information in the beginning of the document.
UCC 108173
VI
Foreword The principal audiences for the toxicological profiles are health professionals at the federal, state, and
local levels, interested private sector organizations and groups, and members of the public. This profile reflects our assessment of all relevant toxicological testing and information that has been peer
reviewed. It has been reviewed by scientists from ATSDR. the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). and other federal agencies. It has also been reviewed by a panel of nongovernment peer reviewers and is being made available for public review. Final responsibility for the contents and views expressed in this toxicological profile resides with ATSDR.
William L. Roper. M.D.. hcral. Administrator
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry
UCC 108174
CONTRIBUTORS
CHEMICAL MANAGER(S)/AUTHORS (S): Bill Henriques, M.S.P.H. ATSDR, Division of Toxicology, Atlanta, GA Carolyn S. Rabe, Ph.D. Clement International Corporation, Fairfax, VA THE PROFILE HAS UNDERGONE THE FOLLOWING ATSDR INTERNAL REVIEWS:
1. Green Border Review. Green Border review assures the consistency with ATSDR policy. 2. Health Effects Review. The Health Effects Review Committee examines the health effects chapter
of each profile for consistency and accuracy in interpreting health effects and classifying endpoints. 3. Minimal Risk Level Review. The Minimal Risk Level Workgroup considers issues relevant to
substance-specific minimal risk levels (MRLs), reviews the health effects database of each profile, and makes recommendations for derivation of MRLs. 4. Quality Assurance Review. The Quality Assurance Branch assures that consistency across profiles is maintained, identifies any significant problems in format or content, and establishes that Guidance has been' followed.
UCC 108175
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CONTENTS
FOREWORD............................................................................................................................................... v
CONTRIBUTORS ..................................................................................................................................... vii
LIST OF FIGURES ................................................................................................................................... xiii
LIST OF TABLES ..................................................................................................................................... xv
1. PUBLIC HEALTH STATEMENT....................................................................................................... 1.1 WHAT IS VINYL CHLORIDE? ............................................................................................ 1.2 WHAT HAPPENS TO VINYL CHLORIDE WHEN IT ENTERS THE ENVIRONMENT?............................................................................................................ 1.3 HOW MIGHT I BE EXPOSED TO VINYL CHLORIDE?................................................. 1.4 HOW CAN VINYL CHLORIDE ENTER AND LEAVE MY BODY?............................. 1.5 HOW CAN VINYL CHLORIDE AFFECT MY HEALTH? ............................................... 1.6 IS THERE A MEDICAL TEST TO DETERMINE WHETHER I HAVE BEEN EXPOSED TO VINYL CHLORIDE? ..................................................................... r 1.7 WHAT RECOMMENDATIONS HAS THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT MADE TO PROTECT HUMAN HEALTH?....................................................................................... * 1.8 WHERE CAN I GET MORE INFORMATION? ................................................................
1 1
2 2 3 3
4
5 6
2 HEALTH EFFECTS.............................................................................................................................. 7
2.1 INTRODUCTION ...................................................................................................................... 7
2.2 DISCUSSION OF HEALTH EFFECTS BYROUTE OF EXPOSURE.............................. 7
221 Inhalation Exposure ....................................................................................................... 8
2.Z1.1 Death ................................................................................................................ 8
ZZ1.2 Systemic Effects............................................................
8
2213 Immunological Effects .................................................
26
ZZ1.4 Neurological Effects......................................................................................... 27
221.5 Developmental Effects .................................................................................. 28
ZZ1.6 Reproductive Effects ...................................................................................... 31
ZZI.7 Genotoxic Effects .....................
32
221.8 Cancer................................................................................................................ 33
ZZ2 Oral Exposure................................................................................................................. 36
ZZZ1 Death ................................................................................................................ 36
ZZ22 Systemic Effects................................................................................................ 37
2.223 Immunological Effects .................................................................................... 37
ZZZ4 Neurological Effects......................................................................................... 37
Z2.Z5 Developmental Effects .................................................................................... 37
ZZZ6 Reproductive Effects ...................................................................................... 37
ZZZ7 Genotoxic Effects ........................................................................................... 37
ZZZ8 Cancer................................................................................................................ 37
ZZ3 Dermal Exposure............................................................................................................ 41
ZZ3.1 Death ................................................................................................................ 41
2232 Systemic Effects................................................................................................ 42
2233 Immunological Effects ................................................................................... 42
ZZ3.4 Neurological Effects......................................................................................... 42
223.5 Developmental Effects ...................................................................
42
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X
23.3.6 Reproductive Effects ....................................................................................... 42
23.3.7 Genotoxic Effects............................................................................................. 42
23.3.8 Cancer............................................................................................................... 42
23 TOXICOKINETICS ...................................................................................................................... 42
2.3.1 Absorption......................................................................................................................... 42
2.3.1.1 Inhalation Exposure................................................................................................ 42
2.3.13 Oral Exposure ................................................................................................... 43
2.3.13 Dermal Exposure .............................................................................................. 43
2.3.2 Distribution ...................................................................................................................... 43
2.33.1 Inhalation Exposure.......................................................................................... 43
23.23 Oral Exposure ................................................................................................... 44
2333 Dermal Exposure .............................................................................................. 44
2.33 Metabolism ........................................................................................................................ 44
233.1 Inhalation Exposure.......................................................................................... 44
2.3.33 Oral Exposure .................................................................................................. 47
23.33 Dermal Exposure ............................................................................................ 47
23.4 Excretion............................................................................................................................. 47
23.4.1 Inhalation Exposure.......................................................................................... 47
2.3.43 Oral Exposure .................................................................................................. 48
23.43 Dermal Exposure ..............................
"49
23.4,4 Other Routes of Exposure......................................................................................49
2.4 RELEVANCE TO PUBLIC HEALTH ....................... .'*................................................ 49
2.5 BIOMARKERS OF EXPOSURE AND EFFECT........................................................................ 59
23.1 Biomaricers Used to Identify or Quantify Exposure to Vinyl Chloride.......................... 60
2.5.2 Biomaricers Used to Characterize Effects Caused by Vinyl Chloride............................ 61
2.6 INTERACTIONS WITH OTHER CHEMICALS ........................................................................ 62
2.7 POPULATIONS THAT ARE UNUSUALLY SUSCEPTIBLE.................................................... 64
2.8 METHODS FOR REDUCING TOXIC EFFECTS ...............
65
2.8.1 Reducing Peak Absorption Following Exposure.............................................................. 65
2.83 Reducing Body Burden .........................................................................
65
2.83 Interfering with the Mechanism of Action far Toxic Effects.......................................... 66
2.9 ADEQUACY OF THE DATABASE .......................................................................................... 68
2.9.1 Existing Information on Health Effects of Vinyl Chloride ............................................ 68
2.93 Identification of Data Needs.............................................................................................. 68
2.9.3 On-going Studies............................................................................................................... 76
3. CHEMICAL AND PHYSICAL INFORMATION................................................................................... 3.1 CHEMICAL IDENTITY ............................................................................................................... 33 PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES.............................................................................
79 79 79
4. PRODUCTION, IMPORT. USE, AND DISPOSAL ............................................................................. 4.1 PRODUCTION............................................................................................................................... 43 IMPORT/EXPORT........................................................................................................................ 43 USE................................................................................................................................................ 4.4 DISPOSAL ...................................................................................................................................
83 83 83 83 86
5. POTENTIAL FOR HUMAN EXPOSURE ............................................................................................. 5.1 OVERVIEW.................................................................................................................................... 53 RELEASES TO THE ENVIRONMENT .................................................................................... 53.1 Air .............................................................................................................................. 533 Water................................................................................................................................... 53.3 Soil......................................................................................................................................
87 87 87 87 89 89
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xi
5.3 ENVIRONMENTAL FATE....................................................................................................... 89 5.3.1 Transport and Partitioning............................................................................................ 89 5.3.2 Transformation and Degradation.................................................................................. 93 5.3.2.1 Air................................................................................................................... 93 5.3.2.2 Water .............................................................................................................. 93 5.3.2.3 Soil................................................................................................................... 94
5.4 LEVELS MONITORED OR ESTIMATED IN THE ENVIRONMENT............................ 94 5.4.1 Air ................................................................................................................................... 94 5.4.2 Water .............................................................................................................................. 95 5.4.3 Soil................................................................................................................................... 95 5.4.4 Other Environmental Media.......................................................................................... 95
5.5 GENERAL POPULATION AND OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE.................................... 96 5.6 POPULATIONS WITH POTENTIALLY HIGH EXPOSURES ......................................... 96 5.7 ADEQUACY OF THE DATABASE....................................................................................... 97
5.7.1 Identification of Data Needs.......................................................................................... 97 5.7.2 On-going Studies ............................................................................................................ 98 6. ANALYTICAL METHODS................................................................................................................. 101 6.1 BIOLOGICAL MATERIALS.................................................................................................... 101 6.2 ENVIRONMENTAL SAMPLES.................................................................................................. 104 6.3 ADEQUACY OF THE DATABASE...........................................................................................109 63.1 Identification of Data Needs........................... . . .-..................................................... H)9 6.3.2 On-going Studies ............................................................................................................... 110 7. REGULATIONS AND ADVISORIES............................................................................................... Ill 8. REFERENCES ...................................................................................................................................... 119 9. GLOSSARY........................................................................................................................................... 155 APPENDICES A. USER'S GUIDE .............................................................................................................................. A-l B. ACRONYMS, ABBREVIATIONS, AND SYMBOLS ................................................................. B-l C PEER REVIEW................................................................................................................................. C-l
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LIST OF FIGURES
2-1 Levels of Significant Exposure to Vinyl Chloride - Inhalation..................................................... 18
2-2 Levels of Significant Exposure to Vinyl Chloride - Oral ............................................................. 40
2-3 ProposedMetabolic Pathway for Vinyl Chloride............................................................................. 46
2-4 Existing Information on Health Effects of Vinyl Chloride ..................
69
5-1 Frequency of NPL Sites with Vinyl Chloride Contamination........................................................ 88
UCC 108179
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xv
LIST OF TABLES
2-1 Levels of Significant Exposure to Vinyl Chloride - Inhalation...................................................... 9 2-2 Levels of Significant Exposure to Vinyl Chloride - Oral .............................................................. 38 2-3 Genotoxicity of Vinyl Chloride In Vivo .......................................................................................... 57 2- 4 Genotoxicity of Vinyl Chloride In Vitro.......................................................................................... 58 2*5 On-going Studies on Vinyl Chloride................................................................................................. 77 3- 1 Chemical Identity of Vinyl Chloride................................................................................................. 80 3- 2 Physical and Chemical Properties of Vinyl Chloride ..................................................................... 81 4- 1 Facilities that Manufacture or Process Vinyl Chloride.................................................................. 84 5- 1 Releases to the Environment from Facilities That Manufacture or Process Vinyl Chloride ... $0 6- 1 Analytical Methods for Determining Vinyl Chloride in BiologicalMaterials................................... 102 6- 2 Analytical Methods for Determining Vinyl Chloride in EnvironmentalSamples ........................... 105 7- 1 Regulations and Guidelines Applicable to Vinyl Chloride ..............................................................112
UCC 108180
1
1. PUBLIC HEALTH STATEMENT
This Statement was prepared to give you information about vinyl chloride and to emphasize the human health effects that may result from exposure to it. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has identified. 1,300 sites on its National Priorities List (NPL). Vinyl chloride has been found in at least 458 of these sites. However, we do not know how many of the 1,300 NPL sites have been evaluated for vinyl chloride. As EPA evaluates more sites, the number of sites at which vinyl chloride is found may change. This information is important for you to know because vinyl chloride may cause harmful health effects and because these sites are potential or actual sources of human exposure to vinyl chloride.
When a chemical is released from a large area, such as an industrial plant, or from a container, such as a drum or bottle, it enters the environment as a chemical emission. This emission, which is also called a release, does not always lead to exposure. You can be exposed to a chemical only when you come into contact with the chemical. You may be exposed to it in the environment by breathing, eating, or drinking substances containing the chemical or from skin contact with it.
If you are exposed to a hazardous chemical such as vinyl chloride, several factors will determine whether harmful health effects will occur and what the type and severity of those health effects will be. These factors include the dose (how much), the duration (how long), the route or pathway by which you are exposed (breathing, eating, drinking, or skin contact), the other chemicals to which you are exposed, and your individual characteristics such as age, sex, nutritional status, family traits, life style, and state of health.
1.1 WHAT IS VINYL CHLORIDE?
Vinyl chloride, also known as chloroethene, chloroethylene, ethylene monochloride, or monochloroethylene, is a colorless vapor with a mild, sweet odor. It can exist in liquid form if it is kept under high pressure. Almost all vinyl chloride is man-made. Most of the vinyl chloride produced in the United States is used to make polyvinyl chloride (PVC). PVC is used to make a variety of plastic products including pipes, wire and cable coatings, and packaging materials. Other uses include furniture and automobile upholstery, wall coverings, housewares, and automotive parts. At one time, vinyl chloride was also used as a coolant, a propellant in spray cans, and in some cosmetics. It is no longer used for these purposes. Please refer to Chapter 3 for more information on the chemical and physical properties of vinyl chloride. For more information on the production and use of vinyl chloride, see Chapter 4.
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2
1. PUBLIC HEALTH STATEMENT
1.2 WHAT HAPPENS TO VINYL CHLORIDE WHEN IT ENTERS THE ENVIRONMENT?
Most of the vinyl chloride that enters the environment comes from plastics industries that release it into the air or into waste water. EPA limits the amount industries may release. Vinyl chloride also comes from tobacco smoke and is a breakdown product of other man made chemicals in the environment. Vinyl chloride has entered the environment at hazardous waste sites as a result of improper disposal, leakage from storage containers, from spills, or from the breakdown of other chemicals.
Liquid vinyl chloride evaporates easily into the air. Vinyl chloride in water or soil evaporates rapidly if it is near the surface. Vinyl chloride in the air breaks down in a few days. It does not form other harmful chemicals.
A limited amount of vinyl chloride can dissolve in water. It can enter groundwater-and stay there for many years. It is unlikely that vinyl chloride will build up in plants or animals that you might eat. For more information on what happens to vinyl chloride in the environment, please see Chapters 4 and 5.
1.3 HOW MIGHT I BE EXPOSED TO VINYL CHLORIDE?
The most likely way that you might be exposed to vinyl chloride is by breathing it. Normally, vinyl chloride is not found in urban, suburban, or rural air. However, vinyl chloride has been found in the air near plastics industries, hazardous waste sites, and landfills. In general, the amount of vinyl chloride in the air near these places varies from 0 to 1 part per million parts (ppm) of air. Levels as high as 44 ppm have been found at some hazardous waste sites. Vinyl chloride is in tobacco smoke from cigarettes and cigars.
You may also be exposed to vinyl chloride by drinking water from contaminated wells. However, most drinking water supplies do not contain vinyl chloride. In 1982, vinyl chloride was found in less than 1% of the 945 groundwater supplies tested. The concentrations found in groundwater ranged from 0 to 0.4 ppm. At one time, flow of water through PVC pipes added very low amounts of vinyl chloride to water. For example, in one study of newly installed pipes, the drinking water had 0.001 ppm of vinyl chloride. No current information on the amount of vinyl chloride released from PVC pipes into water is available. In the past, vinyl chloride could get into food that was stored in materials that contained PVC. Now, the U.S. government regulates food packaging materials, and essentially no vinyl chloride enters foods by contact with these products.
UCC 108182
3
1. PUBLIC HEALTH STATEMENT
About 80,000 people work with vinyl chloride at their jobs. This number includes workers who make vinyl chloride and PVC and workers who use PVC to make other objects such as pipes. Please refer to Chapter 5 for more information on ways that people are exposed to vinyl chloride.
1.4 HOW CAN VINYL CHLORIDE ENTER AND LEAVE MY BODY?
Vinyl chloride does not enter your body by passing through your skin. However, it can easily enter your body when you breathe air or drink water containing it. This could occur near certain factories or hazardous waste sites. Most of the vinyl chloride that you breathe in or swallow enters your blood rapidly. The vinyl chloride in your blood travels throughout your body. When it reaches your liver, it is changed into several different substances. Most of these new substances travel in your blood. Once they reach your kidneys, they leave your body in your urine. Most of the vinyl chloride is gone from your body a day after you breathe it in or swallow it. The liver, however, makes some new substances that do not leave your body as rapidly. A few of these substances are more harmful than vinyl chloride because they react with chemicals inside your body and interfere with the way your body uses or responds to these chemicals. It takes more time for your body to get rid of these changed chemicals, but eventually your body will remove them as well. If you breathe in or swallow more vinyl chloride than your liver can chemically change, you will breathe out the excess vinyl chloride. Chapter 2 contains more information on how vinyl chloride enters and leaves your body.
1.5 HOW CAN VINYL CHLORIDE AFFECT MY HEALTH?
If you breathe high levels of vinyl chloride, you will feel dizzy or sleepy. These effects occur within 5 minutes at about 10,000 ppm of vinyl chloride. You can easily smell vinyl chloride at this concentration. If you breathe very high levels, you may pass out. You can rapidly recover from these effects if you breathe fresh air. Some people get a headache when they breathe fresh air immediately after breathing very high levels of vinyl chloride. People may die if they breathe extremely high levels of vinyl chloride. These levels are much higher than the levels that cause you to pass out. Studies in animals show that extremely high levels of vinyl chloride can damage the liver, lungs, and kidneys. These levels can also damage the heart and prevent blood clotting. The effects of drinking high levels of vinyl chloride are unknown. If you spill liquid vinyl chloride on your skin, it will numb the skin and cause redness and blisters.
Some people who have breathed vinyl chloride over several years have developed changes in the structure of their livers. People are more likely to develop these changes if they breathe high levels of vinyl chloride. Some people who have worked with vinyl chloride have developed nerve damage, and others have developed an immune reaction. The
UCC 108183
4
1. PUBLIC HEALTH STATEMENT
lowest levels that cause liver changes, nerve damage, and the immune reaction in humans are not known. Some people who work at jobs that cause them to be exposed to veiy high levels of vinyl chloride have problems with the blood flow in their hands. Their fingers turn white and hurt when they go into the cold. It may take a long time to recover when they go into a warm place. In some of these people, changes have appeared on the skin of their hands and forearms. Also, the bones at the tips of their fingers have broken down. Studies suggest that some people may be more sensitive to these effects than others.
Some men who work with vinyl chloride have complained of a lack of sex drive. Results of studies in animals show that long-term exposure may damage the sperm and testes. Some women who work with vinyl chloride have had irregular menstrual periods. Some have developed high blood pressure during pregnancy. Studies of women who live near vinyl chloride manufacturing plants could not prove that vinyl chloride causes birth defects. Studies in animals show that breathing vinyl chloride may harm the babies of pregiant animals. Animal studies also show that vinyl chloride may cause increased numbers of miscarriages early in pregnancy. It may also cause decreased weight and delayed skeletal development in babies. The same very high levels of vinyl chloride that caused these effects in the babies also caused adverse effects in the pregnant animals.
Studies of workers who have breathed vinyl chloride over many years showed that it can cause cancer of the liver. Brain cancer, lung cancer, and some cancers of the blood also may be connected with breathing it daily for several years. Studies of long-term exposure in animals show that increases in cancer may occur at very low levels of vinyl chloride in the air. Studies show that animals fed low levels of vinyl chloride each day during their lifetime had an increased risk of getting cancer. These results suggest that breathing air or drinking water containing low levels of vinyl chloride may increase the risk of getting cancer.
The Department of Health and Human Services has determined that vinyl chloride is a known carcinogen. Likewise, the International Agency for Research on Cancer has determined that vinyl chloride is carcinogenic to humans, and EPA has determined that vinyl chloride is a human carcinogen.
1.6 IS THERE A MEDICAL TEST TO DETERMINE WHETHER I HAVE BEEN EXPOSED TO VINYL CHLORIDE?
The results of several tests can show if you have been exposed to vinyl chloride. These tests are not normally available at your doctor's office. Vinyl chloride can be measured in your breath, but the test must be done shortly after exposure. This test is not very helpful for measuring very low levels of the chemical. The amount of the major
UCC 108184
5 1. PUBLIC HEALTH STATEMENT
breakdown product of vinyl chloride, thiodiglycolic acid, in the urine may give some information about exposure. This test must be done shortly after exposure and is not a reliable indicator of the level of exposure. Also, exposure to other chemicals can produce the same breakdown products in your urine.- Vinyl chloride can bind to genetic material in your body. The amount of this binding can be measured. This measurement will give information about whether you have been exposed to vinyl chloride. However, scientists do not know if these measurements can tell how much vinyl chloride you have been exposed to. For more information, see Chapters 2 and 6.
1.7 WHAT RECOMMENDATIONS HAS THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT MADE TO PROTECT HUMAN HEALTH?
The federal government has developed standards and guidelines to protect individuals from the potential health effects of vinyl chloride in drinking water, food, and air. HPA requires that the amount of vinyl chloride in drinking water not exceed 0.002 milligrams per liter of water (mg/L) (0.002 ppm). For short-term exposures, EPA requires that drinking water levels not exceed 2.6 mg/L (2.6 ppm) for 10 days. For longer periods, levels should not exceed 0.046 mg/L (0.046 ppm) for adults. Children's intake should be limited to less than 0.013 mg/L (0.013 ppm) over long periods.
In order to limit intake of vinyl chloride in food to levels considered safe, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates the vinyl chloride content of various plastics. These include plastics that cany water and plastics that come into contact with food. Limits range from 5 to 50 ppm, depending on the nature of the plastic and its use.
EPA has named vinyl chloride as a hazardous part of solid waste. If quantities greater than 1 pound are released to the environment, the National Response Center of the federal government must be told immediately.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulates levels of vinyl chloride in the workplace. The maximum allowable amount of vinyl chloride in workroom air during an 8-hour workday in a 40-hour workweek is 1 ppm. The maximum amount allowed in any 15-minute period is 5 ppm. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) classifies vinyl chloride as an occupational carcinogen. Workers exposed to any measurable amount of it must wear special breathing equipment. EPA has determined that factories must limit the amount of vinyl chloride released in air to 10 ppm. For more information, see Chapter 7.
\JCC 108185
e
1. PUBLIC HEALTH STATEMENT
1.8 WHERE CAN I GET MORE INFORMATION? If you have any more questions or concerns, please contact your community or state health or environmental quality department on
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry Division of Toxicology 1600 Clifton Road NE, E-29 Atlanta, Georgia 30333 This agency can also provide you with information on the location of the nearest occupational and environmental health clinic These clinics specialize in the recognition, evaluation, and treatment of illnesses resulting from exposure to hazardous substances.
UCC 108186
7
2. HEALTH EFFECTS
2.1 INTRODUCTION
The primary purpose of this chapter is to provide public health officials, physicians, toxicologists, and other interested individuals and groups with an overall perspective of the toxicology of vinyl chloride and a depiction of significant exposure levels associated with various adverse health effects. It contains descriptions and evaluations of studies and presents levels of significant exposure for vinyl chloride based on toxicological studies and epidemiological investigations.
2.2 DISCUSSION OF HEALTH EFFECTS BY ROUTE OF EXPOSURE
To help public health professionals address the needs of persons living or working near hazardous waste sites, the information in this section is organized first by route of exposure-inhalation, oral, and dermaland then by health effect-death, systemic, immunological, neurological, developmental, reproductive, genotoxic, and carcinogenic effects. These data are discussed in terms of three exposure periods-acute (14 days or less), intermediate (15-364 days), and chronic (365 days or more).
Levels of significant exposure for each route and duration are presented in tables and illustrated in figure. The points in the figures showing no-observed-adverse-effect levels (NOAELs) or lowest-observed-adverseeffect levels (LOAELs) reflect the actual doses (levels of exposure) used in the studies. LOAELs have been classified into 'less serious' or 'serious' effects. These distinctions are intended to help the users of the document identify the levels of exposure at which adverse health effects sun to appear. They should also help to determine whether or not the effects vary with dose and/or duration, and place into perspective the possible significance of these effects to human health.
The significance of the exposure levels shown in the ubles and figures may differ depending on the user's perspective. For example, physicians concerned with the interpretation of clinical findings in exposed persons may be interested in levels of exposure associated with 'serious' effects. Public health officials and project managers concerned with appropriate actions to uke at hazardous waste sites may want information on levels of exposure associated with more subtle effects in humans or animals (LOAEL) or exposure levels below which no adverse effects (NOAEL) have been observed. Estimates of levels posing minimal risk to humans (Minimal Risk Levels, MRLs) may be of interest to health professionals and citizens alike.
Levels of exposure associated with the carcinogenic effects of vinyl chloride are indicated in Figures 2-1 and 2-2. Because cancer effects could occur at lower exposure levels, the figures also show a range for the upper bound of estimated excess risks, ranging from a risk of 1 in 10,000 to 1 in 10,000,000 (Iff4 to Iff7), as developed by EPA.
Estimates of exposure levels posing minimal risk to humans (MRLs) have been made, where data were believed reliable, for the most sensitive noncancer effect for each exposure duration. MRLs include adjustments to reflect human variability and extrapolation of data from laboratory animals to humans.
Although methods have been established to derive these levels (Barnes and Dourson 1988; EPA 1989a), uncertainties are associated with these techniques. Furthermore, ATSDR acknowledges additional uncertainties inherent in the application of the procedures to derive less than lifetime MRLs. As an example, acute inhalation MRLs may not be protective for health effects that are delayed in development or are acquired following repeated acute insults, such as hypersensitivity reactions, asthma, or chronic bronchitis. As these kinds of health effects data `become available and methods to assess levels of significant human exposure improve, these MRLs will be revised.
UCC 108187
8
2. HEALTH EFFECTS
2.2.1 Inhalation Exposure
2.2.1.1 Death
A report by Danziger (1960) described the deaths of two vinyl chloride workers. In one case, a worker exposed to high concentrations of vinyl chloride vapor emitted from an open valve was found dead. In another case, a worker responsible for cleaning a polymerization tank was found dead in the tank. Autopsies performed on these men indicated that death was due to asphyxiation. Circumstances surrounding the deaths suggested that the deaths were due to breathing veiy high levels of vinyl chloride.
Brief exposures of experimental animals such as guinea pigs, mice, and rats to concentrations of vinyl chloride ranging from 100,000 to 400,000 ppm have been shown to be fatal (Lester et al. 1963; Mastromatteo et al. I960; Patty et al. 1930). At these concentrations, deaths occurred within 30-60 minutes. Increased mortality was also observed at much lower concentrations in maternal mice in a developmental toxicity study (John et al. 1977). In this study, maternal mice had an increased incidence of deaths following exposure to 500 ppm for 10 days during gestation.
Decreased longevity was observed in intermediate- and chronic-duration studies (Adkins et al. 1986; Drew et al. 1983; Feron et al. 1979a; Hong et al. 1981; Lee et al. 1977a, 1978; Viola 1970). A treatment-related increase in mortality was observed in mice exposed to 500 ppm of vinyl chloride for 6 hours per day, 5 days per week, for 6 months (Adkins et al. 1986). In mice and rats maintained for 12 months following a 6-month, 6-hour-per-day, 5-day-per-week exposure regime, decreased longevity was observed at concentrations as low as 50 ppm (Hong et al. 1981). However, statistical analyses of the data were not available to verify the significance of the decrease. Substantial increases in mortality of mice and rats exposed to 250 ppm vinyl chloride for 12 months were observed by Lee et al. (1977a, 1978). In addition, small increases in mortality of mice and rats during the 12-month exposure period were observed at 50 ppm in these reports. However, statistical analyses indicating the significance of these increases were not presented.
The influence of the age of female animals at the time of exposure to vinyl chloride on survival was examined by Drew et al. (1983). In female hamsters exposed to 200 ppm, two strains of female mice exposed to 50 ppm, and female rats exposed to 100 ppm for 12 months, a higher death rate was observed when 2-month-old animals were exposed than when 8- or 14-month-old animate were exposed. Similar trends were observed when hamsters and mice were exposed to these concentrations for 6 months. These results do not necessarily indicate that young people are more susceptible to the lethal effects of vinyl chloride, since animals that were exposed later in life may have died of age-related causes prior to the expression of the lethal effects. This study was limited in that only one dose of vinyl chloride was tested in each species.
The highest NOAEL values and all reliable LOAEL values for death in each species and duration category are recorded in Table 2-1 and plotted in Figure 2-1.
2.2.1.2 Systemic Effects
The highest NOAEL values and all reliable LOAEL values for each study with a systemic end point in each species and duration category are recorded in Table 2-1 and plotted in Figure 2-1.
UCC 108188
UCC 108189
Key to_ figure*
Specie*
ACUTE EXPOSURE Death 1 Rat
2 Rot
3 6n pig
4 Gn pig
5 House
6 House
Systaalc
7 Rat 8 Rat 9 Rat
10 Rat It Rat
TABLE 2-1. Levels of Significant Exposure to Vinyl Chloride - Irtialation
Exposure duration/ frequency
Systen
HOAEL tppJ
LQAEL (effect) less serious
tPI>
Serious <PP*>
Reference
30 sdn
2 hr
30 oin
up to 8 hr 30 arin
10 d 7hr/d 6d6-15
300000 (S/S) 150000 300000 (1/S) 100000 200000 (2/5)
500 (17X Maternal death)
HestrosMtteo et at. 1960
Lester et al. 1963
Kastronatteo et el. 1960
Patty et al. 1930
Kastraaatteo et at. 1960
John et al. 19/7
2 hr
Rasp
100000 150000 (lung edeaM)
1-5 d 6hr/d 30 Bin
1, 5 d 6hr/d 1. 5 d 6hr/d
Hepatic
50000
Reap Hepatic Renal
Hepatic
100000 200000
100000 (lung congestion) 200000 (liver fatty
Infiltration) 300000 (kidney
congestion)
50000
Hepatic
50000 100000 (liver vacuolix*|ion)t
Lester et al. 1963
Reynolds et al. 1975b
Hastromtteo et al. 1960
Reynolds et al. 1975a
Jaeger et si. 1974
2. HEALTH EFFECTS
UCC 108190
Key to figure*
Specie*
12 fin pig
13 Nouee
neurological 14 Huoan IS Rat 16 tat 17 Rat IS Rat 19 fin pig 20 fin pig 21 Route
22 House
MHLE 2-1 (Continued)
Exposure duration/ frequency
System
NWEl <PP>
L04EL (effect) less serious
(Pf)
Serious (PF">
30 Bin 30 min
Hasp Kemeto Hepatic
Reap Hepatic Renal
200000 200000
100000 (lung congestion)
300000 (absence of clotting)
300000 (liver
degeneration)
200000 100000
100000 (ling hyperemia) 300000 (liver
congestion) 200000 (kidney
degeneration)
Reference Hastromatteo et al. I960
Hastromatteo et al. 1960
S min 2x/d 1 hr
1. 5 d 6hr/d 30 min
2 hr
30 min
ig> to 8 hr 30 min
1 hr
4000 8000 (Silliness)
50000 50000
\
100000 (anesthesia) 100000 (narcosis)
50000 (intoxication)
100000 (unconscious)
10000
25000 (narcosis)
5000
100000 (narcosis) 1
50000 (ataxia)
Lester et al. 1963
Hehir et al. 1911
Jaeger et al. 1974
Hastromatteo et al. 1960
Lester et al. 1963
Hastromatteo et al. 1960
Patty et al. 1930
Hastromatteo et al. 1960
Hehir et al. 1981
TADLE 2-1 (Continued)
HEALTH EFFECTS
ucc
Key to figure* Species
Exposure
duration/ frequency
Systi
NOAEt (PP>
LOAEL (effect)
let* serious (pp")
Serious (pp)
Reference
Pavel np--ntat 23 Rat
26 Rabbit
25 Mouse
10 d 7hr/d 6d6-15
13 d 7hr/d 6d6-18
10 d 7hr/d Gd6-15
Reproductive 26 House
Cancer 27
House
INTERNEDIATE EXPOSURE Death 28 House
5d 6hr/d
1 hr
6 an 5d/wfc 6hr/d 6 an 5d/uk 6hr/d
2500 (ureter dilation)
500 (delayed ossification)
50 500 (decreased litter site; decreased fetal weight; delayed ossification)
50000
5000 (CEL-lung)
John et al. 1981 John et al. 1977 John et al. 1977
Anderson et si. 1976 Hehir et al. 1981
500 50
Adkins et al. 1986
Hong et al. 1981
oon
3
1
o00
t (D
HEALTH EFFECTS
UCC 108192
*9 to^ figure
Species
Systeaic 30 Rat
31 Rat 32 Rat 33 Rat 34 Rat
35 Rat
1AOLE 2 1 (Continued)
Exposure
duration/ frequency
Systeto
HOWL (ppw)
LMEl (effect)
Less serious (ppn)
Serious (ppn)
19 d Shr/d
10 MO 5d/wk 5hr/d 6 MO 5d/wk 7hr/d
10 wk Sd/wfc Ihr/d 3 MO 6d/wk 6hr/d
6 no 6d/wk 6hr/d
HcMato Hepatic
Renal Hepatic
50000
50000 (decreased white blood cells)
50000 (hepatocellular hypertrophy with coMpressfon of sinusoids)
50 (fatty degeneration)
Heneto Hepatic
Renal
Rasp
200 100 (increased liver weight)
200
500
Csrdio Renal Other
Csrdio Hepatic Other
10 100 (Increased heart weight)
100 3000 (increased kidney weight)
100 3000 (Increased spleen weight)
10 (increased heart weight)
10* (increased liver
weight) 10 (increased spleen
weight)
1
Reference
Lester et at. 1963
WisniewskaKnypt et at. 1900 torkelson et ( 1961
Hehir et al. 1901 Si et al. 1905
1 et al. 1905
HEALTH EFFECTS
UCC 108193
Key to figure*
Species
36 Ret
32 Ret
38 Rabbit 39 On pig 40 House 41 House
TABLE 2-1 (Continued)
Exposure durst 1 on/ frequency
Syste*
NOAEL <PP">
___________________ LOAEl (effect) Less serious (PP>
Serious <PP>
92 d 5d/wfc
8hr/d
10 no Sd/wk Shr/d
Heaato Nepotic
Rensl
20000 (decreased white biood cells)
20000 (hepatocellular hypertrophy with compression of
sinusoids) 20000
Husc/skel Hepatic
20000
Renel Other
SO
50 (increased lipid droplets in hepatocytes)
500 (increased kidney weight)
SO (decreased body weight; increased spleen weight)
6 an Sd/wfc 7hr/d
6 no 5d/wk 2hr/d
8 wfc Sd/wk 6hr/d
5-6 no 5d/wk 5hr/d
Hepatic Hepatic Keawito Resp
100 200 (centrilobuler degeneration and necrosis)
200
1000
2500 (proliferation and hypertrophy of bronchial epitheliua; hyper secretion of nucin; hyperpiesie of elveoler epithetlue) . 1
Reference Lester et al.
1963
Soksl et at. 1980
Torkelson et at. 1961 Torkelson et al. 1961 Shanaa and Gehring 1929 Suzuki 1981; Suzuki 1928
to
HEALTH EFFECTS
UCC 108194
Key to figure* Species 42 House
43 House
44 Dog
laauwtoglcat 43 House
Reproductive 44 lit
47 Rt
48 Hat
Cencer 49
Rat
30 Rlt
MILE 2-1 (Continued)
Exposure durstion/ frequency
System
1-6 no Sd/uk Shr/d
20 uk Sd/uk Ihr/d
6 no Sd/uk 7hr/d
Hepetic
Resp Hepetic
Heneto Hepetic Renal
NOAEL <PP")
LOAEL (effect)
Less serious (>
Serious <PP)
2300 (hyperplasia of hepatocytes and sinusoidal celts)
SO 50
200 200 200
Reference
Schaffner 1978
Hehlr et al. 1981
Torkelson et al. 1961
8 uk Sd/uk 6hr/d
10 (Increased spontaneous lynphocyte proliferation)
Sharna and fiehrlng 1979
10 no Sd/uk Shr/d
11 uk Sd/uk 6hr/d
3, 6 no 6d/uk 6hr/d
SO
500 (decreased
Sokal et al.
spermatogenesis) 1980
SO
250 (reduced male
Short et at.
fertility)
1977
10 100 (decreased testes Height)
Oi et al. 1985
10 no Sd/wk 6hr/d
6 no Sd/uk 6hr/d
250 (CEL-liver) 100 (CEL-liver) s*
Kong et al. 1981 Drett et at. 1983
HEALTH EFFECTS
UCC 108195
MILE 2-1 iCcn&fnued)
Kay to
figure* SpOCtM
SI Houoo
S2 Houoo S3 Houoo
5* Houoo
55 Houoo 56 Houoo
57 Haanter
56 Horntor
Eapoaure duration/ frequency
Syoteai
NOAEL (Pf)
7-9 on Sd/uk 6fir/d
6 on 5d/uk 6fir/d 6M Sd/uk 6hr/d
1,3,6 on Sd/uk 6hr/d
6 on Sd/uk 6l>r/d
t uk 5d/uk 6tir/d
30 uk Sd/uk 6tir/d
6 no 5d/uk 6hr/d
10AEL (effect)
Leoo oorlouo (PP>
Serlouc <PP)
50 (CEL-liver)
Reference Lee et at. 1978
50 (CEL-perltoneua) Drew et al. 1983
50 (CEL-lung)
Adkins et at. 1986
50 (CEL-eiaanary glond)
Hong et at. 1981
50 (CEL-peritoneua)
Dreu et al. 1983
100 (CEL-lurtg) \
500 (CEL-liver) *
200 (CEL-liver)
Suzuki 1982
Haltonl et al. 1981 Dreu et at. 1983
ro
HEALTH EFFECTS
UCC 108196
Key to figure* Species
CMKMIC EXPOSURE Syetenlc 59 Rot
Reproductive 60 Rat
Cancer 61
Nat
62 Nat
63 Rat 64 Rat 65 Rat
1AOLE 2-1 (Continued)
Exposure
duration/ freqpancy
Syete*
NOAEL (ppn)
___________________ LOAEt (effect)
Lose serioue ((*
Serious (ppn)
Reference
12 no 6d/uk ftr/d
Hepatic Renel
3000 (increased liver Height)
10 100 (increased kidney Height)
Si at st. 1985
12 an 6d/wk <hr/d
52 Hk Sd/Hk 4hr/d
12, 18, 24 no 5d/ak 6hr/d
12 no 6d/nk 6hr/d
12 NO 5d/Hk 6hr/d
52 Hk 5d/nk 4hr/d
10
100 (testes necrosis) 01 et at. 1985
5 (CEL-Nsneary gland)
100 (CEL-liver)
Haltonf et at. 1981
Dreu et al. 1983
100 (CEL-liver) 250 (CEL-liver)
1 (CEL-llver)
81 et si. 1985
Lee et at. 1978
Helton! et at. 1981
TABLE 2-1 (Continued)
Key to figure* Species Reference
66 Mouse
67 House 60 Mouse
69 Hamster
Exposure duration/ frequency
System
NQAEL tPP*)
12, 18 M Sd/wk 6hr/d
12 mo 5d/uk 6hr/d 12, 18 HK> 5d/uk 6hr/d
12. 18, 24 mo Sd/uk 6hr/d
LOAEL (effect)
Less serious <PP>
Serious <PP")
50 (CEL-liver)
50 (CEL-lung) SO (CEL-lung)
200 (CEL-liver)
Drew et el. 1983 Lee et at. 1978 Oreu et al. 1983 Drew et al. 1983
*Tho rusher corresponds to entries in Figure 2-1. toed to derive en intermediate inhalation Minimal Risk Level (HRL) of 0.002 ppm; dose adjusted from intermittent to
continuous dosing (10 ppm x 6 days/7 days k 6 hr/24 hr * 2 ppm), adjusted dose divided by an uncertainty factor of 1,000 (10 for use of a LOAEL, 10 for extrapolation fro* animals to humne, and 10 for huaen variability).
Cerdio cardiovascular; CEL Cancer Effect Level; d * day(s); Gd gestation day(s); On pig * guinea pig; Hemoto hematological; hr hour(s); LOAEL * lowest-observed-adverse-effect level; min = minute(s); mo 1 month(s); Nuec/skel musculoskeletal; MOREL no-observed-adverse-effect level; Resp * respiratory; wk * ueek(s); x = ti*e(s>
HEALTH EFFECTS
UCC 108197
FIGURE 2-1. Levels of Significant Exposure to Vinyl Chloride - Inhalation
ACUTE
//
/ //
9m* 9<t* 9i*
9*
9* 9t*>0*
9*9i0 9*
09 o*
O* 0*0**
0ti*0t*09m
**
QtSm
two*
"
IMS
HEALTH EFFECTS
UCC 108198
Om* It
FIGURE 2-1 (Continued)
INTERMEDIATE _____________ (15-364 Pay)
/ / / / / ///
HEALTH EFFECTS
UCC 108199
100.000
10,000
1,000
mi 0>
Of** too
o*
o<*
0*
10 0 Om
1
0.1
o.oi
0001
o
d o* 09*
O* 0*o
On*
0*0*1 O*o*
Om. <*"
o o*
03*
O** iiit
o*
S 01*0*1
O44** O4*
$n> >
sm
<* M
FIGURE 2-1 (Continued)
CHRONIC 365 Dayo)__________________
//
ioooqo
1.000 100
10 1
0.1 0.01 0.001
1 >
9m t?**m Om
<*
1(H tHmUM Upptr-
100-
100-
Ifrr J
v uoaiowtMi UMELfertnc O NOMEL (vOmOI A LQAS.hrtea* Ml A HOA&fiunan*)
D runbar im m Mdi printcariMpmh M nMw h ftttt 0-1.
* Dom* nonMnl Immi Oom MM pv N4r OHO mOUcvl UMrfpnle raaponw aid Oo m tap* ha mMmm ol hratMUtv tw one*and paht.
UCC 108200
21
2. HEALTH EFFECTS
Respiratory Effects. Limited information is available on the acute effects of inhalation of vinyl chloride hy humans. Autopsy findings from a man who died after being overcome by vinyl chloride vapor revealed the irritating nature of extremely high-level inhalation exposure. The lungs were found to be intensclyhypcremic, and some desquamation of the alveolar epithelium had occurred (Danzigcr I960). Reports regarding respiratory effects in workers who are occupationally exposed to vinyl chloride arc contradictory. Several epidemiologic studies found no increased incidence of respiratory disease among vinyl chloride workers (Gamble et at. 1976; LaPlanche et al. 1987; Waxwcilcr ct al. 1977), but several other epidemiologic surveys and case reports found evidence of pulmonary damage. The adverse respiratory effects reported in these studies include increased incidence of emphysema, decreased respiratory volume and vital capacity, respiratory insufficiency, decreased respiratory oxygen and carbon dioxide transfer, pulmonary fibrosis, and abnormal chest x-rays (Juhe et al. 1974; Lilis et al. 1975, 1976; Lloyd et al. 1984; Suciu et al. 1975; Walker 1976; Wong et al. 1986). Interpretation of many of these results is confounded by the inclusion of smokers among those exposed to vinyl chloride and the concurrent exposure of many vinyl chloride workers to PVC resin dust, which is known to cause respiratory lesions (Mastrnngelo et al. 1979).
Brief inhalation of high concentrations of vinyl chloride caused respiratory inflammation in a variety of animals. A 30-minute exposure of guinea pigs, mice, and rats to 100,000 ppm of vinyl chloride produced slight hyperemia in mice and rats and marked pulmonary congestion in guinea pigs. Exposure to higher concentrations (200,000 ppm and 300,000 ppm) caused increased congestion, edema, and, at the highest concentrations, hemorrhages in all three species (Mastromatteo et al. 1960). Edema and congestion of the lungs of rats were also observed following a 2-hour exposure to 150,000 ppm (Lester et al. 1963).
Histopathologic examination of mice exposed to 2,500 ppm vinyl chloride for 5 hours per day, 5 days per week, for 5-6 months revealed proliferation and hypertrophy of bronchiolar epithelium, hyperplasia of alveolar epithelium, hypersecretion of mucin, increased endoplasmic reticulum and free ribosomes in Clara cells, and mobilization of alveolar macrophages (Suzuki 1978, 1980, 1981). These changes were observed irrespective of the recovery period (2 or 37 days) indicating that they were not readily reversible. However, these studies were severely limited by the small number of animals tested and the absence of a statistical analysis.
Chronic exposure of rats to 5,000 ppm for 7 hours per day, 5 days per week, for 12 months produced hyperplasia of olfactory epithelium, increased cellulanty of interalveolar septa of the lungs, and an increased incidence of pulmonary hemorrhages (Feron and Kroes 1979). Interstitial pneumonia and two incidences of hemorrhagic lungs were observed in rats exposed to 30,000 ppm of vinyl chloride for 7 hours per day, 5 days per week, for 12 months (Viola et al. 1971). However, the statistical significance of the findings in the studies by Feron and Kroes (1979) and Viola et al. (1971) is unknown.
Cardiovascular Effects. Occupational exposure to vinyl chloride has been associated with the development of Raynaud's phenomenon, a condition in which the fingers blanch and become numb with discomfort upon exposure to the cold. This condition has been reporied most frequently among workers who cleaned the reactor tanks, a job which reportedly exposed workers to very high levels of vinyl chloride. Although only a small percentage of vinyl chloride workers develop Raynaud's phenomenon (Juhe et al. 1974; LaPlanche et al. 1987; Lilis et al. 1975; Marstelier et al. 1975; Sudu ct al. 1963, 1975; Veltman et al. 1975), the incidence is significantly higher than in unexposed workers (LaPlanche et al. 1987). Investigation of the peripheral circulation of workers afflicted with Raynaud's phenomenon has revealed thickening of the walls of the digital arteries (Harris and Adams 1967; Juhe et al. 1974); narrowing of the arterial lumen, arterial occlusions, tortuosity, and hypervascularity (Juhe et al. 1974; Prestoti et al. 1976;
UCC 108201
22
Z HEALTH EFFECTS
Veltman et al. 1975; Walker 1976); inflammatory inflitration of the arterioles (Magnavita et al. 1986); deposition of immune products along the vascular endothelium (Ward 1976); vasomotor impairment (Suciu et al. 1963); and impaired capillary microcirculation (Magnavita et al. 1986; Marioq et al. 1976). Three reports indicate that upon removal from exposure, Raynaud's phenomenon gradually disappears (Freudiger et al. 1988; Suciu et al. 1963, 1975). In one of these reports, improvement was observed within 4 months after the cessation of exposure (Freudiger et al. 1988).
Splenomegaly with evidence of portal hypertension (dilated peritoneal veins and esophageal varices) has been reported by investigators studying the effects of vinyl chloride exposure (Juhe et al. 1974; Lee and Harry 1974; Marsteller et al. 1975). In addition, hypertension among vinyl chloride workers (Suciu et al. 1975; Waxweiler et al. 1977) and significantly increased mortality due to cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease (Bryen et al. 1976) have been reported.
Investigators studying the anesthetic properties of vinyl chloride in dogs have observed that doses producing anesthesia (100,000 ppm, Oster et al. 1947; 150,000-900,000 ppm, Carr et al. 1949) also caused cardiac arrhythmias. Arrhythmias were characterized by intermittent tachycardia, extraventricular systoles, vagal beats, ventricular fibrillation, and atrioventricular block. However, the statistical significance of these effects was not reported.
Chronic exposure of rats to 5,000 ppm vinyl chloride 7 houre per day, 5 days per week, for 1 year resulted in increases in areas of myodegeneration in the heart and thickening of the walls of arteries (Feron and Kroes 1979). However, the statistical significance of this effect was not reported. Exposure of rats to 30,000 ppm of vinyl chloride for 4 hours per day, 5 days per week, for 1 year also produced thickening of the walls of small arterial vessels. The thickening was characterized by a proliferation of the endothelium. In some vessels, the thickening was severe enough to cause blockage of the lumen (Viola 1970). A study by Bi et al. (1985) demonstrated an increase in the relative heart weight at concentrations of vinyl chloride as low as 10 ppm when administered to male rats for 6 hours per day, 6 days per week, for 6 months.
Gastrointestinal Effects. Approximately 32% of the vinyl chloride workers examined by Lilis et al. (1975) reported a history of "gastritis, ulcers (gastric and duodenal) and upper gastrointestinal bleeding." Because these subjects were not compared to workers who had not been exposed to vinyl chloride, the significance of these findings is unknown. Two studies reported that workers intoxicated by vinyl chloride experienced anorexia (Suciu et ai. 1963, 1975). Other symptoms reported by vinyl chloride workers included nausea, abdominal distension, and heartburn.
No studies were located regarding gastrointestinal effects in animals following inhalation exposure to vinyl chloride.
Hematological Effects. Blood tests performed at autopsy from two workers, whose deaths were believed to be due to exposure to extremely high levels of vinyl chloride, revealed that the blood did not clot (Danziger 1960). Slight-tO'Severe thrombocytopenia in workers occupationally exposed to vinyl chloride was reported in several studies (Juhe et al. 1974; Marsteller et al. 1975; Micu et al. 1985; Veltman et al. 1975), but Lilis et al. (1975) found no increased incidence of thrombocytopenia in vinyl chloride workers. A prospective study of female workers exposed to vinyl chloride at levels ranging from 0.2 to 130.7 ppm showed that the exposed workers had a significantly lower number of platelets than nonexposed controls during the early part of their pregnancies (weeks 8-10) but that this effect abated by the end of the pregnancy (34-38 weeks) following a period free from exposure (Bao et al. 1988). One study showed no
UCC 108202
23
2. HEALTH EFFECTS
damage to the bone marrow hematopoietic systems (Juhe et al. 1974). Splenomegaly was reported in a number of these studies (Marsteller et al. 1975; Popper and Thomas 1975; Suciu et al. 1963; Veltman et al. 1975), hut Veltman et al. (1975) and Juhe et al. (1974) could find no correlation between the incidence of splenomegaly and thrombocytopenia. Increased levels of a number of plasma proteins (a!- and a2globulin, a2-macroglobulin, and ceruloplasmin) were reported in studies examining the effects of occupational exposure to vinyl chloride (Harris and Adams 1967; Suciu et al. 1975; Wagnerova et al. 1986, 1988).
A brief (30-minute) exposure of guinea pigs to 300,000 ppm vinyl chloride resulted in a failure of the blood to clot in the animals that died during the exposure (Mastromatteo et al. 1960). Exposure of dogs and rats to 200 ppm, 7 hours per day, 5 days per week, for 6 months had no effect on hematologic values (Torkelson et al. 1961). Also, an 8-week exposure of mice to 1,000 ppm for 6 hours per day, 5 days per week had no effect on erythrocyte or leukocyte counts (Sharma and Gehring 1979). Exposure of rats to either 50,000 ppm for 8 hours per day, for 19 consecutive days or 20,000 ppm for 8 hours per day, 5 days per week, for 92 days resulted in a decrease in white cells (Lester et al. 1963). An increase in the relative spleen weight was observed in rats exposed to 50 ppm for 5 hours per day, 5 days per week, for 10 months (Sokal et al. 1980). Increased relative spleen weight was also reported by Bi et al. (1985) when rats were exposed to 10 ppm for 6 hours per day, 6 days per week, for 6 months. Exposure of rats to 5,000 ppm vinyl chloride for 7 hours per day, 5 days per week, for 1 year caused slightly increased hematopoiesis in the spleen; slightly decreased hemoglobin content, packed cell volume, and erythrocytes; and decreased clotting time (Feron and Kroes 1979; Feron et al. 1979a). The statistical significance of these results was not provided.
Musculoskeletal Effects. Acroosteolysis, or resorption of the terminal phalanges of the finger, was observed in a small percentage of workers occupationally exposed to vinyl chloride (Dinman et al. 1971; Juhe et al. 1974; Lilis et al. 1975; Marsteller et al. 1975; Sakabe 1975; Veltman et al. 1975; Wilson et al. 1967). As with Raynaud's phenomenon, acroosteolysis was reported predominantly among polymerization tank cleaners. Bone lesions were most often confined to the terminal phalanges of the fingers, but in a few cases the bones of the toes, sacroiliac joint, arms, legs, and mandible were also involved (Harris and Adams 1967; Juhe et al. 1974; Preston et al. 1976). Development of acroosteolysis was most often preceded by Raynaud's phenomenon (Dinman et al. 1971; Freudiger et al. 1988; Harris and Adams 1967; Magnavita et al. 1986; Markowitz et al. 1972; Preston et al. 1976; Sakabe 1975; Veltman et al. 1975; Wilson et al. 1967). In two reports, bone resorption was observed to progress despite discontinuation of exposure (Markowitz et aL 1972; Preston et al. 1976). However, in two other reports, improvement was observed after exposure ceased (Veltman et al. 1975; Wilson et al. 1967). Joint pain was also reported by Lilis et al. (1975).
Although Sokal et al. (1980) found no alterations in the bones of rats exposed to 20,000 ppm for 5 hours per clay, 5 days per week, for 10 months, Viola (1970) observed skeletal changes in the bones of the paws of rats exposed to 30,000 ppm for 4 bouts per day, 5 days per week, for 12 months. The statistical significance of these effects was not reported.
Hepatic Effect*. Throughout the early years of the use of vinyl chloride, workers experienced only a minimal degree of functional hepatic abnormalities. However, when it became apparent in the early 1970s that angiosarcoma of the liver was associated with long-term vinyl chloride exposure, an intensive effort was initiated by a number of investigators to characterize the hepatic effects of vinyl chloride. These studies revealed characteristic hepatic lesions produced by vinyl chloride exposure (Berk et al. 1975; Falk et al. 1974; Gedigke et al. 1975; Jones and Smith 1982; Lee and Harry 1974; Lilis et al. 1975; Liss et al.
UCC 108203
24
2. HEALTH EFFECTS
1985; Marsieller et al. 1975; Popper and Thomas 1975; Suciu et al. 1975; Tamburro et al. 1984; Vihko et al. 1984; Waxweiler et al. 1977). The incidence and severity of the effects correlated well with the duration of exposure (Gedigke et al. 1975; Lilis et al. 1975; Waxweiler et al. 1977). A further description of hepatic angiosarcoma may be found in Section 2.2.I.8.
Routine noninvasive techniques revealed hepatomegaly in a limited number of workers (13-37%) (Lilis et al. 1975; Marsieller et al. 1975; Suciu et al, 1963, 1975; Waxweiler et al. 1977). However, when peritoneoscopy was performed or biopsies were obtained from exposed workers, Marsteller et al. (1975) found a much higher prevalence of hepatic abnormalities. Only 37% of the workers studied by Marsteller et al. (1975) were diagnosed with hepatomegaly, but peritoneoscopy revealed a 50% incidence of granular changes in the liver surface and an 86% incidence of capsular fibrosis with increased numbers of capsular vessels. Histopathological examination of the biopsied tissue from these workers revealed an 80% incidence of collagenization of the sinusoidal walls, a 90% incidence of proliferation of cells lining the sinusoids, a 30% incidence of septal fibrosis, and degeneration of hepatocytes (incidence not specified). A number of other investigators observed similar changes in liver tissues obtained from workers exposed to vinyl chloride (Falk et al. 1974; Gedigke et al. 1975; Juhe et al. 1974; Popper and Thomas 1975; Tamburro et al. 1984). Based on these observations, a profile of vinyl chloride-induced liver damage was compiled which includes the following features: hypertrophy and hyperplasia of hepatocytes; activation and hyperplasia of sinusoidal lining cells; fibrosis of portal tracts and the septa, and intralobular perisinusoidal regions; sinusoidal dilation; and focal areas of hepatocellular degeneration. This pattern of changes was observed to be highly unusual and was similar to the hepatic changes produced by arsenic (Gedigke et al. 1975). In addition, the degenerative changes in hepatocytes appeared to be less severe when biopsy material was obtained from workers who had not been exposed to vinyl chloride recently. However, sinusoidal changes were not influenced by the length of time since the last exposure (Gedigke et al. 1975).
One possible reason that the hepatotoxic effects of vinyl chloride went undetected for many years was the lack of sensitivity of standard biochemical liver function tests to detect the liver injury produced by vinyl chloride (Berk et al. 1975; Marsteller et al. 1975; Tamburro et al. 1984; Vihko et al. 1984). For example, the values obtained in several standard biochemical liver function tests (alkaline phosphatase, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, gamma glutamyltranspeptidase) from workers with biopsy evidence of vinyl chloride-associated liver damage were not significantly higher than those from unexposed controls (Liss et al. 1985). Only serum bile acids and/or indocyanine green clearance correlated with liver injury (Berk et al. 1975; Liss et al. 1985; Tamburro et al. 1984). Furthermore, investigators have shown that levels of chenodeoxycholic acid (a serum bile acid) in asymptomatic vinyl chloride workers were elevated when compared to the 95% interval of values from a healthy reference population (Vihko et al.
1984).
Brief exposure of animals to extremely high concentrations of vinyl chloride has been shown to cause hepatic damage. For example, acute exposure (30 minutes) of guinea pigs, mice, and rats to 300,000 ppm of vinyl chloride caused liver congestion or severe fatty degeneration (Mastromatteo et al. 1960). Exposure to 100,000 ppm for 4 hours caused centrilobular vacuolization and increased serum a-ketoglutarate in rats (Jaeger et al. 1974). However, exposure of rats to 50,000 ppm for 4 or 6 hours produced no observable effects on the liver (Jedrychowski et al. 1985; Reynolds et al. 1975a, 1975b). In contrast, a singleconcentration study in which pregnant rats were continuously exposed to 1,565 ppm for 7-9 days during either the first or second trimester of pregnancy resulted in an increase in the Ifver-to-body-weight ratio (Ungvaty et al. 1978). Interestingly, a single 1-bour exposure of mice to 500, 5,000, or 50,000 ppm of vinyl chloride, followed by an 18-month observation period, resulted in an increased incidence of hepatocellular
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hypertrophy in these animals at terminal sacrifice (Hehir et al. 1981). The hypertrophy was not dosedependent; thus, the significance of this effect is uncertain.
In studies with longer durations of exposure, lower concentrations of vinyl chloride have produced hepatic toxicity. Symptoms of hepatotoxicity that have been observed in rats have included degeneration, swelling of hepatocytes with compression of sinusoids, dilation of the rough endoplasmic reticulum, proliferation of smooth endoplasmic reticulum, changes in metabolic enzyme activities, proliferation of reticulocytes, and increased liver-to-body-weight ratio (Bi et al. 1985; Du et al. 1979; Lester et al. 1963; Sokal et al. 1980; Torkelson et al. 1961; Wisniewska-Knypl et al. 1980). For example, exposure of rats to 500 ppm for 7 hours per day, 5 days per week, for 4.5 months resulted in an increase in liver-to-body-weight ratio and granular degeneration (Torkelson et al. 1961). Exposure of rats to 500 ppm for 5 hours per day, 5 days per week, for 10 months caused swelling of hepatocytes and proliferation of reticuloendothelial cells, increased liver weight, and cellular degeneration (Sokal et al. 1980). Also, exposure of rats to 50 ppm for 5 hours per day, 5 days per week, for 10 months produced fatty degeneration and proliferation of the smooth endoplasmic reticulum (Wisniewska-Knypl et al. 1980). An increased liver-to-body-weight ratio was observed in rats exposed to concentrations of vinyl chloride as low as 10 ppm for 6 hours per day, 6 days per week, for 6 months (Bi et al. 1985). Based on this value, an intermediate-duration MRL of 0.002 ppm was calculated as described in the footnote in Table 2-1.
The relative NOAELs for a variety of species following a 6-month exposure to vinyl chloride indicated that mice and rats were the most sensitive (NOAEL = 50 ppm), rabbits were the next most sensitive (NOAEL = 100 ppm), and dogs and guinea pigs were the least sensitive (NOAEL > 200 ppm) (Torkelson et al.
1961).
Popper et al. (1981) compared histopathological findings from sections of liver from mice and rats exposed by Maltoni and LeFemine (1975) with the liver biopsy material obtained from vinyl chloride workers. Hyperplasia and hypertrophy of hepatocytes and/or sinusoidal cells, with areas of sinusoidal dilation, were observed in both humans and rodents. The major difference between the species was the greater degree of fibrosis, seen as reticulin deposition and collagen formation, in the livers of humans. Also, inflammatory cells were present in the livers of humans, but not in rodents.
Renal Effects. No studies were located regarding renal effects in humans after inhalation exposure to vinyl chloride.
Acute exposure of mice and rats to 300,000 ppm of vinyl chloride for 30 minutes resulted in kidney congestion. Also, the kidneys of one mouse out of five exposed to either 200,000 or 300,000 ppm of vinyl chloride for 30 minutes showed degenerative changes (Mastromatteo et al. 1960). Exposure of rats to 5U,0UU ppm for 8 hours per day for 19 consecutive days or 20,000 ppm for 8 hours per day, 5 days per week, for 92 days caused no adverse effects on the kidneys (Lester et al. 1963). However, exposures of male rats to 3,000 ppm for 6 hours per day, 6 days per week, for 6 months caused the kidney-to-bodyweight ratio to increase (Bi et al. 1985). Also, 1 year of exposure to 5,000 ppm for 7 hours per day, 5 days per week caused increased kidney-to-body-weight ratio and tubular nephrosis in rats. Increased blood urea nitrogen and urinary volume were also observed (Feron and Kroes 1979; Feron et al. 1979a). However, the statistical significance of these findings was not provided in the study.
Dermal/Ocular Effects. Local burns on the conjunctiva and cornea were observed in a man who died after exposure to an unknown quantity of vinyl chloride vapor escaping from an open valve (Danziger
I960).
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Occupational exposure to vinyl chloride was observed to cause scleroderma-like skin changes on the hands of a small percentage of exposed workers (Juhe et al. 1974; Lilis et al. 1975; Marsteller et al. 1975; Suciu et al. 1963, 1975; Veltman et al. 1975; Walker 1976). The skin changes were characterized by a thickening of the skin, decreased elasticity, and slight edema and were almost exclusively observed in workers who also suffered from Raynaud's phenomenon (Freudiger et al. 1988; Juhe et al. 1974; Lilis et al. 1975; Markowitz et al. 1972; Preston et al. 1976; Suciu et al. 1975; Veltman et al. 1975; Walker 1976). Skin biopsies revealed increased collagen bundles in the subepidermat layer of the skin (Harris and Adams 1967; Juhe et al. 1974; Markowitz et al. 1972; Veltman et al. 1975). Biochemical analyses by Jayson et al. (1976) demonstrated that a high rate of collagen synthesis was taking place in the affected skin. Most often the skin changes were confined to the hands and wrists, but Jayson et al. (1976) reported scleroderma-like skin changes on the hands, arms, chest, and face of one afflicted worker.
Viola (1970) observed skin changes in rats exposed to 30,000 ppm for 12 months. The skin of the paws of the exposed rats showed areas of hyperkeratosis, thickening of the epidermis, edema, collagen dissociation, and fragmentation of the elastic reticulum. Interpretation of these results is limited by the absence of a statistical analysis and insufficient information on the treatment of control animals.
2.2.1.3 Immunological Effects
A number of studies have examined the immunologic profile of workers occupationally exposed to vinyl chloride. A statistically significant increase in circulating immune complexes in workers exposed to vinyl chloride was observed when compared to levels in unexposed workers (Bogdanikowa and Zawilska 1984). The increase in circulating immune complexes was greatest in women and in workers with duties involving exposure to relatively high levels of vinyl chloride. Also, elevated immunoglobulins were found in workers exposed to vinyl chloride when compared to levels in unexposed controls (Wagnerova et al. 1986). However, no correlation between the levels of immunoglobulins and the duration of exposure was observed.
Studies of workers that have developed "vinyl chloride disease," a syndrome consisting of Raynaud's phenomenon, acroosteolysis, joint and muscle pain, enhanced collagen deposition, stiffness of the hands, and scleroderma-like skin changes, indicate that this disease may have an immunologic basis. Sera obtained from patients with varying degrees of severity of symptoms of vinyl chloride disease demonstrate a close correlation between the disease severity and the extent of the immunologic abnormality (Grainger et al. 1980; Langauer-Lewowicka et al. 1976; Ward 1976). The most frequent immunologic findings in workers with vinyl chloride disease are an increase in circulating immune complexes and cryoglobulinemia. In workers with the most severe clinical signs, there is also an increased incidence of B-cell proliferation, hyperimmunoglobulinemia, and complement activation (Grainger et al. 1980; Langauer-Lewowicka et al. 1976; Ward 1976). Evidence of a structurally altered immunoglobulin G (lgG) has been obtained, and it has been proposed that vinyl chloride (or a metabolite) binds to IgG (Grainger et al. 1980). Should such binding occyr, the resulting complex may be the antigenic substance that triggers the immune reaction.
Based on the similarity of vinyl chloride disease and systemic sclerosis, which may be a genetically linked autoimmune disease. Black et ai (1983, 1986) examined the human lymphocyte antigen (HLA) phenotypes of patients with vinyl chloride disease. Many autoimmune diseases show statistically significant associations with certain HLA alleles. These authors found that when compared to unexposed controls or asymptomatic controls, workers with vinyl chloride disease bad a significantly greater incidence of possessing the HLADR5 allele. Furthermore, among those with the disease, the severity of the symptoms was significantly related to the possession of the HLA-DR3 and B8 alleles. These authors concluded that susceptibility was
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increased in the presence of HLA-DR5 or a gene in linkage disequilibrium with it, and progression was favored by HLA-DR3 and B8,
The immunologic effects of vinyl chloride have been examined in mice (Sharma and Gehring 1979). Lymphocytes isolated from the spleens of mice exposed to concentrations as low as 10 ppm vinyl chloride for 4 weeks had increased spontaneous and lectin-stimulated transformation. This increase was not observed when lymphocytes from unexposed mice were cultured in the presence of vinyl chloride, indicating that a metabolite of vinyl chloride may be responsible for the increase.
The LOAEL value for immunological effects in mice exposed in an intermediate-duration study is recorded in Table 2-1 and plotted in Figure 2-1.
2.2.1.4 Neurological Effects
Vinyl chloride was once considered for use as an inhalation anesthetic (ACGIH 1986a). Investigators studying the effects of occupational vinyl chloride exposure frequently report central nervous system symptoms that are consistent with the anesthetic properties of vinyl chloride (Juhe et al. 1974; LangauerLewowicka et al. 1983; Lilis et al. 1975; Marsteller et al. 1975; Spirtas et al. 1975; Suciu et al. 1963, 1075; Veltman et al. 1975; Walker 1976; Waxweiler et al. 1977). The most commonly reported central nervous system effects are ataxia or dizziness, drowsiness or fatigue, loss of consciousness, and/or headache. Other central nervous system effects that have been reported by vinyl chloride workers include euphoria and irritability (Suciu et al. 1963, 1975), visual and/or hearing disturbances (Juhe et al. 1974; Marsteller et al. 1975), nausea (Marsteller et al. 1975; Spirtas et al. 1975), memoty loss (Langauer-Lewowicka et al. 1983; Suciu et al. 1963, 1975), and nervousness and sleep disturbances (Langauer-Lewowicka et al. 1983; Suciu et al. 1963). Central nervous system tests revealed pyramidal signs and cerebellar disturbances in some exposed subjects (Langauer-Lewowicka et al. 1983); however, reliable estimates of exposure levels producing these effects were not available.
Exposure of volunteers to known levels of vinyl chloride has provided some indication of the levels of vinyl c* 'oride associated with the effects noted above. Volunteers exposed to 25,000 ppm vinyl chloride for 3 minutes, in a single-dose study, reported experiencing dizziness, disorientation, and burning sensations in the feet during exposure (Patty et al. 1930). Recovery from these effects was rapid upon termination of exposure, but the subjects developed headaches. Exposure of volunteers to concentrations of vinyl chloride ranging from 4,000 to 20,000 ppm for 5 minutes was tested by Lester et al. (1963). No effects were noted at 4,000 ppm. However, at 8,000 ppm one of six subjects reported feeling dizzy. The incidence of dizziness increased with concentration. Nausea was experienced at higher concentrations, and recovery from all effects was rapid upon termination of exposure. Headaches developed following exposure to 20,uoo ppm.
Indications of an exposure-related peripheral neuropathy have been observed in a number of the occupational studies. A slight peripheral neuropathy was diagnosed in 70% of the vinyl chloride workers examined in a study by Pertico.. 1. (1986). The peripheral neuropathy was manifested as denervationrelated fasciculations and fibrillatk. is and increased duration and amplitude of motor unit potentials (indicating collateral sprouting), similar effects were observed by Magnavita et al. (1986) in a case study of a vinyl chloride worker. Other peripheral nervous system symptoms have been reported by a number of investigators studying the effects of occupational exposure to vinyl chloride. The most frequent symptom reported was tingling (paresthesia) in the extremities (Juhe et al. 1974; Lilis et al. 1975; Sakabe 1975; Spirtas et al. 1975; Suciu et al. 1963, 1975; Veltman et al. 1975; Walker 1976). Additional peripheral
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nervous system symptoms include numbness in the fingers (Juhe et al. 1974; Lilis et al. 1975; Sakabe 1975), weakness (Langauer-Lewowicka et al. 1983; Suciu et al. 1963, 1975), depressed reflexes (Waxweiler et al. 1977), warmth in the extremities (Suciu et al. 1963, 1975), and pain in the fingers (Juhe et al. 1974; Sakabe 1975). It is unclear whether some of these symptoms are associated with tissue anoxia due to vascular insufficiency, or whether they represent direct toxic effects of vinyl chloride on peripheral nerves.
Acute exposure of a number of species to high levels of vinyl chloride has provided additional information on the characteristics of the central nervous system effects that are produced. Exposure of guinea pigs to 10,000 ppm for 8 hours (Patty et al. 1930) was observed to be without effects. Increasing the concentration to 25,000 ppm resulted in ataxia, which developed into unconsciousness during the 8-hour exposure period. As the concentration was increased, the development of unconsciousness was more rapid. At 100,000 ppm, Mastromatteo et al. (1960) observed the development of unconsciousness within 30 minutes. Mice experienced similar signs at approximately equivalent exposure levels. At 5,000 ppm, vinyl chloride was without effect during a l-hour exposure period. Increasing the concentration to 50,000 ppm caused ataxia and twitching (Hehir et al. 1981), and at 100,000 ppm for 30 minutes unconsciousness was produced, preceded by increased motor activity, incoordination, twitching, and tremors (Mastromatteo et al. 1960). Similar effects in rats were observed by Lester et al. (1963), Jaeger et al. (1974), and Mastromatteo et-al. (1960). In contrast, in two reports using rats, exposure to 50,000 ppm for either 1 or 6 hours was without effect (Hehir et al. 1981; Jaeger et al. 1974). In addition, tolerance developed to the intoxicating effects of exposure to 50,000 ppm vinyl chloride after five or six 8-hour exposures (Lester et al. 1963).
Chronic exposure of rats to high levels of vinyl chloride has produced damage to nervous tissue. Rats exposed to 30,000 ppm for 4 hours per day, 5 days per week, for 12 months in a single-concentration study were slightly soporific during exposures (Viola 1970; Viola et al. 1971). Following 10 months of exposure, the rats had decreased responses to external stimuli and disturbed equilibrium. Histopathological examination revealed diffuse degeneration of gray and white matter. Cerebellar degeneration in the Purkinje cell layer was pronounced. Also, peripheral nerve endings were surrounded and infiltrated with fibrous tissue (Viola 1970; Viola et al. 1971). Nonneoplastic lesions in the brain were not noted in rats exposed to 5,000 ppm for 7 hours per day, 5 days per week, for 12 months in a single-concentration study by Feron and Kroes (1979).
The highest NOAEL values and all reliable LOAEL values for neurological effects in each species from acute- or intermediate-duration studies are recorded in Table 2-1 and plotted in Figure 2-1.
2.2.1.5 Developmental Effects
Although evidence has been presented indicating that members of communities with nearby vinyl chloride polymerization facilities have significantly greater incidences of some forms of developmental toxicity, these studies failed to demonstrate a statistically significant correlation between the developmental toxicity and either parental occupation or proximity to the facility (Edmonds et al. 1978; Infante 1976; Infante et al. 1976a, 1976b; Rosenman et al. 1989; Theriault et al. 1983).
The pregnancy outcome of wives of workers employed at a vinyl chloride polymerization facility was compared to the pregnancy outcome of wives of a control group made up of unexposed rubber workers and PVC fabricators believed to be exposed to *very low* levels of vinyl chloride (Infante et at. 1976a, 1976b; Waxweiler et al. 1977). Pregnancy outcomes were determined based on the responses given by fathers on a questionnaire. Infante et al. (1976a, 1976b) and Waxweiler et al. (1977) reported a significant excess of fetal loss in the group whose husbands had been exposed to vinyl chloride. The greatest
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difference occurred in wives of men under 30 years of age, where fetal loss was 5.3% for controls and 20.0% for exposed workers. However, this study has. been severely criticized based on the conduct of the study and method of statistical analysis used (Hatch et ai. 1981; Stallones et al. 1987). Furthermore, Hatch et al. (1981) and Stallones et al. (1987) concluded that the study failed to demonstrate an association of parental exposure to vinyl chloride with increased fetal loss.
Additional work by Infante (1976) and Infante et al. (1976b) examined the occurrence of congenital malformations among populations exposed to emissions ffom PVC polymerization facilities. A statistically significant increase in birth defects was observed in three cities in which polymerization facilities were located when compared to statewide and countywide averages. The greatest increases were noted in malformations of the central nervous system, upper alimentary tract, and genital organs, and in the incidence of club foot. However, this study has also been criticized based on the conduct and analyses used (Hatch et al. 1981; Stallones et al. 1987). These authors concluded that the study failed to demonstrate an association between exposure to emissions and the prevalence of birth defects. Furthermore, another study that examined the incidence of malformations in one of the cities studied by Infante (1976) concluded that, although the city had statistically increased incidences of congenital malformations, no correlation existed with parental proximity to the polymerization plant or with parental employment at the plant (Edmonds et al. 1975). In fact, more parents of control infants worked at the plant or lived closer to the plant than parents of infants with central nervous system malformations.
Additional studies have also examined the prevalence of congenital malformations in populations exposed to emissions ffom polymerization facilities (Edmonds et al. 1978; Rosenman et al. 1989; Theriault et al. 1983). The incidence of central nervous system defects in a West Virginia county with a polymerization plant was compared to incidences in other regions in the United States with no known exposure to vinyl chloride (Edmonds et al. 1978). Although the rate of central nervous system defects in the West Virginia county exceeded that in control areas, no correlation was noted between the increased central nervous system defects and parental occupation or potential exposure based on proximity to the plant or prevailing wind patterns.
A significantly greater prevalence of birth defects was found in residents of a town with a polymerization facility than in three matched towns without potential for exposure to vinyl chloride (Theriault et al. 1983). The most commonly reported defects included those of the musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, urogenital, and central nervous systems. The incidences were observed to fluctuate with seasonal changes in emissions. However, no correlations were found between the presence of defects and proximity of the residence to the plant or parental occupation. Also, other industrial emissions could not be eliminated as potential sources of the increased incidence of congenital malformations observed.
No significant increases in birth defects were observed in a community with two polymerization facilities, but odds ratios for central nervous system defects were found to correlate with the amount of emissions from the individual facilities and with the distance of the residences of affected parents from the facilities (Rosenman et al. 1989). However, this study was limited by the small sample size.
Pregnancy outcomes of mothers occupationally exposed to vinyl chloride for more than 1 year were compared to those of pregnant workers not exposed to vinyl chloride in retrospective and prospective studies (Bao et al. 1988). Company records indicated that exposure levels ranged from 3.9 to 89.3 ppm during the retrospective study and from 0.2 to 130.7 ppm during the prospective study. More detailed information regarding the exposure levels was not presented. The study authors concluded that exposure
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to vinyl chloride did not correlate with changes in sex ratio, birth weight or height, perinatal mortality, or the incidence of congenital abnormalities.
A number of inhalation studies have examined the effects of vinyl chloride exposure on pregnancy outcome in animals. Results of these studies indicate that vinyl chloride produces developmental effects at concentrations that are also toxic to maternal animals. John et al. (1977, 1981) exposed rats and rabbits to 0, 500, or 2,500 ppm and mice to 0, 50, or 500 ppm throughout the period of organogenesis. Mice were most sensitive to the effects of vinyl chloride. At 500 ppm, maternal toxicity was evidenced by decreased food consumption, decreased body weight gain, and increased mortality. Fetal effects observed at 500 ppm included decreased litter size and fetal weight, and delayed ossification. The only significant fetal effect observed at 50 ppm was an increase in crown-rump length. The biological significance of this effect is unknown. In rats, 500 ppm caused decreased maternal weight gain and fetal weight, increased crown-rump length, and vertebral lumbar spurs. Increasing the exposure level to 2,500 ppm was not associated with a dose-dependent increase in these effects. The only effects observed at 2,500 ppm were decreased maternal food consumption and, in fetuses, an increased incidence of dilated ureters. In rabbits exposed to 500 ppm, maternal animals had decreased food consumption, and fetal animals had delayed ossification. These effects were not observed in rabbits at 2,500 ppm. However, the number of animals that were tested at 2,500 ppm was much lower than at 500 ppm (5 versus 20); thus, no conclusions may be drawn as to the dose response of these effects.
Exposure of rats to either 0 or 1,565 ppm of vinyl chloride during the first, second, or third trimester of pregnancy was examined (Ungvary et al. 1978). In maternal animals, an increased liver-to-body-weight ratio was observed in those exposed during the first and second trimesters, but no histopathologic alterations were found. A significant increase in resorptions was observed in animals exposed during the first trimester of pregnancy. Two central nervous system malformations (microphthalmia and anophthalmia) were observed in exposed fetuses but not in controls, but the incidence of these malformations did not reach statistical significance. This study is limited in that only a single concentration of vinyl chloride was tested, precluding conclusions as to the dose response of the effects observed.
The effects of exposure of rats to vinyl chloride throughout gestation were examined by Mirkova et al. (1978) and Sal'nikova and Kotsovskaya (1980). An unspecified number of pregnant rats were exposed to 0, 1.9, or 13.9 ppm for 4 hours per day, fetuses were examined for abnormalities just prior to the end of gestation, and offspring were examined at 6 months postparturition (Sal'nikova and Kotsovskaya 1980). At 13.9 ppm, a decrease in maternal erythrocyte count and urinary hippuric acid was observed. At 1.9 and 13.9 ppm, fetuses had an increased incidence of hemorrhages and at 13.9 ppm increased edema. However, the affected organs were not specified. Rats examined at 6 months, following in utero exposure to 1.9 ppm, were found to have decreased hemoglobin and leukocytes and decreased organ weights (males: liver, kidney, spleen; females: lung, liver). In addition to these effects, exposure to 13.9 ppm in utero resulted in an increased pentobarbital sleep time and a decreased ability of the rats to orient themselves.
Continuous exposure of an unspecified number of jats throughout gestation to 2.4 ppm of vinyl chloride resulted in decreased fetal weight and increased early post implantation loss, hematomas, and hydrocephaly with intracerebral hematoma. Weanling rats had hepatotoxic effects including decreased bile enzyme activity, decreased bile secretion, decreased cholic acid content, and increased hexobarbital sleep time. No histological data on the livers of pups, or information regarding maternal health, or statistical analyses of the data were presented (Mirkova et al. 1978). Also, both this study and the report by Sal'nikova and Kotsovskaya (1980) failed to provide information on the number of animals in each test group.
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The highest NOAEL value and all reliable LOAEL values for developmental effects in rats and/or rabbits in acute-duration studies are recorded in Table 2-1 and plotted in Figure 2-1.
2.2.1.6 Reproductive Effects
A number of case reports of workers occupationally exposed to vinyl chloride suggest that sexual performance may be affected by vinyl chloride. However, these studies are limited by the lack of quantification of exposure levels and possible concomitant exposures to other chemicals. Sexual impotence was reported by 24% of the workers examined by Sudu et al. (1975). Approximately 20% of the workers examined by Veitman et al. (1975) complained of potency troubles. A loss of libido in 35% and impotence and decreased androgen secretion in 8% of workers exposed, at least once, to very high levels of vinyl chloride were also reported by Walker (1976). Also, in a vinyl chloride worker who died of angiosarcoma of the liver, decreased testicular size was observed (Lee and Harry 1974). However, it is unclear whether this effect was a direct effect of the vinyl chloride exposure or the result of wasting secondary to the angiosarcoma.
The sexual function and hormonal levels in 198 males employed in the PVC and acrylic glass industries were examined by Makarov (1984). The author found a significant decrease in sexual function in males exposed to vinyl chloride. However, concomitant exposure to methylmethacrylate cannot be ruled out in this study. Testosterone levels were also substantially decreased. However, the statistical significance of this finding was not reported.
The sexual function, organs, and hormonal levels of 402 females employed in the PVC and acrylic glass industries were also examined by Makarov et al. (1984). When compared with controls, there was an exposure-related decrease in sexual function in females between 41 and 50 years of age and in those who had been exposed to vinyl chloride for 21 or more years. No changes in the incidence of miscarriages or abortions were correlated with exposure. An increase in menstrual activity followed by a hypomenstrual syndrome was reported to occur, but supporting data were not presented. In retrospective and prospective studies by Bao et al. (1988), increased incidence and severity of elevated blood pressure and edema during pregnancy (preeclampsia) were found in female workers exposed to vinyl chloride for more than 1 year when compared to unexposed workers. Company records indicated that exposure levels ranged from 3.9 to 89.3 ppm during the retrospective study and from 0.2 to 130.7 ppm during the prospective study. More detailed information regarding the exposure levels was not presented.
Although no studies were located that documented the effects of vinyl chloride on reproductive performance when both parental animals were exposed, two dominant lethal studies examined the reproductive performance of exposed males. A brief exposure (5 days, 6 hours per day) of mice to concentrations of vinyl chloride as high as 30,000 ppm had no effect on male fertility or pre- or postimplantation loss (Anderson et al. 1976). In contrast, exposure of male rats to concentrations as low as 250 ppm for 6 hours per day, 5 days per week, for 11 weeks caused a decrease in the ratio of pregnant to mated females, indicating a decrease in male fertility (Short et al. 1977). These results are supported by two studies using rats in which adverse effects of vinyl chloride on the testes were observed (Bi et al. 1985; Sokal et al. 1980). Exposure of rats to 100 ppm for 6 hours per day, 6 days per week, for 12 months caused a significant increase in the incidence of damage to the seminiferous tubules and depletion of spermatocytes (Bi et al. 1985). At the 6-month interim sacrifice, a significant decrease in testicular weight was also observed at 100 ppm. No. effect on male reproductive organs was observed ut this study at 10 ppm. A significant increase in damage to the spermatogenic epithelium and disorders of spermatogenesis were found with exposure to 500 ppm vinyl chloride for 5 hours per day, 5 days per week.
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for 10 months (Sokal et al. 1980). No significant decrease in testicular weight was found in rats exposed to 500 ppm for 7 hours per day, 5 days per week, for 4.5 months, or in dogs, rabbits, or guinea pigs exposed to 200 ppm for 7 hours per day, 5 days per week, for 6 months (Torkelson et al. 1961), However, the quality of this study is limited because of the small number of animals tested. Exposures involved up to 10 rats or guinea pigs of each sex, 3 rabbits of each sex, and 1 dog of each sex. No histopathological data on the testes of these animals were presented.
The highest NOAEL values and all reliable LOAEL values for reproductive effects in each species and duration category are recorded in Table 2-1 and plotted in Figure 2-1.
2.2.1.7 Genotoxlc Effect*
Genotoxicity studies of vinyl chloride in humans include a large number of assays for chromosomal aberrations in the cultured lymphocytes of occupationally exposed workers. Studies completed through the mid-1980s generally found a statistically significant increase in the frequency of chromosomal aberrations, usually of the chromatid type (i.e., affecting only one of the two strands formed upon deoxyribonucleic acid [DNA] replication) but also including some chromosomal-type defects such as inversions, rings, and translocations, which affect the entire chromosome. Increased sister chromatid exchanges have also been reported in occupationally exposed workers (Kucerova et al. 1979). One study examined 37 exposed workers and from 16 to 32 unexposed controls twice at intervals of from 2 to US years (Hansteen et al. 1978). Exposure levels during the time of first sampling were measured at 25 ppm, and there was a statistically significant increase in aberrations among the exposed workers. At the subsequent examination, exposure levels had dropped to 1 ppm, and there were no statistical differences between exposed subjects and controls in the percentage of chromosomal aberrations, indicating that these clastogenic effects are reversible. The study authors suggested that 1 ppm constituted a NOAEL for genotoxic effects in humans.
The reversibility of these clastogenic effects is also suggested by Anderson et al. (1980) who reported that chromosome aberrations, observed to increase in workers exposed to 50 ppm, returned to normal within 42 months when the cohort was sampled after exposure levels had been reduced to less than 5 ppm. A positive correlation between frequency of chromosomal aberrations and length of exposure and history of exposure to excursion levels (up to 2,000 ppm) was reported by Purchase et al. (1978), who examined a cohort of 57 vinyl chloride workers, 19 on-site controls, and 5 off-site controls. The exposures for this cohort ranged from 1,000 ppm between 1945 and 1955 and 5 ppm since 1975. These authors also reported an effect on chromosomal aberrations from smoking.
More recent papers on human subjects have focused on specific mechanisms involved in the clastogenic effects of vinyl chloride. A cohort of 67 workers exposed to approximately 5 ppm for an average of 15 years was reported to have a nonrandom distribution of chromatid and bichromatid breaks (Fucic et al. 1990). The most frequently affected areas of the genome were the terminal segments of the A, B, and C group chromosomes, suggesting that vinyl chloride or its metabolites interact more frequently with specific sites along the chromosome than would be expected. The study authors presented no correlation with particular fragile sites (gene sequences more prone to breakage than normal) or oncogeny locations known to occur at these terminal segments. The implication is that the carcinogenicity of vinyl chloride could be at least partially explained by its nonrandom interaction with particular genes. These workers were also periodically exposed to 2,000 ppm for short periods. No specific information was given as to the frequency or duration of these events.
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2. HEALTH EFFECTS
The effects of smoking on chromosomal aberrations in vinyl chloride-exposed workers was reexamined by Hrivnak et al. (1990) who found no effect of smoking in 43 workers exposed for an average of 11.2 years to levels of vinyl chloride ranging from 0.8 to 16 ppm. Most cytogenetic studies of the effects of smoking in humans have reported no effect on chromosomal aberrations, although the sister chromatid exchange frequency is usually elevated.
Animal studies of rats and mice exposed via inhalation to vinyl chloride have concentrated on identifying direct effects on the DNA Increased alkylation of liver DNA and increased cell proliferation were reported by Laib et al. (1989). Both young and old rats were exposed to 600 ppm for 6 hours. The older male rats were sacrificed, and the young rats of both sexes and the adult females received a second 6-hour exposure following a 15-hour interval. The 30 young rats were apparently more susceptible to the effects of vinyl chloride, but only 3 male adults and 2 female adults were used for comparison.
The role of chloroethylene oxide, a metabolite of vinyl chloride, was described by Gwinner et al. (1983). Rats exposed to 2,000 ppm vinyl chloride for 8 hours per day, 5 days per week, for 13 weeks demonstrated hepatocellular ATPase-deficient foci and alkylation of liver DNA. Rats exposed to 2,2'-dichlorodiethylether(bis(chloroethyl)ether) or to chloroetbanol did not form these foci, which are considered to be preneoplastic; these compounds do not metabolize to chloroethylene oxide, but rather to the aldehyde, suggesting that the aldehyde is not a mutagen in vivo.
The types of adducts of vinyl chloride formed from in vivo exposure may depend on the length of exposure, the sensitivity of the method used, and on the animal species. The vinyl chloride-derived nucleoside, N-23ethenoguanosine, has been identified in the liver of vinyl chloride-exposed rats. This nucleoside, when incorporated into DNA, has been shown to be an efficient mutagen that causes base-pair (i.e., purine to purine or pyrimidine to pyrimidine exchange) transitions during transcription (Singer et al. 1987). The identification of the etheno nucleosides has been reported to occur following inhalation exposure to vinyl chloride in Sprague-Dawley and BDV] rats (Bolt et al. 1986; Ciroussel et al. 1990; Eberle et al. 1989). Immature rats exposed in vivo formed six times more of this nucleoside, which correlated with the agerelated sensitivity to carcinogenesis in these animals (Ciroussel et al. 1990).
Effects of vinyl chloride on DNA are not restricted to the rat. Induction of single-strand breaks in liver DNA of mice after inhalation of vinyl chloride was reported by Walles et al. (1988).
Vinyl chloride has not been shown to be positive for dominant lethal effects in rats exposed to up to 30,000 ppm for 6 hours per day, for 5 days (Anderson et al. 1976; Purchase et al. 1975; Short et al. 1977). The studies showed no evidence of pre- or post-implantation loss among the untreated females mated to exposed males. These results indicate that no germinal mutations were caused by these acute exposures. Table 2-5 lists the key in vivo studies of genotoxicity of vinyl chloride.
Other genotoxicity studies are discussed in Section 14.
2.2.1 .B Cancer
The most compelling evidence for the carcinogenic potential of vinyl chloride in humans comes from the cluster of reports of greater than expected incidences of angiosarcoma of the liver in workers occupationally exposed to vinyl chloride (Bryen et al. 1976; Creech and Johnson 1974; Fox and Collier 1977; Infante 1976; Jones et al. 1988; Monson et al. 1975; Pirastu et al. 1990; Rinsky et al. 1988; Teta et al. 1990; Waxweiler et al. 1976; Weber et al. 1981; Wong et al. 1986; Wu et al. 1989). Angiosarcoma of the liver is considered
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34
2. HEALTH EFFECTS
to be a very rare type of cancer (25-50 cases per year in the United States) (Heath et al. 1975). However, approximately 30 years after the introduction of vinyl chloride for use in the industrial production of PVC, it became apparent that workers exposed to vinyl chloride had an unusually high incidence of this type of tumor. Investigators identified an increased likelihood of developing hepatic angiosarcoma among those exposed to the highest levels of vinyl chloride and those exposed to vinyl chloride for the longest duration (Fox and Collier 1977; Infante et al. 1976b; Jones et al. 1988; Rinsky et al. 1988; Weber et al. 1981; Wong et al. 1986; Wu et al. 1989). Based on this information, vinyl chloride is considered to be a carcinogen in humans (EPA 1980a; IARC 1979).
Histopathological examination of liver tissue from humans with hepatic angiosarcoma has led to the hypothesis that angiosarcoma develops as a result of hyperplastic changes in sinusoidal cells. Areas of transition to angiosarcoma contained greatly increased numbers of sinusoidal cells with greatly expanded sinusoidal spaces. Also, hepatic cells were replaced by fibrous tissue forming trabeculae. These areas also showed infiltration of angiosarcoma cells. In fully developed angiosarcoma, multiple areas with nodules of angiosarcoma cells were noted, the centers of which exhibited hemorrhagic necrosis (Popper et al. 1981).
Other cancers that have shown a statistically significant increase in mortality among vinyl chloride workers, in at least some studies, include cancer of the brain and central nervous system, the lung and respiratory tract, and the lymphatic/hematopoietic system. With regard to cancer of the brain and central nervous system. Cooper (1981), Waxweiler et al. (1976), and Wong et al. (1986) reported statistically significant increases; Monson et al. (1975) reported an increase in central nervous system cancer mortality in a proportional mortality study, Bryen et al. (1976) and Tabershaw and Gaffey (1974) reported increases that were not statistically significant; and Fox and Collier (1977), Jones et al. (1988), Thomas et al. (1987), and Wu et al. (1989) found no increase in cancer of the central nervous system among workers occupationally exposed to vinyl chloride.
A significant increase in cancer of the respiratory tract was reported by Belli et al. (1987), Infante et al. (1976b), and Waxweiler et al. (1976), and also by Monson et al. (1975) in a proportional mortality study. However, studies by Cooper (1981), Fox and Collier (1977), Jones et al. (1988), Wong et al. (1986), and Wu et al. (1989) did not find a significant increase. Although smoking history was not considered in the studies reporting a statistically significant increase in respiratory cancer, Waxweiler et al. (1976) noted that the types of respiratory tract cancer most frequently recorded were large-cell undifferentiated carcinoma or adenocarcinoma, which are two lung cancer types not usually associated with smoking.
A statistically significant increase in cancers of the lymphatic/hematopoietic system was reported by Rinsky et al. (1988), Smuievich et aL (1988), and Weber et- al. (1981). Monson et al. (1975) also reported an increase in their proportional mortality study. However, no statistically significant increase in these types of cancer was reported by Infante et al. (1976b), Jones et al. (1988), or Wong et al. (1986).
An increased incidence of malignant melanoma among vinyl chloride workers has been reported (Heldaas et al. 1984, 1987), but the significance of this finding has been disputed (Ten Berge 1987).
Few studies directly address the incidence of cancer in women occupationally exposed to vinyl chloride. However, one study found that women employed in the production of PVC bad a significantly greater chance of developing leukemia or lymphomas (Smuievich et al. 1988). No such increase was seen in occupationally exposed males. Furthermore, the subgroup of women who were exposed to the highest levels of vinyl chloride had increased incidences of stomach and lung cancer and the highest incidences of
UCC 108214
35
2. HEALTH EFFECTS
leukemia and lymphoma. No significant increase in any type of cancer was observed in exposed males in this report, irrespective of the level of exposure.
Studies in several species support the conclusion that vinyl chloride is carcinogenic. A large series of experiments was performed by Maltoni et ai. (1981) using rats (Sprague-Dawley and Wistar), mice, and hamsters. All animals were chamber exposed; controls were chamber exposed to air only. The test material was >99.9% pure. A complete gross and histopathological examination of every animal was performed. However, extremely limited histopathological data were presented and cancer incidences were presented only in summary tables. Also, survival of control animals was poor in some of the experiments, suggesting that animal care was inadequate or that unthrifty animals were used. Furthermore, statistical analyses, where present, appear to be based on a compilation of data from several individual studies. In one group of studies, Maltoni et al. (1981) exposed Sprague-Dawley rats to vinyl chloride for 52 weeks at concentrations ranging from 1- to 30,000 ppm. Animals were examined at the time of their spontaneous death. Statistically significant increases were noted in the incidence of mammary gland carcinomas at concentrations as low as 5 ppm in females, Zymbal gland carcinomas at 10,000 ppm and above, nephroblastoma at concentrations as low as 100 ppm in males and 250 ppm in females, liver angiosarcoma at concentrations as low as 50 ppm in females and 200 ppm in males, neuroblastoma at 10,000 ppm in females, and forestomach papillomas and acanthoma at 30,000 ppm. Other findings (though not statistically significant) that were considered important, based on historical data from their laboratory indicating the rarity of certain tumors, include angiosarcoma and Zymbal gland carcinoma at 10 and 25 ppm and nephroblastoma at 25 ppm. Maltoni et al. (1981) also reported that decreasing the duration of exposure decreased the incidence of vinyl chloride-related tumors (nephroblastomas, liver angiosarcomas, Zymbal gland carcinomas, and, to some extent, neuroblastomas), but statistics were not presented to support this conclusion.
Some variation in the end organs that developed tumors was observed when different species were exposed to vinyl chloride (Maltoni et al. 1981). Angiosarcomas of the liver were reported to occur in rats, mice, and hamsters. Mammary gland carcinomas were found only in rats and mice. Zymbal gland carcinomas, neuroblastomas, and nephroblastomas were found only in rats. Melanomas, acoustical duct epithelial tumors, lymphomas, and leukemias were found only in hamsters.
Other inhalation experiments support the carcinogenicity of vinyl chloride. Rats and mice exposed to 0, 50, 250, or 1,000 ppm for 6 hours per day, 5 days per week, for 6 months (Hong et al. 1981) or up to 12 months (Lee et al. 1977a, 1978) had a significantly increased incidence of hemangiosarcoma of the liver at *250 ppm. An increase in bronchioloalveolar adenoma of the lung and mammary gland tumors (adenocarcinomas, squamous and anaplastic cell carcinomas) were also observed in mice at *50 ppm after the 12-month exposure, although it is unclear whether the increases in these tumor types are statistically significant (Lee et al. 1977a, 1978). Male rats exposed to concentrations as low as 100 ppm for 6 hours per day, 6 days per week, for 12 months had significantly increased incidences of angiosarcoma of the liver when sacrificed at 18 months (Bi et al. 1985). Rats exposed to 3% vinyl chloride (30,000 ppm) 4 hours per day, 5 days per week, for 12 months had an increased incidence of epidermoid carcinoma of the skin, adenocarcinoma of the lungs, and osteochondroma in the bones (Viola et aL 1971), and rats exposed to 0 or 5,000 ppm for 52 weeks had primary tumors in the brain, lung, Zymbal gland, and nasal cavity (Feron and Kroes 1979). However, these studies (Feron and Kroes 1979; Viola et al. 1971) are limited by the absence of statistical analysis of the data. A concentration-dependent increase in tumor formation (alveologenic adenomas of the lung, angiosarcomas *of the liver, and adenosquamous carcinoma of the mammary gland) was observed in mice exposed to 0, 50, 200 or 2^00 ppm vinyl chloride (Keplinger et al. 1975). However, no statistics were presented to support these conclusions. Furthermore, an audit of data
UCC 108215
36
2. HEALTH EFFECTS
by the Manufacturing Chemists Association (MCA 1980) indicated that mishandling of the tissues precluded making statements regarding the relationship of tumors other than angiosarcoma of the liver with vinyl chloride exposure.
In a preliminary study with a limited number of animals, alveogenic lung tumors developed in 26 of 27 mice exposed to 2,500 or 6,000 ppm for 5-6 months (Suzuki 1978). A concentration-related increase in the incidence of alveogenic tumors was observed in a study in which a greater number of mice were exposed to 0-600 ppm for 4 weeks and then observed for up to 41 weeks postexposure (Suzuki 1983). An increase in bronchioloalveolar adenoma was observed in a lifespan study in mice that were exposed to 50 ppm for 100 l-hour exposures, 500 ppm for 10 1-hour exposures, or 5,000 ppm for a single 1-hour exposure (Hehir et al. 1981). The statistical significance of these observations was not presented.
Some data suggest that exposure of animals early in their lives may increase the likelihood of developing tumors or affect the type of tumor that develops. When hamsters, mice, and rats were exposed to vinyl chloride for periods of 6-24 months starting at various times after weaning, the incidence of tumors such as hemangiosarcoma of the liver was greater when animals were exposed for 12 months immediately after weaning than if animals were held for 12 months and then exposed for the next 12 months (Drew et al. 1983). Also, when pregnant rats were exposed from gestation day 12 through 18, the incidence of mammary gland carcinomas, Zymbal gland carcinomas, nephroblastomas, and forestomach epithelial tumors was reported to be greater in transplacentally exposed animals than in maternal animals (Maltoni et al. 1981). No control group was used, however, and no statistics were presented to support the conclusions. Maltoni et al. (1981) also exposed pregnant rats starting on gestation day 12 and continued to expose both maternal animals and offspring for a total of 76 weeks. The incidence of hepatomas was reported to be much higher in offspring than in maternal animals. In contrast, the incidence of neuroblastomas was similar between offspring and parents, and hepatic angiosarcomas had only a slightly higher incidence and slightly shorter latency in offspring than parents. However, no statistics were presented to support these conclusions.
In general, the available evidence from inhalation studies in animals supports the finding in humans that vinyl chloride is a carcinogen by this route of exposure. The lowest doses tested that produced a tumorigenic response (Cancer Effect Level (CEL|) for each species and duration category are recorded in Table 2-1 and plotted in Figure 2-1.
2.2.2 Oral Exposure
2.2.2.1 Death
No studies were located regarding lethal effects in humans following oral exposure to vinyl chloride.
No studies were located regarding the acute lethal effects of vinyl chloride in animals. However, decreased longevity has been observed in rats as a result of chronic ingestion of vinyl chloride. Significant increases in mortality were observed by Feron et al. (1981) when Wistar rats were allowed to consume vinyl chloride doses as low as 5.6 mg/kg/day in the diet for 4 hours per day over a 2-year period. Also, the effects of consumption of vinyl chloride during a lifespan study in Wistar rats lasting almost 3 years (149 weeks) was examined by Til et al. (1983). These authors found decreased survival at a vinyl chloride dosage of 1.7 mg/kg/day. In both of these studies, vinyl chloride was administered by incorporating PVC resin that was high in vinyl chloride content into the diet. Vaporization of vinyl chloride from the diets was limited by presenting feed containing the vinyl chloride to the rats for only a 4-hour period.
UCC 108216
37 2. HEALTH EFFECTS
All reliable LOAEL values for death in rats following chronic exposure are recorded in Table 2-2 and plotted in Figure 2-2.
2.2.2.2 Systemic Effects
The highest NOAEL values and all reliable LOAEL values for hematological, hepatic, and dennal/ocular effects in rats following chronic oral exposure are recorded in Table 2-2 and plotted in Figure 2-2.
No studies were located regarding respiratory, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, musculoskeletal, or renal effects in humans or animals following oral exposure to vinyl chloride.
Hematological Effects. No studies were located regarding hematological effects in humans after oral exposure to vinyl chloride.
Exposure of rats to 17 mg/kg/day for 2 years caused hypercoagulability of the blood (Feron et al. 1981).
Hepatic Effects. No Studies were located regarding hepatic effects in humans after oral exposure to vinyl chloride.
Chronic exposure of rats to vinyl chloride in their feed caused an increase in the incidence of basophilic nuclei at 0.018 mg/kg/day for 149 weeks (Til et al. 1983). This study and dose was used as the basis for a chronic oral MRL of 0.00002 mg/kg/day. Chronic oral exposure to vinyl chloride also resulted in areas of hepatocellular alteration at concentrations as low as 1.8 mg/kg/day in rats exposed for 2 years (Feron et al. 1981). In the study by Feron et al. (1981), areas of necrosis were observed in the liver of female rats exposed to 3.6 mg/kg/day and male rats exposed to 17 mg/kg/day for 2 years.
Dermal/Ocular Effects. No studies were located regarding dermal/ocular effects in humans after oral exposure to vinyl chloride.
Daily administration of 30 mg/kg of vinyl chloride to rats by gavage for 2 years caused increased thickness, moisture content, and collagen content of the skin. Newly synthesized intermolecular and intramolecular collagen crosslinks were also significantly increased (Knight and Gibbons 1987).
No studies were located regarding the following health effects in humans and/or animals after oral exposure to vinyl chloride:
2.2.2.3 2.Z.2.4 2.2.2.S 2.2.2.S 2.2.2.7
Immunological Effects Neurological Effects Developmental Effects Reproductive Effects Genotoxic Effects
Genotoxicity studies are discussed in Section 2.4.
2.2.2.S Cancer
No studies were located regarding cancer in humans following oral exposure to vinyl chloride.
UCC 108217
TMLE 2-2. Levels of Significant
to Vinyl Chloride - oral
*?* t0, figure
Exposure , Arstlon/ Species Route fre'piancy
HOAEl Systen (ng/kg/day)
LOAEL (effect)
Less serious
5Fi5---------------
(ag/kg/dsy)
(ag/kg/dsy)
Reference
CHRONIC EXPOSURE Oseth 1 Rot
2 Rat
Systenlc 3 Rat
if> 1*9 Nk 4hr/d
<F> 2 yr Sd/uk 4hr/d
IF) 1*9 wfc (hr/d
Menato Hepatic
4
Rat IF) 2 yr
Henato
5d/*k
Hepatic
*hr/d
5
Rat (60) 2 yr
Dem/oc
Ix/d
Cancer 6
Rat
T Rat
(60) 52 Mk 5m/nk
(F) 2 yr 5d/wfc 4hr/d
1.7 5.6
1.7
0.01^1cellular alteration*)
5.6 17 (hypercoagulatfon)
1.8 (cellular
5.6 (necrosis)
alteration)
V
30 (increased
collagen)
0.3 (CEL-liver) 1.8 (CEL-liver)
Tit et at. 1983
Feron et al. 1981
Til et at. 1983
Feron et *1. 1981
Knight and Gibbons 1987
Maltoni et al. 1981 Feron et el. mi
UCC 108218
TABLE 2-2 (Continued)
Key to figure*
Species
Route
Exposure duration/ frequency
HOAEL System (mg/kg/day)
8 Rat (GO) 52 uk 5x/uk
9 Rat (F) 149 uk 4hr/d
tOAEL (effect)
Less serious (mg/kg/day)
Serious (mg/kg/day)
16.65 (CEL-liver)
1.7 (CEt-llver)
Reference
Haltoni et al. 1901 Til et al. 1983
*!he nuafcer corresponds to entries in Figure 2-2. bUsed to derive s chronic oral Minimal Risk Level (URL) of 0.00002 mg/kg/day; dose divided by an uncertainty factor
of 1,000 (10 for use of a LOAEL, 10 for extrapolation fro* animals to humans, and 10 for human variability).
CEL cancer effect level; d day(s); Derm/oc denset/ocular; (F) feed; (GO) = oil gavage; Hemato = hematological; hr hour(s); LOAEL (oeest-observed-edverse-effect level; BOAEL * no-ofeserved-adverse-effect level; uk = ueek(s); x time(a); yr year(s)
ucc
O OO M
HEALTH EFFECTS
UCC 108220
FIGURE 2-2. Levels of Significant Exposure to Vinyl Chloride - Oral
CHRONIC (*. 365 Paya)
wo
to *
1 n
0.1 "
///
o* ds*
o* * O*
*
t
not 0.001 0.0001 000001 0.000001
<** 1 1 1 1 1CH1 <
I 10-0' EstknoM Uppor-
Bound Human
too-
ConoornWi
Unto
10'-1
0.0000001
____________________________ fiat______
i Rm
LQAEL lot I
O LOA8. tor m>
0 NOAEL (wOndtJ
e CEL Cate* EDM Ltwl lonknok)
I MnkMliWilMdtof
I I
Tito runbor non) to oodi paM compand* to onMoo In TcHc M
' Doom tifOMoni (w knmwdo** Mtod p tidy tw praduood tumarigonle 1 end do not koptjt Ow arituncc at tvmhaU lor die anew and point.
M
41
2. HEALTH EFFECTS
Four studies were located that examined the carcinogenic potential of vinyl chloride in animals when administered by the oral route. In two of these studies, vinyl chloride was added to the diet by incorporating PVC powder containing a high level of the monomer (Feron et al. 1981; Til et al. 1983). To limit volatilization of vinyl chloride from the diet, rats were allowed access to the diet for only 4 hours per day. The actual intake of vinyl chloride in these reports was calculated by taking into consideration both the food consumption and the rate of vinyl chloride evaporation. These studies indicated that higher doses of vinyl chloride produced predominantly angiosarcomas, whereas lower doses produced predominantly hepatocellular carcinomas. Statistically significant increases in hepatic angiosarcoma of the liver were observed in the 2-year study by Feron et al. (1981) at 5.6 mg/kg/day in males and 17 mg/kg/day in females. In contrast, statistically significant increases in neoplastic nodules of the liver were observed at concentrations as low as 1.8 mg/kg/day in females and 5.6 mg/kg/day in males in the same study (Feron et al. 1981). Also, in the 149-week study by Til et al. (1983), statistically significant increases in hepatocellular carcinoma were observed in males at 1.7 mg/kg/day and hepatic neoplastic nodules were observed in females at 1.7 mg/kg/day. An increased incidence of Zymbal gland tumors was also observed in the study by Feron et al. (1981). Although the increase was not statistically significant, the tumors were considered to be treatment related based on the historical rarity of this type of tumor.
Two studies were located in which vinyl chloride was administered to Sprague-Dawiey rats by gavage for 52 weeks. In one of these studies, a statistically significant increase in the incidence of hepatic angiosarcomas was observed at doses as low as 16.65 mg/kg/day in females and 50. mg/kg/day in males. Zymbal gland tumors at 16.65 and 50 mg/kg/day, although not statistically significant, were considered to be treatment related because of the rarity of this type of tumor (Maltoni et al. 1981). Lower doses of vinyl chloride were also tested in a similar study in which hepatic angiosarcomas were observed at doses as low as 0.3 mg/kg/day and Zymbal gland tumors at 1 mg/kg/day. Although neither of these findings reached statistical significance, the tumors were considered to be treatment related because of the historically rare observation of these tumor types in the colony (Maltoni et al. 1981).
Based on the evidence of carcinogenicity in animals after oral exposure, it would be prudent to consider the potential for carcinogenic effects in humans by this route as well.
The lowest doses tested that produced a tumorigenic response (CEL) in rats chronically exposed to vinyl chloride by the oral route are recorded in Table 2-2 and plotted in Figure 2-2.
2.2.3 Oermal Exposure
Dermal exposure to vinyl chloride may occur by skin contact with either gaseous or liquid vinyl chloride. Because negligible amounts of gaseous vinyl chloride are absorbed through the skin (see also Section 2.3.1.3, regarding absorption by the dermal route), exposure to gaseous vinyl chloride is considered to occur exclusively from inhalation. Therefore, only those studies that specifically relate to the effects of liquid vinyl chloride are discussed below.
2.2.3.1 Death
No studies were located regarding lethal effects in humans or animals after dermal exposure to vinyl chloride.
UCC 108221
42 2. HEALTH EFFECTS
2.2.3.2 Systemic Effects
No studies were located regarding respiratory, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, hematological, musculoskeletal, hepatic, or renal effects in humans or animals after dermal exposure to vinyl chloride.
Dermal/Ocular Effects. A man who had liquid vinyl chloride sprayed on his hands developed second degree burns. At first, the man reported that his hands felt numb. Within a short period, the hands had developed marked erythema and edema (Harris 1953).
No studies were located regarding dermal/ocular effects in animals after dermal exposure to vinyl chloride.
No studies were located regarding the following health effects in humans or animals after dermal exposure to vinyl chloride:
2.2.3.3 2.2.3.4 2.2.3.5 2.2.3.5 2.2.3.7
Immunological Effects Neurological Effects Developmental Effects Reproductive Effects Genotoxic Effects
Genotoxicity studies are discussed in Section 2.4.
2.2.3.8 Cancer
No studies were located regarding cancer in humans or animals following dermal exposure to vinyl chloride.
2.3 TOXICOKINETICS
2.3.1 Absorption
2.3.1.1 Inhalation Exposure
Inhalation absorption of vinyl chloride is rapid in humans. Young adult male volunteers were exposed to vinyl chloride monomer concentrations of 2.9, 5.1, 11.7, or 23.5 ppm by gas mask for 6 hours (Krajewski et al. 1980). The authors did not report whether steady state bad been achieved, and the data were inadequate to determine this point. Retention was estimated by measuring the difference between inhaled and exhaled concentrations. Retention reached a maximum within 15 minutes and declined rapidly after 30 minutes of exposure, after which it increased to a relatively constant value. An average retention of 42% was estimated. Although the results varied among the individuals tested, the percentage retained was independent of the concentration inhaled.
Animal data, while demonstrating that inhalation absorption of vinyl chloride occurs readily and rapidly, are not sufficient to quantitatively determine the proportion of an inhaled dose that is absorbed. Peak blood levels occurred at 30 minutes in rats exposed (bead only) to 7,000 ppm (Withey 1976). When the animals were removed from the vinyl chloride atmosphere, blood levels fell rapidly. After 2 hours, concentrations were barely detectable. Rats that had been pretreated with 6-nitro-l,23-benzothiadiazole to completely block the metabolism of vinyl chloride were placed in a closed chamber containing approximately 0.5 ppm radiolabeled (14C) vinyl chloride (Bolt et al. 1977). Radioactivity in the chamber
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43
2. HEALTH EFFECTS
air declined only for the first 15 minutes of exposure, indicating that equilibrium between atmospheric and tissue levels of radioactivity had occurred, suggesting rapid uptake by the tissues of the rats.
2.3.1.2 Oral Exposure
No studies were located regarding absorption in humans after oral exposure to vinyl chloride.
Several studies in rats indicate that vinyl chloride is rapidly and virtually completely absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. Peak blood levels of vinyl chloride were observed within 10-20 minutes after dosing in rats administered single oral doses (44-92 mg/kg) of vinyl chloride in aqueous solution (Withey 1976). Peak blood levels varied from 6 to greater than 40 fig/mL. Data from another study in which rats were administered single gavage doses of 0.05, 1, and 100 mg/kg 14C-vinyl chloride (in corn oil) suggested that absorption of vinyl chloride was nearly complete 72 hours after dosing. The fraction of the administered dose recovered in the feces, roughly indicative of the proportion unabsorbed, ranged from 0.47% to 2.39%. Total recovery, however, ranged from 82.3% to 91.3%, suggesting substantial loss of radioactivity (Watanabe et al. 1976a). Fecal excretion was measured in rats fed 0, 1.8, 5.6, and 17.0 mg/kg/day of vinyl chloride monomer (from powdered PVC containing a high level of the monomer) (Feron et al. 1981). Fecal excretion accounted for 8%, 10%, and 17% of the vinyl chloride present in the low-, middle-, and highdose groups, respectively. The investigators hypothesized that the vinyl chloride recovered from the feces was encapsulated by PVC and was not available to the rats for absorption, and that absorption of available vinyl chloride was virtually complete.
2.3.1.3 Dermal Exposure
No studies were located regarding absorption in humans after dermal exposure to vinyl chloride.
Animal data suggest that dermal absorption of vinyl chloride vapor is not likely to be significant. Dermal absorption in rhesus monkeys was estimated to be 0.031% and 0.023% of the total available vinyl chloride at 800 and 7,000 ppm, respectively (Hefner et al. 1975a). The investigators concluded that, after short-term exposure to high concentrations, dermal absorption was far less significant than inhalation absorption.
2.3.2 Distribution
2.3.2.1 Inhalation Exposure
No studies were located regarding tissue distribution in humans after inhalation exposure to vinyl chloride.
Data from rat studies suggest that the distribution of inhaled vinyl chloride is rapid and widespread, but storage of vinyl chloride in the body is limited by rapid metabolism and excretion. In rats exposed to 14C-vinyl chloride and pretreated with 6-nitro-1^3-benzothiadiazole to block metabolism of vinyl chloride by microsomal cytochrome P-450 oxidation pathways, the highest levels of radiolabel were located in the fat, with lesser amounts in the blood, liver, kidney, muscle, and spleen. When metabolism was not blocked, the highest levels of radiolabeled metabolites were located in the liver and kidney (Buchter et al. 1977). At 10 minutes after a 5-minute exposure of rats to 20,000 ppm 14C-vinyl chloride, radiolabel was detected in the liver, bile duct, digestive tract, and kidney (Duprat et al. 1977). At 3 hours after the exposure described above, radiolabel was also detected in the urinary tract, salivary and lacrimal glands, thymus, and skin. Immediately after a 5-hour exposure to I4C-vinyl chloride at 50 ppm, tissue levels of 14C-activity, expressed as the percentage incorporated per gram of tissue, were highest in the kidney (2.13%) and liver
UCC 108223
2. HEALTH EFFECTS
(1.86%), with lower levels in the spleen (0.73%) and brain (0.17%) (Bolt et al. 1976a). Radioactivity in tissue was measured in rats 72 hours after exposure to 10 or 1,000 ppm 14C-vinyl chloride for 6 hours, in order of decreasing concentration for rats exposed to 10 ppm, l4C-labeled compounds (expressed as percentage), present as nonvolatile metabolites, were detected in the liver (0.14), kidney (0.08), skin (0.07), lung (0.07), muscle (0.05), carcass (0.05), plasma (0.05), and fat (0.03). For rats exposed to 1,000 ppm, radiolabel (expressed as percentage) was detected in the liver (0.15), skin (0.12), kidney (0.06), carcass (0.05), lung (0.05), muscle (0.04), fat (not detected), and plasma (not detected) (Watanabe et al. 1976b). There was no difference in the routes or rate of excretion between repeated-dose versus single-dose exposure of rats to 5,000 ppm of i4C-vinyl chloride (Watanabe et al. 1978a). The concentration of radiolabel detected in tissues 72 hours after exposure revealed no statistically significant difference between rats exposed once or repeatedly to vinyl chloride. Percentages of radioactivity detected in tissues are as follows (for single and repeated doses, respectively): liver (0.12)(0.16), kidney (0.06)(0.07), skin (0.05)(0.08), carcass (0.03)(0.04), fat (not detected)(not detected).
Placental transfer of vinyl chloride can occur rapidly in rats. Female rats exposed to approximately 0, 2,000, 7,000, or 13,000 ppm vinyl chloride for 2.5 hours on gestational day 18 showed high concentrations of vinyl chloride in maternal and fetal blood and amniotic fluid. The maternal blood had the highest levels (Ungvaty et al. 1978).
2.3.2.2 Oral Exposure
No studies were located regarding tissue distribution in humans after oral exposure to vinyl chloride.
The level of 14C-nonvolatile metabolites was measured in tissues of rats 72 hours after single gavage doses (U.U5-100 mg/kg) of 14C-viny! chloride in corn oil (Watanabe et al. 1976a). The highest levels of radioactivity for each dose level occurred in the liver. Theses levels were 2-5 times higher than in the other tissues examined (skin, plasma, muscle, lung, fat, and carcass).
2.3.2.3 Dermal Exposure
No studies were located regarding tissue distribution for humans or animals after dermal exposure to vinyl chloride.
2.3.3 Metabolism
2.3.3.1 Inhalstion Exposure
In the only human data located, metabolism of vinyl chloride was attributed to the cytochrome P-450 monooxygenases in the S-9 fraction from surgically obtained liver specimens. These preparations metabolized vinyl chloride to electrophiles that were mutagenic to Salmonella tvphimurium TA1530 (Sabadie et aL 1980). When compared with the number of revertants per plate resulting from identically prepared S-9 fractions from female strain BD IV rats, human S-9 fractions induced mutations (and presumably metabolism to a reactive eiectrophiJe) to an average 84% of the extent mediated by rat S-9. However, a ninefold individual variation was observed.
Early work on the metabolism of vinyl chloride in animals indicated that metabolism is a dose-dependent, saturable process. Rats were exposed to vinyl chloride in a closed chamber at concentrations of about 50-1,000 ppm for 52J-356J minutes (Hefner et al. 1975b). Additional rats pretreated with ethanol (to
ucc 108224
45 2. HEALTH EFFECTS
inhibit alcohol dehydrogenase activity) or SKF S25-A (to inhibit microsomal oxidase activity) were similarly exposed. Metabolism, estimated by measuring the rate of disappearance of vinyl chloride from the closed system, followed first-order kinetics with a half-life of 86 minutes at less than 100 ppm. At greater than 220 ppm, metabolism was slowed to a half-life of 261 minutes, suggesting saturation of the pathway predominant at less than 100 ppm. Pretreatment with ethanol depressed the rate of metabolism by approximately 83% at less than 100 ppm but by approximately 47% at greater than 1,000 ppm. Pretreatment with SKF 525-A, however, had no effect at less than 100 ppm but depressed metabolism by 19% at greater than 1,000 ppm. The authors postulated three alternative pathways for metabolism, as depicted in Figure 2-3. At low concentrations, sequential oxidation to 2-chloroethanol, 2-chloroacetaldehyde, and 2-chloroacetic acid involving alcohol dehydrogenase (inhibited by pretreatment with ethanol) appeared to be the predominant pathway. Little 2-chloroacetic acid was formed, however, probably because 2-chloroacetaldehyde conjugated rapidly with ubiquitous sulfhydiyl groups. When the alcohol dehydrogenase pathway became saturated, 2-chloroethanol could be oxidized by catalase in the presence of hydrogen peroxide (HjO^) to a peroxide, which could undergo subsequent dehydration to form 2-chloroacetaldehyde. An alternative pathway involved oxidation by mixed-function oxidase to form a highly reactive epoxide intermediate, 2-chloroethylene oxide, which spontaneously rearranged to form 2-chloroacetaldehyde. These intermediates are detoxified mainly through conjugation with glutathione catalyzed by glutathione S-transferase. The conjugated products are excreted in urine as substituted cysteine derivatives and include thiodiglycolic acid, S-formyl-methylcysteine, and N-acetyl-S-(2-hydroxyethyI)cysteine (Bolt et al. 1980; Hefner et al. 1975b). Urinary metabolites identified in rats exposed by inhalation include polar compounds at low exposure concentrations (Hefner et al. 1975b; Watanabe et al. 1976b) and 2-chloroacetic acid at high exposure concentrations (Hefner et al. 1975b).
Other animal data expand the hypotheses of Hefner et al. (1975b). Isolated rat liver cells converted 14C-vinyl chloride into nonvolatile metabolites (Hultmark et al. 1979). Using this in vitro technique, it was determined that metabolism was NADPH-dependent, located in the microsomal fraction of the liver, and probably involved a mixed-function oxidase. Pretreatment with 6-nitro-1,2,3-benzothiadiazole, an inhibitor of some microsomal cytochrome P-450 oxidation pathways, was sufficient to totally block the metabolism of vinyl chloride in rats exposed to 0.45 ppm in a closed system for 5 hours (Bolt et al. 1977). This observation suggests that metabolism of vinyl chloride proceeds primarily through a mixed-function oxidase pathway with likely production of an epoxide intermediate.
Inhalation exposure to high concentrations of vinyl chloride has also been associated with reduction in liver nonprotein sulfhydryl concentration in the rat. These results are consistent with conjugation of the metabolites of vinyl chloride with limited reserves of glutathione and/or cysteine (Bolt et al. 1976b; Hefner et al. 1975b; Jedrychowski et al. 1984; Watanabe et al. 1978a).
Saturation of metabolic pathways was observed in rats and monkeys that were exposed in a closed system
14C-vinyl chloride (Bolt et al. 1977; Buchter et al. 1980; Filser and Bolt 1979). In rats, the threshold for
saturation was determined to be approximately 250 ppm, and a metabolic rate (V,,,,) of 110 mol/hour/kg
was estimated (Bolt et al 1977; Filser and Bolt 1979). In a similar experiment in rhesus monkeys,
metabolic saturation was observed to occur at 200 ppm, with a
of 50 mol/hour/kg (Buchter et al.
1980). The V,,,, of 50 mol/hour/kg that was estimated using rhesus monkeys was suggested as a closer
approximation of metabolism in humans than the value of 110 mol/hour/kg estimated for rats by Filser and
Bolt (1979).
Several investigators have observed the binding of nonvolatile metabolites of 14C-vinyl chloride to liver macromolecules in vitro and in rats exposed by inhalation (Guengerich and Watanabe 1979; Guengerich
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46 2. HEALTH EFFECTS
FIGURE 2-3. Proposed Metabolic Pathways for Vinyl Chloride*
CIHjC-CHjOH 2-chloroethanol
miaadfancMan
. CIHC-CHj
P\
H2C-CH
vinyl chloride
Cl 2-chloroethylene oxide
CIH2C-CH2OOH 2-chloroethylhydroperoxide
cih2c-ch2oh 2-crtoroacetaJdehyde
oh2c-chooh
2-chk>roacetic add** l + 0uttMon
g*s-ch2-cooh
S-carboxymethyl gtutathione
t
-gluMNon*
G-$-CH2-CHO S-fdrmytmethyt
glutathione 1
cys-S-CH2-CHO S-formylmethyl
cysteine**
I
cys-S-CH2-COOH S-carboxymethyl cysteine
cyt-S-CH2-CH2OH S-<2-hydroxyethyt)-cysteine
NH,
(transamination) l -- CQ* Qbimi OPhQI
(oxidative decarboxylation)
I
N-Ac-cys-S-CHj-CHgOH N-acetyl-S^2-hydroxyethyl)cysteine*
HOOC-CH2-S-CH2-COOH thiodiglycoiic acid (thiodacetic add)**
* Derived from Bolt et el. (1980); Hefner et el. (1975b); Ptugge end Sefe (1977) ** Excreted In urine
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2. HEALTH EFFECTS
et al. 1979, 1981; Kappus et al. 1976; Watanabe et al. 1978a, 1978b). In single-exposure experiments at different concentrations, the extent of macromolecular binding increased proportionately to the amount of vinyl chloride metabolized and disproportionately to the exposure concentration (Watanabe et al. 1978a).
The extent of macromolecular binding was increased by repeated exposure to vinyl chloride (Watanabe et al. 1978b) and by pretreatment with phenobarbital (Guengerich and Watanabe 1979). Macromolecular binding has been attributed to the reactive intermediate 2-chloroethylene oxide, which has been shown to bind to DNA and ribonucleic acid (RNA), and to its rearrangement product, 2-chloroacetaldehyde, which has been shown to bind to protein molecules (Guengerich and Watanabe 1979; Guengerich et al. 1979, 1981; Kappus et al. 1976; Watanabe et al. 1978a, 1978b).
2.3.3.2 Oral Exposure
No studies were located regarding metabolism in humans after oral exposure to vinyl chloride.
Urinary metabolites identified from rats ingesting 14C-vinyl chloride are consistent with the metabolic pathways postulated for inhalation exposure, in particular with the formation of 2-chloroethylene oxide_and 2-chJoroacetaldehyde. Metabolites identified include N-acetyl-S-(2-hydroxyethyl)cysteine, 2-chloroacetic acid, and thiodiglycolic add (Green and Hathway 1975, 1977; Watanabe and Gehring 1976; Watanabe et-al. 1976a). Metabolic saturation appears to occur with a single gavage dose of between 1 and 100 mg/kg/day (Watanabe et al. 1976a).
2.3.3.3 Dermal Exposure
No studies were located regarding metabolism in humans or animals after dermal exposure to vinyl chloride.
2.3.4 Excretion
2.3.4.1 Inhalation Exposure
Human data suggest that exhalation of unmetabolized vinyl chloride is not an important pathway of elimination at low exposure concentrations. The mean concentration in expired air for humans exposed for 6 hours to air containing 2.9-23.5 ppm ranged from 0.21 to 1.11 ppm, representing up to 3.6-4.73% of the inhaled concentration (Krajewski et al. 1980).
Animal studies indicate that the importance of exhalation of vinyl chloride as a major route of excretion varies with the exposure concentration. The mode of excretion of vinyl chloride and its metabolites following inhalation exposure of animals to different concentrations reflects the saturation of metabolic pathways at low concentrations. The cumulative excretion of radioactivity over a 72-hour postexposure period was measured in rats exposed to 10-1,000 ppm (Watanabe and Gehring 1976; Watanabe et al. 1976b) or 5,000 ppm (Watanabe et al. 1978b) 14C-vinyl chloride for 6 hours. Radioactivity expired as carbon dioxide or vinyl chloride, excreted in the urine and feces, and retained in the carcass was expressed as a percentage of the total radioactivity recovered. The results suggest that metabolism was nearly complete at 10 ppm, because less than 2% of the recovered radioactivity occuned as unchanged parent compound. The predominant route for excretion of radioactive metabolites was through the urine, accounting for about 70% of the recovered radioactivity. Metabolism became saturated at 1,000 ppm, since unchanged vinyl chloride increased to 12.3% and urinary radioactivity decreased to 56.3%. At 5,000 ppm.
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2. HEALTH EFFECTS
more than half the recovered radioactivity appeared as unchanged vinyl chloride in expired air, and urinary excretion accounted for about 27% of the recovered activity. Generally, there was little change in the proportion of recovered radioactivity excreted in the feces or exhaled as carbon dioxide. The percentage of the radioactivity retained in the carcass and tissues appeared to be somewhat decreased at 5,000 ppm compared with 10 and 1,000 ppm, suggesting preferential retention of metabolites rather than unchanged vinyl chloride.
Pulmonaiy excretion of unaltered vinyl chloride in rats followed first-order kinetics regardless of exposure concentrations, with half-lives of 20.4, 22.4, and 30 minutes following 6-hour exposures at 10, 1,000, and 5.000 ppm, respectively. The urinary excretion of radioactivity was biphasic, with the second or slow phase accounting for less than 3% of the total urinary excretion. Half-lives for the rapid (first-order) phase were estimated at 4.6, 4.1, and 4.5 hours, at 10, 1,000, and 5,000 ppm, respectively. Urinary metabolites included N-acetyl-S-(2-hydroxyethyl)cysteine, thiodiglycolic acid, and possibly S-(2-hydroxyethyl)cysteine (Watanabe et al. 1976b). Identification of these metabolites of vinyl chloride in the urine indicates that vinyl chloride is transformed in the body to a reactive metabolite, which is then detoxified by reaction with glutathione (GSH, gamma-glutamylcysteinylglycine). Subsequently the glutamic acid and glycine moieties of the tripeptide are cleaved, and the cysteine conjugate of the reactive metabolite of vinyl chloride is either acetylated or further oxidized and excreted.
2.3.4.2 Oral Exposure
No studies were located regarding excretion in humans after oral exposure to vinyl chloride.
Single oral doses of 14C-vinyl chloride (0.05, 0.25, 1.0, 20, 100, and 450 mg/kg) were administered to rats, and the excretion of radioactivity was monitored over a 72-hour period (Green and Hathway 1975; Watanabe and Gehring 1976; Watanabe et al. 1976a). A striking increase in exhalation of unchanged vinyl chloride and compensatory decreases in urinary and fecal excretion of radioactivity and exhalation of carbon dioxide were observed at greater than 20 mg/kg, suggesting that metabolic saturation had occurred at that dose. At less than 1.0 mg/kg, the predominant route of elimination was urinary excretion of polar metabolites.
Exhalation of unchanged vinyl chloride was generally complete within 3-4 hours, but excretion of metabolites continued for days (Green and Hathway 1975). Pulmonary excretion of vinyl chloride appeared to be monophasic at less than 1.0 mg/kg, with a half-life of about 55-58 minutes (Watanabe et al. 1976a). At 100 mg/kg, pulmonary excretion of vinyl chloride was biphasic, with half-lives of 14.4 and 40.8 minutes for the rapid and slower phases, respectively. Urinary accretion of radioactivity was biphasic, with the rapid phase accounting for more than 97% of tout urinary radioactivity with half-lives of 4.S-4.6 hours for dosages of 0.05-100 mg/kg.
Metabolites identified in the urine of orally treated rats were consistent - with the formation of 2-chloroethyiene oxide and 2-chloroacetaldehyde (Green and Hathway 1977; Watanabe et al. 1976a), as postulated for metabolism following inhalation exposure. The major metabolites were identified as thiodiglycolic add and ^-acetyl-S-(2-bydroxyethyl)cystelne (Watanabe et al. 1976a). N-acetyl-S-(2-chloroetbyi)cysteine and S-(2-chloroethyl)cysteine have also been identified (Green and Hathway 1975), but these metabolites are believed to be an artifact of the isolation procedure that was used (Plugge and Safe 1977). Smaller amounts of radiolabeled urea, glutamic add, and 2-chloroacetic add were also identified (Green and Hathway 1975).
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2 HEALTH EFFECTS
2.3.4.3 Dermal Exposure
No studies were locating regarding excretion in humans or animals after dermal exposure to vinyl chloride.
2.3.4.4 Other Routes of Exposure
The elimination of radioactivity following intraperitoneal administration of 14C-vinyl chloride to rats resembles the pattern observed following inhalation or oral administration. Following an intraperitoneal dose of 0.25 mg/kg, exhalation of unchanged vinyl chloride, exhalation of carbon dioxide, and urinaty and fecal excretion of radioactivity accounted for 43.2%, 11.0%, 43.1%, and 1.8% of the administered dose, respectively (Green and Hathway 1975). At 450 mg/kg, exhaled vinyl chloride increased to 96.2% of the administered dose, carbon dioxide decreased to 0.7%, urinary radioactivity decreased to 2.6%, and fecal radioactivity decreased to 0.1%.
Small doses administered intravenously were eliminated very rapidly and almost entirely by exhalation of unchanged vinyl chloride. Green and Hathway (1975) administered a 0.25-mg/kg intravenous dose of 14C-vinyl chloride to rats and recovered 80% of the dose within 2 minutes and 99% within 1 hour as unchanged compound in expired air.
2.4 RELEVANCE TO PUBUC HEALTH
The major route of exposure to vinyl chloride by humans living near hazardous waste sites is via inhalation. Vinyl chloride may be present in ambient air near hazardous waste sites as a result of its volatilization from leaks in storage containers, or from contaminated soil or water. Oral exposure to vinyl chloride via ingestion of contaminated water may also occur. Dermal exposure to liquid vinyl chloride is highly unlikely because of its low boiling point (-13.4SC). However, vinyl chloride is generally transported as a liquid in pressurized containers, and puncture of such a container at a hazardous waste site could result in brief exposure of the skin to liquid vinyl chloride. Dermal exposure to gaseous vinyl chloride may also occur, but a study using rats indicated that absorption of vinyl chloride across the skin is very limited (Hefner et al. 1975a).
Additional sources of potential exposure not directly related to living near hazardous waste sites, but which may also apply in such cases, include inhalation of emissions from vinyl chloride production or PVC manufacturing facilities, inhalation of cigarette smoke containing vinyl chloride, ingestion of water contaminated as a result of the leaching of vinyl chloride from PVC pipes, or ingestion of foods contaminated as a result of vinyl chloride leaching from PVC products used in food production or storage. The FDA now regulates the amount of vinyl chloride in PVC products that may be available to leach into foods; thus, this mode of exposure is likely to be negligible.
With a vapor density of 2.15, vinyl chloride vapor tends to disperse slowly and flow along the ground, collecting in low spots (Fire 1986). Thus, children playing along the ground will have relatively greater inhalation exposure to vinyl chloride than adults walking upright in the same area.
The effects that have been reported to occur in humans in response to vinyl chloride exposure come almost exclusively from studies of workers exposed by inhalation in the workplace. Because women traditionally have not been employed in PVC-manufacturing positions in North America and Western Europe, most of the data on humans from these areas concerns effects in males. Also, virtually all of the epidemiological studies are limited by the absence of data on the actual levels to which workets were exposed. However,
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2. HEALTH EFFECTS
studies in animals by the inhalation and oral routes provide an indication of the doses of vinyl chloride that may be associated with these effects.
Acute high-level exposure of humans to vinyl chloride is associated with the development of signs of intoxication such as dizziness, drowsiness, and/or headache. Reports from vinyl chloride workers and studies in animals indicate that loss of consciousness may also be associated with exposure to very high levels. Two deaths connected with occupational exposure to vinyl chloride have been reported. Autopsy results from these men as well as autopsy results from animals dying from extremely high-level exposures indicate that levels of vinyl chloride producing death may cause lung and kidney irritation and inhibition of blood clotting. Cardiac arrhythmias and liver degeneration have also been reported in animals as a result of acute exposure to very high levels of vinyl chloride.
Longer-term exposure of humans in occupational settings has been associated with the development of a number of other toxic effects. However, exposure levels in these studies are generally not quantified, and thresholds for the effects have not been identified. Histopathological changes characteristic of vinyl chloride exposure have been reported to take place in the liver. These changes include extensive fibrosis and hypertrophy and hyperplasia of both hepatocytes and sinusoidal cells. These changes in liver structure develop in the absence of overt symptoms of liver toxicity, and standard biochemical measures of liver function have been of little value in detecting them. Reports indicate that peripheral neuropathy may also develop in some workers occupationally exposed to vinyl chloride. Also, toxic effects on male reproductive function may occur. Studies in animals indicate that vinyl chloride may cause fetal resorptions, delayed development, and an increased incidence of the soft tissue anomaly, dilated ureter. When animals were exposed in utero. some changes in liver function were observed during adolescence.
A syndrome referred to as vinyl chloride disease has been observed in a small percentage, of vinyl chloride workers, many of whom were employed as polymerization tank cleaners. This job exposed workers to very high levels of vinyl chloride. Vinyl chloride disease is very similar to systemic sclerosis and includes the following symptoms: Raynaud's phenomenon (fingers blanch and experience numbness and discomfort upon exposure to the cold), acroosteolysis (resorption of the terminal bones of the fingers and/or toes), joint and muscle pain, enhanced collagen deposition, stiffness of the hands, and scleroderma-like skin changes. Studies in animals support these findings. In addition, renal nephrosis and developmental toxicity have been reported to occur in animals exposed to vinyl chloride, but similar results have not been confirmed in humans.
Studies in both humans and animals indicate that vinyl chloride is carcinogenic Hepatic angiosarcoma has been identified in workers exposed to vinyl chloride by the inhalation route. Also, there are some studies that indicate that cancers of the central nervous system, respiratory tract, and lymphatic and hematopoietic systems may occur in humans following inhalation exposure Studies in a variety of species exposed by both the inhalation and oral routes show an increased incidence of hepatic angiosarcoma. Therefore, it would be prudent to consider the potential for carcinogenic effects in humans exposed by the oral route as well.
Studies in humans did not provide sufficient data regarding exposure levels and their correlation with observed effects. Therefore, animal studies were used for the derivation of MRla.
Although several studies have examined the effects resulting from acute-duration inhalation exposure of animals to vinyl chloride, no acute-duration inhalation MRL could be derived because the most sensitive
yCC 108230
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2. HEALTH EFFECTS
effect observed was increased maternal mortality in a developmental toxicity study (John et al. 1977). MRLs are not derived using serious end points such as increased mortality.
An intermediate-duration inhalation MRL of 0.002 ppm was derived from a LOAEL value of 10 ppm for increased liver weight in rats (Bi et al. 1985). The ratio of the blood/gas partition coefficients was assumed to be 1. The dose was adjusted for intermittent exposure by multiplying the LOAEL (10 ppm) by 6/24 to correct for less than a full day of exposure and by 6/7 to correct for less than a full week of exposure. The result was then divided by an uncertainty factor of 1,000 (10 for use of a LOAEL, 10 for extrapolation (Tom animals to humans, and 10 for human variability). Increased relative liver weight (Schaffner 1978; Sokal et al. 1980; Torkelson et al. 1961; Wisniewska-Knypl et al. 1980) and adverse histopathological changes (Lester et al. 1963; Schaffner 1978; Sokal et al. 1980; Wisniewska-Knypl et al. 1980) have been observed in several other intermediate-duration inhalation studies. The study by Bi et al. (1985) shows hepatotoxicity (increased liver weight) at exposure levels slightly lower than these other studies. Additional support for the selection of 10 ppm as the lowest LOAEL comes from other organ weight changes observed by Bi et al. (1985) at 10 ppm and from another study demonstrating immunostimulation at 10 ppm (Sharma and Gehring 1979).
No chronic-duration inhalation MRL was derived for vinyl chloride because of the absence of a suitable LOAEL or NOAEL for derivation. The lowest LOAEL (100 ppm) from a chronic-duration study was* for a serious end point (testicular necrosis; Bi et al. 1985). MRLs are not derived using serious end points. In addition, carcinogenicity was observed at concentrations equal to and less than 100 ppm (Bi et al. 1985; Drew et al. 1983; Lee et al. 1978; Maltoni et al. 1981).
No acute- or intermediate-duration oral MRLs were derived for vinyl chloride because of an absence of data on effects of oral exposure to vinyl chloride for these duration categories. A chronic-duration oral MRL of 2X10*5 mg/kg/day was derived from a LOAEL value of 0.018 mg/kg/day for an increased incidence of basophilic foci of cellular alteration in the livers of rats (Til et aL 1983). The MRL value was obtained by dividing the LOAEL by an uncertainty factor of 1,000 (10 for use of a LOAEL, 10 for extrapolation from animals to humans, and 10 for human variability). The selection of this end point is supported by an earlier study from the same laboratory (Feroo et al. 1981) that showed increased areas of cellular alteration consisting of dear foci, basophilic fod, and eosinophilic foci in the liver of rats at the lowest dose tested (1.8 mg/kg/day).
No acute-, intermediate-, or chronic-duration dermal MRLS were derived for vinyl chloride because of the lack of an appropriate methodology for the development of dermal MRLs.
Death. Vinyl chloride, at sufficiently high levels, may be fatal to humans following inhalation exposure. The autopsy report by Danziger (1960) regarding the deaths of two vinyl chloride workers indicated that death was due to asphyxiation but did not estimate the levels to which these workers had been exposed. Inhalation exposure of animals for as brief a period as 30 minutes to concentrations of vinyl chloride ranging from 100,000 to 400,000 ppm have been reported to be lethal to rats, mice, and guinea pigs (Lester et ai. 1963; Mastroraatteo et al. i960; Patty et al. 1930). The cause of death was attributed to respiratory failure secondary to central nervous system depression in one study (Lester et al. 1963). However, repons of cardiac arrhythmicity at similar levels (Carr et ai 1949; Oster et ai 1941) suggest that cardiac arrest may have contributed to the deaths. The levels of vinyl chloride found to cause death in animals are extremely high and unlikely to exist under most environmental conditions (with the exception of concentrated emissions from a large point source). Due to the limited solubility of vinyl chloride in water,
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2. HEALTH EFFECTS
acute ingestion of a lethal dose of vinyl chloride in contaminated water is improbable. Thus, exposure to low levels of vinyl chloride in the air or water near hazardous waste sites is unlikely to cause death acutely.
Longer-term, low-level exposures have been associated with decreased survival in a number of animal inhalation exposure studies (Adkins et al. 1986; Drew et al. 1983; Feron et al. 1979b; Hong et al. 1981; Lee et al. 1978; Viola 1970) and oral exposure studies (Feron et al. 1981; Til et al. 1983). Decreased survival of rats was observed at inhalation exposures as low as 50 ppm when exposed 6 hours per day, 5 days per week, for 10 months (Hong et al. 1981) and oral exposures as low as 1.7 mg/kg/day over the course of a lifetime (Til et al. 1983). The decreased survival noted in these studies may be a reflection of increased mortality due to cancer induction by vinyl chloride.
The significance of a shortened lifespan in animals following low-level chronic exposure with regard to potential adverse effects in humans is unknown.
Systemic Effects
Respiratory Effects. Both autopsy reports from workers with vinyl chloride-related deaths (Danziger 1960) and animal studies using extremely high levels of vinyl chloride (100,000 ppm and above) (Lester et ?1. 1963; Mastromatteo et al. 1960) indicate that such levels of vinyl chloride cause respiratory irritation by the inhalation route. It is unlikely that respiratory irritation will result from exposure to low levels of vinyl chloride in the air near hazardous waste sites.
Studies of workers who have been occupationally exposed to vinyl chloride give mixed results regarding the chronic respiratory effects of vinyl chloride. Gamble et al. (1976), LaPlanche et al. (1987), and Waxweiler et al. (1977) reported no adverse respiratory effects associated with occupational vinyl chloride exposure. However, other investigators found increased incidences of emphysema, decreased respiratory volume and vital capacity, respiratory insufficiency, decreased respiratory oxygen and carbon dioxide transfer, pulmonary fibrosis, and abnormal chest x-rays (Juhe et al. 1974; Ulis et aL 1975, 1976; Lloyd et al. 1984; Suciu et al. 1975; Walker 1976; Wong et al. 1986). Factors that may confound the interpretation of these results include smoking history and exposure to PVC resin dust or to other chemicals.
Histopathologic examination of rats and mice exposed to vinyl chloride for periods of 6 months or a year provide some supportive evidence for respiratory pathology associated with high-level exposure (2,500 and 5,000 ppm) (Feron and Kroes 1979; Suzuki 1978, 1980, 1981). These studies have identified changes such as proliferation and hypertrophy of bronchiolar epithelium, hypersecretion of mucin, hyperplasia of alveolar epithelium, mobilization of alveolar macrophages, increased pulmonary hemorrhages, and interstitial pneumonia.
Cardiovascular Effects. A small percentage of workers exposed to vinyl chloride develop vinyl chloride disease. One of the symptoms of this disease is a condition referred to as Raynaud's phenomenon, in which the fingers blanch and experience numbness and discomfort upon exposure to the cold. Arteriography and biopsy material from afflicted workers indicate that vinyl chloride may cause blockage of the blood vessels supplying the band, hypervascularity, and a thickening of the blood vessel walls (Harris and Adams 1967; Juhe et aL 1974; Preston et al. 1976; Veltman et al. 1975; Walker 1976).
Vinyl chloride disease has been reported to be an autoimmune response similar to systemic sclerosis. Mechanisms for the vascular effects have been proposed by Grainger et al. (1980) and Ward (1976), which relate the vascular response to immunologic changes observed in these workers. According to these
UCC 108232
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2. HEALTH EFFECTS
mechanisms, a reactive vinyl chloride intermediate metabolite, such as 2-chloroethylene oxide or 2-chloroacetaldehyde, binds to a protein such as IgG. The altered protein initiates an immune response, with deposition of immune products along the vascular' endothelium. Circulating immune complexes are proposed to precipitate in response to exposure to the cold, and these precipitates are proposed to cause blockage of the small vessels.
Studies in rodents exposed by inhalation to high levels of vinyl chloride, have reproduced these symptoms to some extent. Thickening of arterial vessel walls has been observed in rats exposed to high concentrations of vinyl chloride for a year (Feron and Kroes 1979; Viola 1970). Threshold levels for the production of this effect have not been determined. However, because of the appearance of Raynaud's phenomenon only in workers with exposure to very high levels of vinyl chloride, it is presumed unlikely that persons exposed to low levels of vinyl chloride near hazardous waste sites would be affected.
Limited data are available regarding cardiovascular-related deaths in humans (Bryen et al. 1976); however, cardiac arrhythmias have been produced in dogs exposed by inhalation to extremely high levels of vinyl chloride (Carr et al. 1949; Oster et al. 1947). It is unlikely that persons exposed to low levels of vinyl chloride in the air or water near hazardous waste sites will develop cardiac rhythm abnormalities.
Hematological Effects. The blood of both humans and animals that died as a result of acute exposure to extremely high levels of vinyl chloride did not clot (Danziger I960; Mastromatteo et al. 1960). Also, slightto- severe thrombocytopenia has been observed in vinyl chloride workers in several but not all studies (Juhe et al. 1974; Lilis et al. 1975; Marsteller et al. 1975; Micu et al. 1985; Veltman et al. 1975). However, studies in animals using nonletbal concentrations of vinyl chloride have indicated that such levels result in a decreased clotting time. In studies by Feron et al. (1979a) and Feron and Kroes (1979) a decrease was observed in the time necessary for blood to clot in rats exposed to 5,000 ppm for 1 year. A decreased clotting time was also observed in rats fed 17 mg/kg/day for 1 year (Feron et al. 1981). Thus, it is uncertain whether persons exposed to low levels of vinyl chloride near hazardous waste sites would experience abnormal dotting times.
Musculoskeletal Effects. Another characteristic of vinyl chloride disease is acroosteolysis, in which the terminal phalanges of the fingers are resorbed. Acroosteolysis, in vinyl chloride workers, was observed to be preceded by Raynaud's phenomenon in most instances (Dinman et al. 1971; Freudiger et al. 1988; Harris and Adams 1967; Magnavita et al. 1986; Markowitz et al. 1972; Preston et al. 1976; Sakabe 1975; Veltman et al. 1975; Wilson et al. 1967). It is unclear whether the resorptive bone changes are due to activation of osteoclasts secondary to vascular insufficiency in the finger tips. Because acroosteolysis was observed exdusively in workers with very high levels of exposure, it is unlikely that persons exposed to low levels of vinyl chloride near hazardous waste sites would be affected.
Hepatic Effects. Changes in the liver have been observed in humans exposed to vinyl chloride via inhalation. The characteristic pattern of changes consists of hypertrophy and hyperplasia of hepatocytes and sinusoidal cells; sinusoidal dilation associated with damage to the ceils lining the sinusoids and/or sinusoidal occlusion associated with crowding due to cellular hypertrophy and hyperplasia; focal areas of hepatocellular degeneration due to disruption of hepatic circulation; and fibrosis of portal tracts, septa, and intralobular perisinusoidal regions (Falk et al. 1974; Gedigke et aL 1975; Juhe et al. 1974; Marsteller et al. 1975; Popper and Thomas 1975; Popper et al 1981; Tamburro et al 1984). These findings are supported by studies in animals (Popper et al. 1981; Sokal et al. 1980; Torkelson et al. 1961). The primary difference between effects observed in animals and humans was the greater degree of fibrosis (reticulin and collagen deposition) in human liver tissue. Structural changes occurred in the livers of humans and
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animals with little or no change in serum hepatic enzyme activities. Most likely this was because of the limited scope of the necrotic changes. An intermediate-duration inhalation MRL was derived based on hepatic toxicity in male rats observed in a study by Bi et al. (1985).
Hepatotoxicity has also been observed in chronic oral studies. Areas of cellular alteration and necrosis were observed in rats orally exposed to vinyl chloride (Feron et al. 1981; Til et al. 1983). Based on the above data it would be prudent to consider that persons exposed to low levels of vinyl chloride in the air or in contaminated water at hazardous waste sites may develop similar hepatic changes.
Acute degenerative changes were also seen in the livers of animals that inhaled extremely high levels of vinyl chloride (Mastromatteo et al. 1960), but it is unlikely for persons briefly exposed to low levels of vinyl chloride near hazardous waste sites to develop similar degenerative changes.
Renal Effects. No evidence of human renal disease has been reported in studies of workers occupationally exposed to vinyl chloride. However, increased severity of tubular nephrosis and increased kidney to body weight ratios were observed in rats exposed to concentrations of vinyl chloride ranging from 100 to 5,000 ppm for periods of up to a year (Bi et al. 1985; Feron and Kroes 1979; Feron et al. 1979a). iLis unclear whether the effects observed in rats represent an increase in severity of naturally occurring tubular nephrosis in rats, or whether these effects represent a lesion attributable to toxic effects of vinyl chloride on the kidney. Thus, insufficient data are available to predict whether persons exposed to low levels of vinyl chloride over tong periods may develop renal toxicity.
Dermal/Ocular Effects. The third most common characteristic of vinyl chloride disease that was identified in persons with exposure to very high levels of vinyl chloride (polymerization tank cleaners) is thickening of the subepidermal layer of the skin. The changes in the skin may appear as maculae above the joints of the fingers or rope-like bundles on the hands and forearms (Juhe et al. 1974; Lilis et al. 1975; Marsteller et al. 1975; Suciu et al. 1963, 1975; Veltman et al. 1975; Walker 1976). Analysis of biopsied tissue indicates that the thickening is due to increased synthesis and deposition of collagen (Jayson et al. 1976). In most cases, the skin changes are also preceded by Raynaud's phenomenon. Thickening of the skin and increased collagen content have been reproduced to some extent in rats administered high concentrations of vinyl chloride by gavage (Knight and Gibbons 1987). Based on the appearance of this effect predominantly in persons with exposure to very high levels of vinyl chloride, it is unlikely that lowlevel exposures near hazardous waste sites would cause similar effects.
Immunological Effects. Increased levels of circulating immune complexes and immunoglobulins have been observed in vinyl chloride workers indicating a stimulatory effect of vinyl chloride on the immune system (Bogdanikowa and Zawilska 1984; Wagnerova et aL 1986, 1988).
When workers with vinyl chloride disease were examined, a correlation of the severity of the symptoms of vinyl chloride disease (Raynaud's phenomenon, acroosteolysis, joint and muscle pain, enhanced collagen deposition, stiffness of the hands, scleroderma-like skin changes) with the magnitude of the immune response was observed (Grainger et aL 1980; Langauer-Lewowicka et aL 1976; Ward 1976). The most frequent immunologic findings in workers with vinyl chloride disease were an increase in circulating immune complexes or cryoglobulinemia. As the severity of the clinical signs of vinyl chloride disease increased, there was an increase in B-cell proliferation, hyperimmunoglobulinemia, and complement activation.
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Because of the similarity of vinyl chloride disease with the proposed autoimmune disease, systemic sclerosis, and the association of many autoimmune diseases with certain inherited genetic characteristics, the human lymphocyte antigen (HLA) phenotypes of vinyl chloride workers both with and without vinyl chloride disease were examined (Black et al. 1983, 1986). The study authors determined that susceptibility to vinyl chloride disease was increased in the presence of the HLA-DR5 allele or a gene in linkage disequilibrium with it, and progression of the disease to its more severe forms was favored by HLA-DR3 and HLA-B8.
Stimulation of the immune response has been observed in mice exposed to low-to-moderate levels of vinyl chloride via inhalation for several weeks (Sharma and Gehring 1979). Thus, it may be possible for persons exposed to low levels of vinyl chloride in the air or water near hazardous waste sites to develop immune stimulation. The threshold for developing an autoimmune response in susceptible persons is unknown.
Neurological Effects. Central nervous system depression is the earliest symptom associated with acute high- level vinyl chloride exposure in humans and animals. Concentrations as low as 8,000 ppm may cause dizziness in humans exposed by inhalation (Lester et al. 1963). Workers exposed to vinyl chloride, before occupational standards were made more rigorous, complained of dizziness, drowsiness, euphoria, nausea, headache, and occasional loss of consciousness (Juhe et al. 1974; Langauer-Lewowicka et al. 1976; Lilis et al. 1975; Marsteller et al. 1975; Spirtas et al. 1975; Suciu et al. 1963, 1975; Veltman et al. 1975; Walter 1976; Waxweiler et al. 1977). These symptoms were most frequently experienced by those employed in positions with the greatest exposure to vinyl chloride (cleaners of the autoclaves used to synthesize PVC).
A state of unconsciousness was produced in animals acutely exposed via inhalation to concentrations of approximately 100,000 ppm (Hehir et al. 1981; Jaeger et al. 1974; Mastromatteo et al. 1960). It is unlikely that exposure to low levels of vinyl chloride in air or water near hazardous waste sites would cause central nervous system depression.
Reports by Magnavita et al. (1986) and Perticoni et al. (1986) suggest that peripheral nerve damage may occur in occupationally exposed workers. Chronic inhalation exposure of animals to high levels of vinyl chloride caused nerve damage (Viola 1970; Viola et al. 1971). However, threshold levels for this effect are unknown. Thus, it is unknown whether persons exposed to low levels of vinyl chloride in air or water near hazardous waste sites would experience nerve damage.
Developmental Effects. Although a statistically significant increase in congenital abnormalities has been observed in members of some communities located near a vinyl chloride processing facility, reports have failed to establish a statistically significant association between developmental toxicity and either parental occupation or proximity to the facility (Edmonds et al. 1978; Infante et al. 1976a, 1976b; Rosenman et al. 1989; Theriault et al. 1983; Waxweiler et al. 1977). In contrast, a number of inhalation studies using pregnant animals have shown developmental toxicity consisting of resorptions, decreased litter size and fetal weight, delayed ossification, and dilated ureters. These effects occurred when animals were exposed during the first trimester of pregnancy and at moderately high levels of vinyl chloride (500-2,500 ppm) (John et al. 1977, 1981; Ungvaiy et aL 1978). However, these levels also produced maternal toxicity characterized by increased liver weight, decreased food consumption and weight gain, and increased mortality. Adverse postnatal effects have been observed in rats following in utero exposure to low levels of vinyl chloride (Sal'nikova and Kotsovskaya 1980). Therefore, it would be prudent to consider the possibility of developmental effects in environmentally exposed human populations as well.
Reproductive Effects. Studies in humans indicate that male reproductive function may be adversely affected by exposure to vinyl chloride. Decreased androgen levels have been found- in workers
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occupationally exposed to vinyl chloride (Makarov 1984; Walker 1976). Also workers have complained of impotency and decreased libido (Suciu et al 1975; Veltman et al. 1975; Walker 1976), and a decrease in sexual function was reported by Makarov (1984). These findings are supported by evidence of testicular damage in rats exposed by inhalation (Bi et al. 1985; Sokal et al. 1980).
Fewer studies have reported the effects of vinyl chloride on reproductive function in females. However, a study by Makarov et al. (1984) suggests that menstrual activity may be disturbed in female vinyl chloride workers. Also, increased incidence and severity of elevated blood pressure and edema during pregnancy (preeclampsia) have been observed by Bao et al. (1988). Studies designed to examine these effects in animals were not located. At present, it is unclear whether adverse reproductive effects could occur in persons exposed to low levels of vinyl chloride in the air or water near hazardous waste sites. However, it would be prudent to consider the possibility of reproductive effects in environmentally exposed populations.
Genotoxle Effect*. Vinyl chloride is mutagenic in S. tvphimurium (Andrews et al. 1976; Bartsch 1975; Bartsch et al. 1976; de Meester et al. 1980, Elmore et al. 1976; Poncelet et al. 1980, Simmon et al. 1977), but only in strains reverted by base-pair substitution by alkylating agents rather than by frameshift mutations (Bartsch et al. 1976). Metabolic activation is necessary for any mutagenic activity in this system (Rannug et al. 1974) or for a maximal response (Simmon et al. 1977). In addition, vinyl chloride in* the vapor phase is mutagenic, but not when it is dissolved in water (Poncelet et al. 1980).
Concentrations of vinyl chloride tested in vitro range from 0.275% (Shahin 1976) to 20% (Simmon et al. 1977; Victoria and Stahlberg 1988a). Shahin (1976) reported negative results for 0.275% and 0.55% in Saccharomvces cerevisiae. In S. tvphimurium. a doubling of revertants has been reported to occur at about 5% vinyl chloride (Victoria and Stahlberg 1988a).
There is evidence that in S. tvphimurium. it is the oxidation of vinyl chloride to the reactive intermediates 2-chloroethyiene oxide and 2-chloroacetaldehyde that is responsible for the mutagenicity of vinyl chloride (Jacobsen et al. 1989; McCann et al. 1975; Rannug et al. 1976). Chloroacetaldehyde appears to be less genotoxic in yeast and Chinese hamster ovary cells than 2-chloroethylene oxide (Huberman et al. 1975; Loprieno et al. 1977), and has been shown to inhibit DNA synthesis in avian cells (Kandala et al. 1990). However, 2-chloroacetaldehyde has been shown to react directly with single-stranded DNA, which then caused base changes and subsequent reversion in Escherichia coli when the DNA was inserted via phage (Jacobsen et al. 1989). The different effects of the aldehyde and oxide in these studies may reflect differences between the procaryotic and eucaryotic genomes.
Identification of the etbeno-derived nucleosides as DNA and RNA adducts following vinyl chloride exposure provides one mechanism for the mutagenicity of this compound (Laib and Bolt 1977). There is evidence that chloroetbylene oxide is responsible for the formation of the etheno-DNA adducts, which in turn cause base-pair substitutions (Barbin et at 1985a; Bolt 1988). These findings support the in vivo studies (see Section 2.2.1.7) that indicate that 2-chloroethylene oxide is responsible for DNA alkylation as well as preneoplastic foci in the liver. Key in vivo genotoxicity studies are presented in Table 2-3 and in vitro genotoxicity studies are presented in Table 2*4.
Cancer. A large number of studies have reported a greater than expected incidence of a rare type of
cancer, angiosarcoma of the liver, among workers exposed to vinyl chloride (Bryen et at 1976; Creech and Johnson 1974; Fox and Collier 1977; Infante 1976; Jones et aL 1988; Monson et al 1975; Pirastu et al. 1990; Rinslcy et al. 1988; Tea et aL 1990; Waxweiler et al 1976; Weber et al 1981; Wong et al. 1986; Wu
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TABLE 2-3. Genotoxiclty of Vinyl Chloride In Vivo
HEALTH EFFECTS
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Species (test system) Mouse Rat Human lymphocyte
Rat
Mouse Rat
End point
Results
Dominant lethal
Dominant lethal Chromosomal aberration
-- --
+
Chromosomal aberration Sister chromatid exchange
Chromosomal aberration
+
--
+ + + + + + +
DNA alkylation DNA alkylation
+ + + + + + + +
+ +
DNA = deoxyribonucleic acid; - = negative result; + - positive result
Reference
Purchase el al. 1975 Anderson et al. 1976 Short el al. 1977 Anderson and
Richardson 1981 Hansleen et al. 1978 Hansteen el al. 1978 Kucerova et al. 1979 Kucerova et al. 1979 Purchase el al. 1978 Ducatman et al. 1975 Anderson et al. 1980 Fucic et al. 1990 Funes-Craviolo et al.
1975 Hrivnak el al. 1990 Laib et al. 1989 Gwinner et al. 1983 Singer el al. 1987 Bolt et al. 1986 Ciroussel el al. 1990 Eberte et al. 1989 Osterman-Golkar el al
1977 Walles et al. 1988 Green and Halhway
1978
TABLE 2-4. GenotoxicKy of Vinyl Chloride In Vitro
!. HEALTH EFFECTS
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Species (test system)
Salmonella tvphimurium
Escherichia coli Saccharomvces cerevisiae Schlzosaccharomvces nombe Chinese hamster ovary cells Bacillus fu(>t|l4 Rat liver microsomes QT6 (avian cells)
End point Reverse mutation
Forward mutation Rec-repair RNA alkylation Inhibition of
DNA synthesis
Results
With activation
Without activation
+ + + + Not tested + + +
+ + +
+ + +
+ + Not applicable Not tested + Not applicable Not tested Not applicable Not applicable
Not tested + +
--
--
+
--
+ +
DNA deoxyribonucleic acid; RNA = ribonucleic acid; - = negative result; + = positive result
Reference
Rannug el al. 1974 Bartsch et al. 197S, 1976 Andrews el al. 1976 Simmon el al. 1977 Elmore et al. 1976 Poncelet et al. 1980 de Meester el al. 1980 Victoria and Staltlberg
1988a McCann et al. 197S Rannug et al. 1976 Jacobsen et al. 1989 Shahin 1976 Loprieno et al. 1977 Huberman et al. 1975 Elmore el al. 1976 Laib and Bolt 1977 Kandata et al. 1990
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2. HEALTH EFFECTS
et al. 1989). Other types of cancer that have shown a statistically significant increase in incidence among vinyl chloride workers, in at least some studies, include cancer of the brain and central nervous system, the lung and respiratory tract, and the lymphatic/hematopoietic system (Belli et al. 1987; Cooper 1981; Infante et al. 1976b; Rinsky et al. 1988; Smulevich et al. 1988; Waxweiler et al. 1977; Weber et al. 1981; Wong et al. 1986). Because women traditionally have not been employed in PVC-manufacturing positions in the North America and Western Europe, virtually all of the information available from occupational studies in these areas is based on the responses of males to vinyl chloride. One study by Smulevich et al. (1988) reporting on Soviet males and females occupationally exposed to vinyl chloride indicates that females may have higher incidences of stomach and lung cancers, leukemias, and lymphomas than males.
Increased incidences of angiosarcoma of the liver have been found after inhalation of vinyl chloride vapor by a variety of animal species (Maltoni et al. 1981). Although no studies examining the incidence of carcinogenic effects in humans exposed to vinyl chloride by the oral route have been located, vinyl chloride incorporated into the diet of rats has been demonstrated to cause an increased incidence of hepatic angiosarcoma. Based on these findings, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (LARC) has concluded that sufficient evidence for carcinogenicity in humans and animals exists and has placed vinyl chloride in carcinogenicity category 1, i.e., carcinogenic to humans (LARC 1979). EPA also has concluded that sufficient evidence of carcinogenicity exists in humans and animals and has classified vinyl chloride according to its classification scheme as a Group A carcinogen, i.e., a human carcinogen (EPA 1980a). Because the epidemiological evidence does not provide sufficient exposure and incidence data to quantify risk based solely on human data, cancer potency factors for inhalation and oral exposure have been calculated based on animal studies. An upper-bound qt* of 2.95x10"' (mg/kg/day)'1 was estimated by EPA (1985c) based on the incidence of hepatic angiosarcoma observed in rats in the inhalation study by Maltoni et al. (1981). An upper-bound q}* for oral exposure was estimated by EPA (1985b) to be 2.3x10'' (mg/kg/day)'1 based on the combined incidence of liver and lung tumors in rats in the study by Feron et al. (1981). Doses associated with excess cancer risks of 10"4, 10'5, and 10* by the inhalation and oral routes are plotted in Figures 2-1 and 2-2, respectively.
There are ample data on the genotoxicity of vinyl chloride in both humans and animals. Information on the mechanisms by which this compound may exert its carcinogenic effects have been elucidated from both in vitro and in vivo studies. Vinyl chloride is metabolized to 2-chloroethylene oxide, which interacts directly with DNA and RNA, producing alkylation products such as 3,^4-ethenocytidine, l.N6ethenoadenosine, 7-J-(2-oxoethyl)-guanosine. This alfylation results in highly efficient base-pair substitution. It appears that the oxide is the ultimate genotoxic intermediate of vinyl chloride, which is consistent with data on the carcinogenicity of the oxirane derivatives of vinyl chloride.
2.5 BIOMARKERS OF EXPOSURE AND EFFECT
Biomarkers are broadly defined as indicators signaling events in biologic systems or samples. They have been classified as markers of exposure, markers of effect, and markers of susceptibility (NAS/NRC 1989).
A biomarker of exposure is a xenobiotic substance or its metabolite(s) or the product of an interaction between a xenobiotic agent and some target molecule(s) or cell(s) that is measured within a compartment of an organism (NAS/NRC 1989). The preferred biomarkers of exposure are generally the substance itself or substance-specific metabolites in readily obtainable body fluid(s) or excreta. However, several factors can confound the use and interpretation of biomarkers of exposure. The body burden of a substance may be the result of exposures from more than one source. The substance being measured may be a metabolite of another xenobiotic substance (e.g., high urinary levels of phenol can result from exposure to several
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different aromatic compounds). Depending on the properties of the substance (e.g., biologic half-life) and environmental conditions (e.g., duration and route of exposure), the. substance and all of its metabolites may have left the body by the time biologic samples can be taken. It may be difficult to identify individuals exposed to hazardous substances that are commonly found in body tissues and Quids (e.g., essential mineral nutrients such as copper, zinc, and selenium). Biomarkers of exposure to vinyl chloride are discussed in Section 2.5.1.
Biomarkers of effect are defined as any measurable biochemical, physiologic, or other alteration within an organism that, depending on magnitude, can be recognized as an established or potential health impairment or disease (NAS/NRC 1989). This definition encompasses biochemical or cellular signals of tissue dysfunction (e.g., increased liver enzyme activity or pathologic changes in female genital epithelial cells), as well as physiologic signs of dysfunction such as increased blood pressure or decreased lung capacity. Note that these markers are often not substance specific. They also may not be directly adverse, but can indicate potential health impairment (e.g., DNA adducts). Biomarkers of effects caused by vinyl chloride are discussed in Section 2.5.2.
A biomarker of susceptibility is an indicator of an inherent or acquired limitation of an organism's ability to respond to the challenge of exposure to a specific xenobiotic substance. It can be an intrinsic genetic or other characteristic or a preexisting disease that results in an increase in absorbed dose, biologically effective dose, or target tissue response. If biomarkers of susceptibility exist, they are discussed in Section 2.7, "Populations That Are Unusually Susoeptibie."
2.5.1 Blomarkera Used to Identify or Quantify Exposure to Vinyl Chloride
Exposure to vinyl chloride may be monitored to some extent by the identification and quantification of a number of parameters. For example, following acute exposure to moderate to high levels, vinyl chloride can be measured in expired air. The expiration of vinyl chloride follows first-order kinetics; therefore, this parameter may be directly correlated with exposure levels (Baretta et al. 1969). This measure may provide the most direct evidence of vinyl chloride exposure. However, measurement of exposure by this technique is limited by the rapidity of excretion of vinyl chloride in expired air. The half-life of vinyl chloride in expired air has been determined to be between 20 and 30 minutes following an inhalation exposure and to be approximately 60 minutes following an oral exposure (Watanabe and Gehring 1976; Watanabe et al. 1976b, 1978a, 1978b). Thus, testing must be initiated as soon as possible following termination of exposure. Furthermore, measurement of vinyl chloride in expired air has limited utility for low-level exposures (<50 ppm) because of competition with rapid metabolic processes (Baretta et al. 1969). In addition, it provides no information on the duration of exposure.
Thiodiglycolic add is a major metabolite of vinyl chloride that is excreted in the urine. Measurement of thiodiglycolic add in urine has been used to monitor workers occupationally exposed to vinyl chloride (Muller et al. 1979). However, measurement of this metabolite is of limited utility in estimating levels of exposure. The amount of thiodiglycolic add in the urine will vary according to individual metabolic idiosyncrades. Also, metabolism of vinyl chloride to thiodiglycolic add is a saturable process. Therefore, when exposure exceeds a certain level, the excretion of vinyl chloride as thiodiglycolic add will plateau (Watanabe et al. 1976b). Furthermore, the rate of metabolism of vinyl chloride to thiodiglycolic add may be influenced by the presence of liver disease, ethanol, or certain other substances such as barbiturates (Hefner et al. 1975b)(also see Section 2.6). Similar to the measurement of vinyl chloride in expired air, the measurement of thiodiglycolic add must take place shortly after exposure, because of the rapidity of its excretion. The half-life for excretion of thiodiglycolic add following an acute exposure is between 4
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and 5 hours (Watanabe and Gehring 1976; Watanabe et al, 1978a, 1978b). Finally, excretion of thiodiglycolic acid is not unique to exposure to vinyl chloride. For example, thiodiglycolic acid may be excreted in the urine as the result of exposure to vinyiidene chloride, ethylene oxide, or 2.2- dichloroethylether (Norpoth et al. 1986; Pettit 1986). Also, infants delivered prematurely have been found to have high levels of urinary thiodiglycolic acid. A correlation was observed between the thiodiglycolic acid levels and the number of weeks prematurely that the infant was born. The origin of this thiodiglycolic acid is unknown, but is not believed to be associated with vinyl chloride exposure (Pettit 1986).
The intermediary metabolites, 2-chloroethylene oxide and 2-chioroacetaldehyde, bind to macromolecules in the body. 2-Chloroethylene oxide is believed to bind primarily to DNA and RNA, whereas 2-chloroacetaldehyde binds primarily to proteins (Bolt 1986; Guengerich and Watanabe 1979; Guengerich et al. 1979, 1981; Kappus et ai. 1976; Watanabe et al. 1978a, 1978b). Two of the DNA adducts that are formed are 1 ,N6-etheno-adenosine and 3,N4-ethenocytidine. Monoclonal antibodies for these DNA adducts have been isolated and used in enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to quantify these ethenoderivatives in biological samples (Eberle et al. 1989; Young and' Santella 1988). Measurement of DNA adducts may be useful in estimating vinyl chloride exposure. However, this technique is of limited value for quantifying levels of exposure because formation of these products will be influenced by variability in vinyl chloride metabolism. Also, their persistence in tissues will be influenced by .the rate of DNA metabolism and repair. Furthermore, the DNA adducts, for which monoclonal antibodies have been isolated, are formed as a result of exposure to vinyl bromide, ethyl carbamate, acrylonitrile, 2-cyanoethylene, and 1.2- dichloroethane (Bolt et al. 1986; Svensson and Osterman-Gotkar 1986). For additional information on the kinetics of vinyl chloride see Section 23.
Exposure to vinyl chloride may also be estimated to some extent from the diagnosis of physiological effects known to be closely associated with iL For example, a syndrome known as vinyl chloride disease has been identified in workers occupationally exposed to vinyl chloride. This syndrome includes Raynaud's phenomenon, acroosteolysis of the distal phalanges of the fingers, and scleroderma-like changes in the hands and forearms (also see Section 2.2). Although this syndrome resembles systemic sclerosis, a differential diagnosis may be made based on the absence of antinuclear antibodies from the blood of those afflicted with vinyl chloride disease (Black et al. 1983, 1986). The occurrence of vinyl chloride disease in exposed populations is about 3% and susceptibility appears to be genetically related (Black et al. 1983, 1986). Therefore, absence of these symptoms would not eliminate the possibility of exposure, but their presence may be a good indicator of exposure.
Angiosarcoma of the liver has been identified in workers occupationally exposed to vinyl chloride. This type of tumor is extremely rare in the general population (Heath et al. 1975); therefore, its diagnosis may indicate vinyl chloride exposure. However, exposure to arsenicals and Ihorotrast* (thorium dioxide; formerly used in arteriography) also causes angiosarcoma of the liver; these substances must be eliminated as causative agents before correlating hepatic angiosarcoma with vinyl chloride exposure (Gedigke et al. 1975; Marsteller et aL 1975).
2.5.2 Blomarkera Used to Characterize Effects Caused by Vinyl Chloride
The realization that angiosarcoma of the liver is associated with vinyl chloride exposure prompted several investigators to try to identify assays that could be used to monitor those individuals considered to be at risk. Standard serum assays designed to detect the presence of hepatic enzymes in the blood were found to be of limited value in monitoring the progression of vinyl chloride-induced hepatic changes (Berk et al.
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1975; Liss et al. 1985; Vihko et a). 1984). This may be because of the relatively slight hepatic damage produced by vinyl chloride and the late development of necrotic areas in the disease process (Popper et al. 1981). In contrast, studies indicate that clearance type assays, which measure liver function, are more sensitive indicators of the hepatic damage resulting from vinyl chloride exposure. Two such assays are the indocyanine clearance test and measurement of serum bile acid levels (Berk et al. 1975; Liss et al. 1985; Vihko et al. 1984).
More sophisticated procedures such as computer-assisted tomography, ultrasonography, and "[Te] liver scanning have been used in patients believed to have vinyl chloride-induced liver damage, but none of these tests is sensitive or specific enough for screening for subclinical asymptomatic hepatic injuiy (NIOSH 1986). Finally, liver biopsy may provide the most accurate identification of vinyl chloride-associated liver damage (Liss et al. 1985). This is because of the characteristic pattern of hepatic histopathology associated with vinyl chloride-induced damage (Popper et al. 1981). However, liver biopsy is an invasive procedure with attendant risks, and, therefore, may not be justified.
The symptoms and signs associated with vinyl chloride disease (Raynaud's phenomenon, scleroderma-like skin changes, and acroosteolysis) are similar to those observed in systemic sclerosis. Vinyl chloride disease may be differentiated from systemic sclerosis by the absence of antinuclear antibodies in the blood and association of vinyl chloride disease with vinyl chloride exposure (Black et al. 1983, 1986). Raynautl's phenomenon is an early symptom of vinyl chloride disease. However, cyanosis and blanching of fingers with exposure to cold may be the result of a number of other conditions such as connective tissue disorders, mechanical arterial obstruction, hyperviscosity of the blood, or exposure to drugs, chemicals, or vibrating tools (Freudiger et ai. 1988). Thus, other potential causes must be eliminated before this syndrome can be used to identify vinyl chloride disease. The symptoms associated with vinyl chloride disease have been attributed to vinyl chloride-induced changes in the microvasculature (Grainger et al. 1980). Capillary abnormalities in the hands may be detected using wide-field capillary microscopy and have been proposed to represent an early manifestation of vinyl chloride's effects (Marioq et al. 1976). Also, immunofiuorescent examination of biopsy material from the skin may be used to identify circulating immune complexes and their deposition on the vascular endothelium (Ward 1976).
Chromosomal aberrations found in lymphocytes may be indicative of the genotoxic effects of vinyl chloride (Anderson et al. 1980; Ducatman et al. 1975; Fucic et al. 1990; Funes-Cravioto e: al. 1975; Hansteen et al. 1978; Hrivnak et al. 1990; Kucerova et al. 1979; Purchase et ai. 1978). However, any of a number of genotoxic substances can cause chromosomal aberrations. Also, de Jong et al. (1988) have found that variability in the control population may obscure the observation of low-level chromosomal aberrations in persons exposed to low levels of vinyl chloride. The DNA adducts produced by the reactive intermediaty metabolites of vinyl chloride, 1^-ethenoadenosine and 3,N4-ethenocytidine, may be more specific indicator of vinyl chloride's genotoxic potential.
2.6 INTERACTIONS WITH OTHER CHEMICALS
A number of studies have been performed that examine the effect of agents intended to alter the metabolism of vinyl chloride on its toxicity. For example, the effects of phenobarbital pretreatment on vinyl chloride-induced hepatotoxicity have been examined by Jaeger et al. (1974, 1977), Jediychowski et al. (1985), and Reynolds et al. (1975a, 1975b). Pretreatment of rats with phenobarbital for 7 days prior to a 4-hour vinyl chloride exposure caused an increase in microsomal cytochrome P-450 activity (Reynolds et al. 1975b) and enhanced hepatotoxicity (Jaeger et al. 1974, 1977; Jedrychowsld et al. 1985; Reynolds et al. 1975a, 1975b). In these studies, in the absence of the phenobarbital pretreatment, a single exposure to
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approximately 50,000 ppm had no detectable adverse effect on the livers of exposed rats. However, following phenobarbital pretreatment, 50,000 ppm of vinyl chloride produced increased serum activity of hepatic enzymes (Jaeger et al. 1977; Jedrychowski et al. 1985), areas of hepatic necrosis (Reynolds et al. 1975a), or both (Jaeger et al. 1974; Reynolds et al. 1975b).
Another agent known to increase mixed function oxidase activity, Aroclor 1254, was also tested for its ability to enhance vinyl chloride-induced hepatotoxicity (Conolly and Jaeger 1979; Conolly et al. 1978; Jaeger et al. 1977; Reynolds et al. 1975b). Pretreatment of rats with Aroclor 1254 for several days prior to exposure to vinyl chloride resulted in an increase in serum activity of hepatic enzymes (Conolly and Jaeger 1979; Conolly et al. 1978; Jaeger et al. 1977; Reynolds et al. 1975b) and areas of hepatic necrosis (Conolly et al. 1978; Reynolds et al. 1975b).
Additional support for a role for mixed function oxidases in the enhanced toxicity of vinyl chloride was obtained using SKF525A, a mixed function oxidase inhibitor. If SKF525A was administered following phenobarbital pretreatment and before vinyl chloride exposure, it blocked the ability of phenobarbital pretreatment to enhance vinyl chloride-induced hepatotoxicity (Jaeger et al. 1977).
The role of glutathione conjugation in vinyl chloride-induced toxicity was also examined (Conolly and Jaeger 1979; Jaeger et al. 1977). The investigators hypothesized that depletion of glutathione might enhance the toxicity of vinyl chloride by preventing the excretion of toxic intermediary metabolites. However, diethylmaleate, an agent known to deplete hepatic glutathione levels, had no effect on the toxicity produced by vinyl chloride following pretreatment with either phenobarbital (Jaeger et al. 1977) or Aroclor 1254 (Conolly and Jaeger 1979). Trichloropropene oxide (TCPO), another agent known to deplete hepatic glutathione, caused enhancement of the hepatic toxicity produced by Aroclor 1254 pretreatment and vinyl chloride exposure, but only when the animals bad been fasted prior to vinyl chloride exposure (Conolly and Jaeger 1979). The study authors hypothesized that the enhancement of vinyl chloride toxicity was a result of the ability of TCPO to inhibit epoxide hydrase rather than its ability to deplete glutathione levels.
Although the depletion of cellular glutathione levels did not appear to enhance vinyl chloride toxicity, treatment with cysteine, the rate-limiting precursor in hepatic glutathione synthesis, increased hepatic glutathione levels and provided partial protection against the toxic effects produced by Aroclor 1254 and vinyl chloride (Conolly and Jaeger 1979).
The effects of the interaction of ethanol with vinyl chloride on development were tested by John et al. (1977). In this study, animals were exposed to vinyl chloride in the presence and absence of 15% ethanol in the drinking water during pregnancy. Ethanol caused a decrease in maternal food consumption and maternal weight gain in mice, rats, and rabbits and enhanced incidence of skeletal abnormalities in mice, and to a lesser extent, in rats. Interpretation of these results is clouded by the absence of an ethanolexposed control group and the current recognition of the adverse effects of ethanol on pregnancy outcome.
In the experiment by Radike et al. (1981), ethanol-consuming rats exposed to vinyl chloride for a year had an enhanced incidence of hepatic angiosarcomas, hepatomas, and lymphosarcomas, earlier onset of the tumors, and an enhanced death rate. The incidence of vinyl chloride-induced angiosarcomas was potentiated by ethanol, whereas the increased incidences of hepatoma and lymphosarcomas by ethanol were additive in nature. The authors hypothesized that the effects of ethanol on the development of angiosarcomas was due to the ability of ethanol to inhibit the metabolism of vinyl chloride (Hefner et al. 1975b; Hultmark et al. 1979).
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2.7 POPULATIONS THAT ARE UNUSUALLY SUSCEPTIBLE
A susceptible population will exhibit a different or enhanced response to vinyl chloride than will most persons exposed to the same level of vinyl chloride in the environment. Reasons include genetic make-up, developmental stage, health and nutritional status, and chemical exposure histoty. These parameters result in decreased function of the detoxification and excretory processes (mainly hepatic and renal) or the pre existing compromised function of target organs. For these reasons we expect the elderly with declining organ function and the youngest of the population with immature and developing organs will generally be more vulnerable to toxic substances than healthy adults. Populations who are at greater risk due to their unusually high exposure are discussed in Section 5.6, `Populations With Potentially High Exposure/
Data suggest that the following subsets of the human population are unusually susceptible to the toxic effects of vinyl chloride: fetuses; infants; young children; people with liver disease, irregular heart rhythms, impaired peripheral circulation, or systemic sclerosis; people with exposure to organochlorine pesticides; and those consuming ethanol or barbiturates or taking Antabuse for alcoholism. Also, persons who possess the HLA-DR5, HLA-DR3, and B8 alleles may be at increased risk.
Vinyl chloride can cross the placenta and enter the blood of the fetus (Ungvaiy et al. 1978). Studies by Drew et ai. (1983) and by Maltoni et al. (1981) have shown that animals exposed by inhalation prior to adolescence or during pregnancy may have a greater death rate and increased likelihood of developing cancer than adult animals exposed for similar periods. This may relate to the length of the induction period of hepatic angiosarcoma rather than to an increased susceptibility of the young, per se.
Vinyl chloride is metabolized in the liver in a multistep process. The intermediary metabolites of vinyl chloride, 2-chloroethylene oxide and 2-chloroacetaldehyde, have been suggested to be responsible for some of the adverse effects produced by vinyl chloride. Thus, activation of the enzyme system responsible for production of these toxic metabolites would be expected to increase the toxicity of vinyl chloride exposures. 2-Chloroethylene oxide is formed by action of the mixed function oxidase system associated with cytochrome P-450. The barbiturate, phenobarbital, and the organochlorine pesticide, Aroclor 1254, increased mixed function oxidase activity and have been shown to greatly increase the hepatotoxicity of vinyl chloride (Conoily and Jaeger 1979; Conolly et al. 1978; Jaeger et al. 1974, 1977; Jedrychowski et al. 1985; Reynolds et al. 1975a, 1975b). Thus, persons taking barbiturates or who might be exposed to organochlorine pesticides that are known to induce microsomal enzymes (such as Aroclor 1254) are expected to be at increased risk for developing vinyl chloride-induced hepatotoxicity.
An alternative pathway for vinyl chloride metabolism in the liver involves the enzymes, alcohol dehydrogenase and aldehyde dehydrogenase. Vinyl chloride metabolized by these enzymes is not metabolized to 2-chloroetbylene oxide, the toxic intermediary metabolite. Persons consuming sufficient amounts of alcohol inhibit this enzyme system (Hefner et al. 1975b; Hultmark et aL 1979). Therefore, these persons have increased levels of the toxic metabolite, 2-chloroethylene oxide. Radike et al. (1981) demonstrated that ethanol-consuming rats exposed to vinyl chloride bad an increased incidence of cancer and early death than animals exposed to vinyl chloride in the absence of ethanol.
Some persons consume the agent, Antabuse, to curb the desire for alcohol. In its role as a therapeutic agent, Antabuse blocks aldehyde dehydrogenase and causes a build-up of acetaldehyde, which is emetic, in the body when alcohol is consumed. If persons taking Antabuse are exposed to vinyl chloride, the alternative metabolic pathway for vinyl chloride metabolism will be blocked, causing more vinyl chloride
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to be metabolized to the toxic metabolite, 2-chloroethylene oxide. Thus, these persons may be at increased risk for hepatotoxicity, cancer, and early death.
Very high levels of vinyl chloride have been demonstrated to cause cardiac arrhythmias in dogs (CarT et al. 1949; Oster et al. 1947). Persons with a propensity to develop cardiac arrhythmias due to heart disease or damage may be at an increased risk of having heart beat irregularities when exposed to high concentrations of vinyl chloride.
Vinyl chloride has been shown to cause decreased circulation in the hands and fingers of some persons. Persons with impaired circulation due to some other cause such as connective tissue disorders, systemic sclerosis, hyperviscosity of the blood, or use of vibrating tools, may experience more severe impairment of the circulation.
Work by Black et al. (1983, 1986) has shown that persons with the HLA allele HLA-DR5 may have an increased likelihood of developing vinyl chloride disease, and those with the alleles HLA-DR3 and B8 may have an increased severity of the disease.
2.8 METHODS FOR REDUCING TOXIC EFFECTS
This section will describe clinical practice and research concerning methods for reducing toxic effects of exposure to vinyl chloride. However, because some of the treatments discussed may be experimental and unproven, this section should not be used as a guide for treatment of exposures to vinyl chloride. When specific exposures have occurred, poison control centers and medical toxicologists should be consulted for medical advice.
2.8.1 Reducing Peak Absorption Following Exposure
Limited information in humans and results from animal studies indicate that vinyl chloride is rapidly and virtually completely absorbed following inhalation and oral exposure, but animal studies suggest that dermal absorption of vinyl chloride vapor is not likely to be significant (see Section 2.3.1). Efforts to reduce absorption following acute exposure to vinyl chloride should focus on removing the individual from the site of exposure and decontaminating exposed areas of the body. Vinyl chloride gas is relatively dense and accumulates at ground level. Therefore, the subject should be moved from low-lying areas. Contaminated skin may be washed with soap and water. It is suggested that eyes exposed to vinyl chloride be copiously irrigated with water or normal saline (Bronstein and Currnace 1988; Haddad and Winchester 1990; Stutz and Janusz 1988). Because of its volatility, it is unlikely that vinyl chloride would be ingested unless it had been dissolved in a solvent. If such ingestion of vinyl chloride occurs, it is suggested that water or milk be administered for dilution if the patient can swallow, has a good gag reflex, and is not drooling (Bronstein and Currnace 1988; Stutz and Janusz 1988). In addition, gastric lavage and administration of activated charcoal have been suggested as means to reduce absorption of vinyl chloride. Induction of emesis is contraindicated (Bronstein and Currnace 1988; Haddad and Winchester 1990; Stutz and Janusz 1988).
2,8.2 Reducing Body Burden
Because of its rapid metabolism and excretion, vinyl chloride does not tend to accumulate in the body. Administration of a cathartic such as magnesium sulfate is suggested to hasten the fecal elimination of vinyl chloride and its metabolites (Stutz and Janusz 1988).
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As discussed in Section 2.3.3, the metabolism of vinyl chloride is a dose-dependent, saturable process. At low exposure concentrations, oxidation of vinyl chloride by alcohol dehydrogenase to 2-chloroacetaldehyde and 2-chloroacetic acid predominates with the metabolites either being directly excreted or conjugated with glutathione prior to excretion in the urine. At moderate exposure concentrations, this pathway becomes saturated and vinyl chloride is oxidized by catalase in the presence of hydrogen peroxide to a peroxide, which could undergo subsequent dehydration to form 2-chloroacetaldehyde, which is also excreted primarily in the urine following conjugation. At high exposure levels, vinyl chloride is oxidized primarily by the microsomal mixed-function oxidase system (cytochrome P-450) to a reactive epoxide intermediate (2-chloroethyiene oxide) which can rearrange to 2-chloroacetaldehyde or conjugate with glutathione to form S-formylmethyl glutathione. Very little vinyl chloride is excreted unchanged in the exhaled air. However, when these metabolic pathways become saturated at high exposure concentrations (approximately 1,000 ppm following inhalation exposure in rats [Watanabe and Gehring 1976; Watanabe et al. 1976, 1978a] and approximately 20 mg/kg following oral administration to rats [Green and Hathway 1975; Watanabe and Gehring 1976; Watanabe et al. 1976a]), vinyl chloride is excreted unchanged in expired air. Therefore, a possible means to enhance the elimination of vinyl chloride without allowing its biotransformation to toxic intermediates is to saturate these three oxidative pathways by administration of substances known to be metabolized via these pathways. Alcohol is the most obvious substrate that could be used to saturate oxidation by alcohol dehydrogenase. Its toxic effects are well known and are not considered prohibitive to its use except in some sensitive populations. Saturation of the P-450 system may occur with drugs such as phenytoin or dicumerol (Goodman and Gilman 1980). However, the effectiveness of these agents in blocking P-450 metabolism of vinyl chloride has not been tested, and it is unclear whether toxic doses would be necessary to overcome relative affinities of the enzymes for vinyl chloride versus these agents. In addition, the potential toxicity of any side products of these substances would need to be considered in any protocol. Several agents induce activity of the microsomal enzymes and could potentially increase the toxicity of vinyl chloride. Administration of such substances would be contraindicated.
2.8.3 Interfering with the Mechanism of Action for Toxic Effects
Following acute, high-level exposure, vinyl chloride behaves as an anesthetic and causes central nervous system and respiratory depression (see Sections 2.2.1.4 and 2.2.2.4). Therefore, basic life support measures, such as supplemental oxygen and cardiopulmonary resuscitation, are suggested in such instances (Bronstein and Curmace 1988; Haddad and Winchester 1990, Stutz and Janusz 1988). In addition, like other halogenated hydrocarbons, vinyl chloride may sensitize the heart to the effects of circulating catecholamines. Therefore, the patient's cardiac rhythm should be monitored, and the use of isoproterenol, epinephrine, or other sympathomimetic drugs should be avoided (Haddad and Winchester 1990).
Vinyl chloride is a known human and animal carcinogen; long-term exposure to this compound is associated with an increased incidence of hepatic angiosarcomas (see Section 2.Z1.8). Vinyl chloride is also hepatotoxic. The mechanism by which vinyl chloride induces its carcinogenic and toxic effect on the liver has been well studied. It is currently believed that these effects are mediated by a reactive epoxide intermediate of vinyl chloride, 2-chloroetbylene oxide, which interacts directly with DNA and RNA, producing alkylation products such as 3,T-ethenocytidine, l,N*-ethenoadenosine, and 7-N-(2-oxoethyl)guanosine. This alkylation results in highly efficient base-pair substitution, leading to neoplastic transformation (see Section 2.4). As discussed above, this epoxide intermediate is formed when vinyl chloride is oxidized by the P-450 isoenzymes. Interference with this metabolic pathway, therefore, could reduce the toxic and carcinogenic effects of vinyl chloride by reducing the amount of epoxide produced. A number of drugs, such as cobaltous chloride, SKF-535-A, and 6-nitro-1^3-benzothioadiazole, have been reported to inhibit P-450 enzymes. Pretreatment with 6-nitro-l,23-benzothioadiazole completely blocked
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the metabolism of vinyl chloride in rats exposed to 0.45 ppm in a closed system for 5 hours (Bolt et al. 1977). P-450 metabolism also results in products that can be more readily eliminated than can the parent compound. Hence, any side products of the drugs and their potential to increase the biological half-life of vinyl chloride would also need to be considered in any protocol. In fact, a study by Buchter et al. (1977) showed that substantial unmetabolized vinyl chloride accumulated in fatty tissue when 6-nitro-1,2,3benzothioadiazole was used to block P-450 metabolism. The study did not examine the fate of vinyl chloride in fatty tissue after P-450 metabolism was reactivated, but it is likely that vinyl chloride would leave the fat slowly and be metabolized. Thus, while blocking P-450 metabolism would probably reduce generation of toxic metabolites in the short term, it is unclear whether generation of toxic metabolites could be completely avoided. Further research to determine which isozymes are involved in the metabolism to the reactive intermediates, as well as which isozymes are involved in enhancing the elimination of vinyl chloride, could lead to the development of strategies to selectively inhibit specific isozymes and thus reduce the toxic effects of vinyl chloride.
Because vinyl chloride is detoxified by conjugation with glutathione and/or cysteine (see discussion above and Section 2.3.3), ensuring sufficient glutathione stores in the body (e.g., by treatment with N-acetyl cysteine) may reduce the possibility of toxic effects following acute exposure to vinyl chloride.
Vinyl chloride disease has been reported in a small percentage of workers exposed to this compound. One of the symptoms of this condition is Reynaud's syndrome (blanching, numbness, and discomfort of the fingers upon exposure to cold). Studies of these individuals demonstrated that vinyl chloride may cause blockage of the blood vessels supplying the hand, hypervascularity, and a thickening of the blood vessel walls (Harris and Adams 1967; Juhe et al. 1974; Preston et al. 1976; Veltman et al. 1975; Walker 1976). Several investigators have suggested that the mechanism for vinyl chloride disease may be an autoimmune response similar to systemic sclerosis. Grainger et al. (1980) and Ward (1976) proposed that a reactive vinyl chloride intermediate metabolite, such as 2-chloroethylene oxide or 2-chloroacetaldehyde, binds to a protein such as IgG. The altered protein initiates an immune response, with deposition of immune products along the vascular endothelium. Cold temperatures could cause the precipitation of these immune complexes resulting in blockage of the blood vessels. Another characteristic of vinyl chloride disease is acroosteolysis, in which the terminal phalanges of the fingers are resorbed. This condition has been noted predominantly in workers who first had Reynaud's syndrome (Dinman et al. 1971; Freudiger et al. 1988; Harris and Adams 1967; Magnavita et al. 1986; Markowitz et al. 1972; Preston et al. 1976; Sakabe 1975; Veltman et al. 1975; Wilson et al. 1967). The resorptive bone changes may be due to activation of osteoclasts secondary to vascular insufficiency in the finger tips, but this remains to be demonstrated conclusively. Other manifestations of vinyl chloride disease include joint and muscle pain, enhanced collagen deposition, stiffness of the hands, and scleroderma-like skin changes. Increased levels of circulating immune complexes and immunoglobulins have been observed in vinyl chloride workers, suggesting a stimulatory effect of vinyl chloride on the immune system (Bogdanikowa and Zawilska 1984; Wagnerova et al. 1986, 1988). A correlation between the severity of the symptoms of vinyl chloride disease and the magnitude of the immune response was observed (Grainger et al. 1980; Langauer-Lewowicka et al. 1976; Ward 1976). Research on the genetic characteristics of workers with this disease has demonstrated that the susceptibility to vinyl chloride disease was increased in the presence of the HLA-DR5 allele or a gene in linkage disequilibrium with it, and progression of the disease to its more severe forms was favored by HLA-DR3 and HLA-B8 (Black et al. 1983, 1986). If vinyl chloride disease is mediated by an immune mechanism in individuals with a genetic predisposition, then the effects of this disease may be mitigated by treatment with drugs used to treat other similar autoimmune diseases (e.gM azathioprine, cyclophosphamide, and prednisone). However, the toxicity associated with the use of these drugs must also be considered.
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2.9 ADEQUACY OF THE DATABASE
Section 104(i)(5) of CERCLA directs the Administrator of ATSDR (in consultation with the Administrator of EPA and agencies and programs of the Public Health Service) to assess whether adequate information on the health effects of vinyl chloride is available. Where adequate information is not available, ATSDR, in conjunction with the National Toxicology Program (NTP), is required to assure the initiation of a program of research designed to determine the health effects (and techniques for developing methods to determine such health effects) of vinyl chloride.
The following categories of possible data needs have been identified by a joint team of scientists from ATSDR, NTP, and EPA. They are defined as substance-specific informational needs that if met would reduce or eliminate the uncertainties of human health assessment This definition should not be interpreted to mean that all data needs discussed in this section must be filled. In the future, the identified data needs will be evaluated and prioritized, and a substance-specific research agenda will be proposed.
2.9.1 Existing Information on Haaith Effects of Vinyl Chloride
The existing data on health effects of inhalation, oral, and dermal exposure of humans and animals to Vinyl chloride are summarized in Figure 2-4. The purpose of this figure is to illustrate the existing information concerning the health effects of vinyl chloride. Each- dot in the figure indicates that one or more studies provide information associated with that particular effect The dot does not imply anything about the quality of the study or studies. Gaps in this figure should not be interpreted as 'data needs* information (i.e., data gaps that must necessarily be filled).
Virtually all of the literature regarding health effects in humans comes from studies Of workers exposed to vinyl chloride during the production of PVG Case reports and cohort studies describe some acute health effects and a wide range of long-term health effects. The predominant mode of exposure in these studies is via inhalation. These studies are limited by the lack of reliable data on individual exposure levels. No studies were found regarding the health effects of oral exposure. One case report examined the effects of dermal exposure to liquid vinyl chloride, but exposure by this route is not expected to contribute significantly to producing adverse health effects because of the limited absorption of vinyl chloride through the skin.
A large number of studies examining the health effects of inhaled vinyl chloride by animals were reviewed. As can be seen in Figure 2-4, no information is available on the acute systemic, immunologic, neurologic, developmental, reproductive, or genotoxic effects of exposure of animals by the oral route. No information is available regarding the health effects of exposure by the dermal route, but tcndcokinetic studies indicate that this route is not an important means of exposure.
2.9.2 Identification of Data Needs
Acute-Duration Exposure. Populations in areas that contain hazardous waste sites may be exposed to vinyl chloride for brief periods. Exposure most likely would occur by inhalation, but relatively brief oral and dermal exposures are also possible. There are acute inhalation exposure data in humans and animals that indicate that the central nervous system is a major target organ of acute vinyl chloride toxiaty. Symptoms of central nervous system depression ranging from Hiwinemt and drowsiness to loss of consciousness have been observed in humans and animals as a result of brief exposure to very high levels
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FIGURE 2-4. Existing Information on Health Effects of Vinyl Chloride
Inhalation Oral Dermal
HUMAN
Existing Studiss
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of vinyl chloride (Hehir et al. 1981; Jaeger et al. 1974; Lester et al. 1963; Mastromatteo et al. I960; Patty et al. 1930). A threshold for central nervous system effects appears to be approximately 8,000 ppm (Lester et al. 1963). Extremely high concentrations of vinyl chloride produce death and respiratory irritation in humans and animals by the inhalation route (Danziger 1960; Lester et al. 1963; Mastromatteo et al. I960; Patty et al. 1930). Based on studies in animals, the threshold for these effects appears to be in the range of 100,000-400,000 ppm (Lester et al. 1963; Mastromatteo et al. i960; Patty et al. 1930). Extremely high concentrations of vinyl chloride produce cardiac arrhythmias in dogs exposed by the inhalation route (CarT et al. 1949; Oster et al. 1947). No threshold was reported for these effects; acute inhalation studies examining the incidence of cardiac irregularities at a variety of lower doses may be helpful in determining the threshold for this effect. Pharmacokinetic data indicate that similar end points might be expected if sufficiently high doses could be consumed by the oral route. However, the solubility characteristics of vinyl chloride in aqueous media (1,100-2,763 mg/L at 25C) (Cowfer and Magistro 1983; EPA 1985b) indicate that achieving concentrations of vinyl chloride in excess of 5,000 ppm may be extremely difficult Animal studies indicate that an adverse effect on the fetus is the most sensitive end point observed following brief inhalation exposures to vinyl chloride (John et al. 1977; Ungvary et al. 1978). Concentrations as low as 500 ppm were observed to cause adverse effects on developing fetuses (John et al. 1977). Studies examining the developmental, neurological, and systemic effects of the highest doses achievable in drinking water would be helpful for determining whether any effects would occur when vinyl chloride-containitiated groundwater or food products are consumed. One report described severe frostbite with second degree bums on the hands of a man resulting from the rapid evaporation of spilled liquid vinyl chloride (Harris 1953). Toxicokinetic studies indicate that absorption of vinyl chloride vapor by the dermal route is insignificant (Hefner et al. 1975a); thus, studies examining the effects of acute-duration dermal exposure do not seem warranted.
A report was located regarding hepatic and respiratory effects observed 18 months following a single 1-hour inhalation exposure to vinyl chloride (Hehir et al. 1981). However, limitations in the study diminished its reliability. Because of the implications of chronic effects from acute exposure, confirmation of these results in another study would be valuable. Intermediate-Duration Expoaure. No studies in humans specifically address intermediate-duration effects by any route. Most epidemiological studies of occupationally exposed persons have concentrated on persons who have been employed over several years. A study with reliable quantification of exposure levels that examined the effects experienced by vinyl chloride workers in their 1st year of exposure would be helpful for predicting the effects that might be observed in populations exposed to hazardous waste sites for similar periods of time. There is a large database describing the effects of intermediate-duration inhalation exposures in animals (Adkins et al. 1986; Bi et al. 1985; Drew et al. 1983; Du et al. 1979; Feron et al. 1979a, 1979b; Hong et al. 1981; Keplinger et al. 1975; Lee et al. 1978; Lester et al. 1963; Maltoni et al. 1981; Mirkova et aL 1978; Salnikova and Kotsovskaya 1980; Schaffner 1978; Sharma and Gehring 1979; Short et al. 1977; Sokal et al. 1980; Suzuki 1978, 1981; Torkelson et al. 1961; Wisniewska-Knyp! et al. 1980). Animals exposed to vinyl chloride vapor for more than 2 weeks and less than a year have experienced effects on the liver, kidneys, lungs, and blood (Bi et al. 1985; Du et al. 1979; Feron et al. 1979a, 1979b; Lester et aL 1963; Sal'nikova and Kotsovskaya 1980; Schaffner 1978; Sokal et al. 1980; Torkelson et al. 1961; Wisniewska-Knypl et al. 1980).' Data were sufficient to determine an intermediateduration inhalation MRL based on liver effects. However, the MRL was based on a LOAEL and a noeffect level in animals would be more suitable for MRL derivation. Extremely limited information was available regarding oral intermediate-duration effects. One chronic study presented interim sacrifice data that identified relative weight and histopathological changes in the liver (Feron et al. 1981). However, only a single-dose group was compared to controls, precluding determination of the dose response of the effects observed. Thus, no MRL for oral intermediate-duration exposures could be determined. Additional studies
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examining the effects of oral exposure to vinyl chloride would be helpful for predicting effects that might be observed in humans consuming contaminated drinking water or foods over a similar period of time. As noted above, absorption of vinyl chloride vapor through the skin is not expected to be significant (Hefner et al. 1975a); thus, additional dermal exposure studies do not seem warranted.
Chronic-Duration Exposure and Cancer. A large number of studies of workers exposed to vinyl chloride have identified a wide range of target organs that may be affected by chronic-duration inhalation of vinyl chloride (Bencko et al. 1988; Berk et al. 1975; Black et al. 1983, 1986; Bogdanikowa and Zawilska 1984; Bao et al. 1988; Brugnami et al. 1988; Bryen et al. 1976; Creech and Johnson 1974; Dinman et al. 1971; Dow 1991; Falk et al. 1974; Freudiger et al. 1988; Gedigke et al. 1975; Grainger et al. 1980; Harris and Adams 1967; Jayson et al. 1976; Jones and Smith 1982; Langauer-Lewowicka et al. 1976; Laplanche et al. 1987; Lee and Hany 1974; Lee et al. 1977b; Lilis et al. 1975, 1976; Liss et al. 1985; Lloyd et al. 1984; Magnavita et al. 1986; Makarov et al. 1984; Marioq et al. 1976; Markowitz et al. 1972; Marsteller et al. 1975; Micu et al. 1985; Miller 1975; Perticoni et al. 1986; Popper and Thomas 1975; Popper et al. 1981; Preston et al. 1976; Sakabe 1975; Spirtas et al. 1975; Suciu et al. 1963, 1975; Tamburro et al. 1984; Veltman et al. 1975; Vihko et al. 1984; Wagnerova et al. 1986, 1988; Walker 1976; Ward 1976; Waxweiler et al. 1977; Wilson et al. 1967; Wong et al. 1986). The target organs include the liver, lungs, blood, immune system, cardiovascular system, skin, bones, nervous system, and the reproductive organs. These studies are severely limited in that individual exposure levels' have hot been documented. In general, studies in animals provide supportive evidence for these effects and give indications of the exposure levels that may be associated with them (Bi et al. 1985; Feron and Kroes 1979; Feron et al. 1979a, 1979b; Lee et al. 1978; Viola 1970; Viola et al. 1971).
No information was available regarding chronic-duration oral exposure in humans. However, studies in animals indicate that the liver, blood, and skin are target organs for oral exposure to vinyl chloride (Feron et al. 1981; Knight and Gibbons 1987; Til et al. 1983).
No information was available regarding effects of chronic-duration dermal exposure in humans or animals, but absorption of vinyl chloride through the skin is not expected to be significant. Thus, dermal exposure studies do not seem warranted.
There is sufficient evidence to indicate that vinyl chloride is carcinogenic to humans (Belli et al. 1987; Brugnami et al. 1988; Biyen et al. 1976; Chung and Keh 1987; Cooper 1981; Creech and Johnson 1974; Davies et al. 1990; Fitzgerald and Griffiths 1987; Fox and Collier 1977; Gelin et al. 1989; Geryk and Zudova 1986; Hagmar et al. 1990; Heldass et al. 1987; Infante et al. 1976b; Jones et al. 1988; Lee and Harry 1974; Monson et al. 1975; Pirastu et al. 1990; Rinsky et al. 1988; Smulevich et al. 1988; Teta et al. 1990; Waxweiler et al 1981; Weber et al. 1981; Williamson and Ramsden 1988; Wong et al. 1986; Wu et al. 1989) and animals (Bi et al. 1985; Drew et al. 1983; Feron and Kroes 1979; Feron et al. 1979a; Lee et al. 1978; Maltoni et al. 1981; Viola et al. 1971) exposed via inhalation and in animals (Feron et al. 1981; Maltoni et aL 1981; HI et al. 1983) exposed via the oral route. The mechanism for carcinogenicity appears to be associated with the formation of reactive intermediates.
Genotoxicity. There are substantial data on clastogenesis in humans exposed to vinyl chloride that indicate that this chemical acts as a potent genotoxicant (Anderson et al. 1980; Ducatman et al. 1975; Fucic et al. 1990; Funes-Cravioto et al. 1975; Hansteen et al. 1978; Hrivnak et al 1990; Kucerova et al 1979, Purchase et al. 1978). These findings are supported by both animal studies and in vitro studies that show positive genotoxicity in a variety of microbial organisms, cultured cell lines, and isolated nucleic add assays (Anderson and Richardson 1981; Andrews et al. 1976; Bartsch 1975; Bartsch et al. 1976; Bolt et al. 1986;
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Ciroussel et al. 1990; de Meester et at. 1980; Eberle et aL 1989; Green and Hathway 1978; Gwinner et al. 1983; Hansteen et al. 1978; Huberman et al. 1975; Jacobsen et al. 1989; Kandala et al. 1990; Laib and Bolt 1977; Laib et al. 1989; Loprieno et al. 1977; McCann et al. 1975; Osterman-Golkar et al. 1977; Poncelet et al. 1980; Rannug et al. 1974, 1976; Simmon et al. 1977; Singer et al. 1987; Victorin and Stahlberg 1988a; Walles et al. 1988). There are also data supporting the premise that it is the chloroethylene oxide metabolite that is ultimately responsible for the direct action on the DNA (Jacobsen et al. 1989; McCann et al. 1975; Rannug et al. 1976), and that the mechanism involves alkylation and subsequent base-pair substitution (Barbin et al. 1985a; Bolt 1988). There is a study indicating that the clastogenic effects of vinyl chloride exposure in humans are reversible (Anderson et al. 1980); additional studies on the fate of the alkylated DNA in humans after an exposure-free interval would be useful for predicting the mechanisms involved in the latency period for carcinogenesis. In addition, further work elucidating the genotoxic role of chloroacetaldehyde would be useful to explain the inconsistent findings of the effects of this metabolite on clastogenesis and the induction of carcinogenesis.
Reproductive Toxicity. Data from a number of epidemiological studies provide suggestive evidence of adverse effects on male and female reproductive function. Sexual impotence and decreased androgen levels were found in men exposed occupationally to vinyl chloride (Makarov et al. 1984; Suciu et al. 1975; Veltman et al. 1975; Walker 1976). In women exposed to vinyl chloride, menstrual disturbances and an increased incidence of elevated blood pressure and edema during pregnancy (preeclampsia) were observed (Bao et al. 1988). Although no reports of two-generation reproduction studies in animals were located, two studies examining a range of toxic effects in rats indicate that vinyl chloride is toxic to the testes (Bi et al. 1985; Sokal et al. 1980). A two-generation reproduction study in animate would be helpful to assess whether adverse effects on the rate of conception could be correlated with damage to the male reproductive organs or whether disturbances in female menstrual activity could be verified. Also, animal models of preeclampsia could be tested to determine the mechanism by which vinyl chloride might cause this effect. Well-designed and well-conducted epidemiological studies examining such changes would also be helpful. No data are available on the possible reproductive toxicity resulting from oral exposure to vinyl chloride. Oral studies that use drinking water as the vehicle of administration would be particularly useful because contaminated groundwater is a potentially significant source of human exposure.
Developmental Toxicity. The epidemiological studies that have addressed developmental toxicity in offspring of humans who have been exposed to vinyl chloride are controversial. Although some of these purport to show a significant association between birth defects and vinyl chloride exposure (Infante 1976; Infante et al. 1976a, 1976b; Waxweiler et al. 1977), their design and analysis have been severely criticized (Hatch et al. 1981; Stallones et al. 1987). At this time, there are insufficient human data to provide a definitive answer to this question. A well-designed and well-conducted epidemiological study examining potential developmental end points would be helpful. There are data showing that vinyl chloride is a developmental toxicant in animals when exposure is by inhalation (John et al. 1977; Mirkova et al. 1978; Sal'nikova and Kotsovskaya 1980; Ungvary et al. 1978). Continuous low-level exposure appears to be the most toxic (Mirkova et al. 1987; Ungvary et al. 1978), but the studies that indicated this are flawed. Additional studies examining exposure to low levels of vinyl chloride throughout gestation would be helpfiil in settling this issue. This issue is particularly important because women living in the vicinity of hazardous waste sites have the potential to be exposed to low levels of vinyl chloride on a continuous basis. Also, studies in animals suggest that offspring exposed in utero may experience adverse effects after birth (Mirkova et al. 1978; Sal'nikova and Kotsovskaya 1980), although these studies are also flawed. Epidemiological studies designed to look at this end point would be helpful. There are no data for oral exposures. Because of this deficiency, oral studies examining a range of developmental end paints would be useful in assessing the possibility of these effects in humans.
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Immunotoxictty. Studies of workers occupationally exposed to vinyl chloride suggest that the immune system may be activated by vinyl chloride (Bogdanikowa and Zawilska 1984; Wagnerova et al. 1986, 1988). Some data suggest that reactive intermediates may bind to proteins in the body, sufficiently altering them so that they become antigenic (Grainger et al. 1980). In some instances, an autoimmune-like syndrome develops. The likelihood of this may be associated with the possession by individuals of specific genetic determinants (HLA alleles) (Black et al. 1983, 1986). Because of the low incidence of the autoimmune response in humans, the immunotoxicity may be best further studied in one of the strains of mice known to have a propensity for developing autoimmune diseases. Also, additional epidemiological studies examining the immune response of exposed populations may be helpful.
Neurotoxicity. A number of studies in humans (Lester et al. 1963; Patty et al. 1930) and animals (Hehir et al. 1981; Jaeger et al. 1974; Lester et al. 1963; Mastromatteo et al. I960; Patty et al. 1930) demonstrate that vinyl chloride is a central nervous system depressant following brief high-level inhalation exposures. Two studies in animals have also found degenerative effects in central nervous system tissue following chronic inhalation exposure to high levels of vinyl chloride (Viola 1970; Viola et al. 1971). It is unknown whether these degenerative changes might also occur at lower doses; thus, a study examining the effects of a range of lower doses would be informative. In addition, relatively recent studies present suggestive evidence that vinyl chloride may also produce peripheral nerve damage in humans exposed chronically yia inhalation (Langauer-Lewowicka et al. 1983; Magnavita et al. 1986; Peniconi et al. 1986; Sakabe 1975; Walker 1976). Animal studies examining histopathological and electrophysiological end points in peripheral nerves would be helpful for assessing what doses may be associated with this effect Epidemiological studies examining exposed populations for subclinical peripheral nerve damage would be helpful. Oral exposure studies in animals would be beneficial for assessing the likelihood that populations exposed to contaminated water might develop symptoms of neurotoxicity.
Epidemiological and Human Do8imetry Studiea. Virtually all of the data on effects in humans following inhalation exposure to vinyl chloride come from epidemiological studies of workers exposed during the production of PVC (Bencko et al. 1988; Berk et al. 1975; Black et al. 1983, 1986; Bogdanikowa and Zawilska 1984; Bao et al. 1988; Bragnami et al. 1988; Bryen et al. 1976; Creech and Johnson 1974; Dinman et al. 1971; Dow 1991; Falk et al. 1974; Freudiger et al. 1988; Gedigke et al. 1975; Grainger et al. 1980; Harris and Adams 1967; Jayson et al. 1976; Jones and Smith 1982; Langauer-Lewowicka et al. 1976; LaPlanche et al. 1987; Lee and Hairy 1974; Lee et al. 1977b; Lilis et al. 1975, 1976; Uss et al. 1985; Lloyd et al. 1984; Magnavita et al. 1986; Makarov et al. 1984; Marioq et al. 1976; Markowitz et al. 1972; Marsteller et al. 1975; Micu et al. 1985; Miller 1975; Perticoni et al. 1986; Popper and Thomas 1975; Popper et al. 1981; Preston et al. 1976; Sakabe 1975; Spinas et al. 1975; Suciu et al. 1963, 1975; Tamburro et al. 1984; Veltman et al. 1975; Vihko et al. 1984; Wagnerova et al. 1986, 1988; Walker 1976; Ward 1976; Waxweiler et al. 1977; Wilson et al. 1967; Wong et al. 1986). These studies are limited by the absence of information on individual exposure levels. Also, in Nonh America and Western Europe, only limited numbers of females have been studied.
For the most pan, studies examining the carcinogenic potential of vinyl chloride have been adequate to distinguish an increased incidence of the rare cancer, angiosarcoma (Biyen et al. 1976; Creech and Johnson 1974; Fox and Collier 1977; Infante et al. 1976b; Jones et al. 1988; Monson et al. 1975; Pirastu et al. 1990; Rinsky et al. 1988; Teta et al. 1990; Waxweiler et al. 1976; Weber et al. 1981; Wong et al. 1986; Wu et al. 1989). However, many studies have used cohorts that are too small to detect smaller increases in other types of cancer (respiratory, central nervous system, lymphatic, or hematopoietic). Epidemiological studies designed to investigate reproductive and developmental effects of vinyl chloride have not been useful, in pan because of a poor choice of statistical analysis, inadequate controls, or failure to take into account
UCC 108253
74
2. HEALTH EFFECTS
other chemical exposures. Additional cohort studies of these end points would be useful for examining these effects in humans.
Clastogenic effects have been used as a dosimeter for exposures to radioactive substances, and work has been done to use this approach for chemical exposures as well. More data on quantified exposures and well-controlled cytogenetic studies would be useful in developing a method for monitoring populations living near hazardous waste sites.
In addition, as noted above, well-designed and well-conducted epidemiological studies examining the incidence of peripheral neuropathies, developmental toxicity (birth defects, miscarriages, delayed prenatal development, postnatal hepatotoxicity), reproductive toxicity (male infertility, menstrual irregularity, preeclampsia in pregnant women), and immune reactivity in exposed populations would also be helpful.
Biomarker* of Exposure and Effect Several potential biomarkers for exposure to vinyl chloride have been identified. Vinyl chloride measured in expired air is an adequate indicator of recent, moderate-tohigh-level exposure (Baretta et al. 1969). However, for low-level exposures or exposures that occur over 1-2 hours prior to the time of measurement, this biomarker is not useful. Thiodiglycolic acid, a major urinary metabolite of vinyl chloride, has been used to monitor workers occupationally exposed to vinyl chloride (Muller et al. 1979). However, this biomarker is rapidly excreted, and, therefore, the period of its utility is limited (Watanabe and Gehring 1976; Watanabe et al. 1978a, 1978b). Also, thiodiglycolic acid is not specific for vinyl chloride; it may also be produced as a result of the metabolism of 1,1-dichloroethene, ethylene oxide, or 2^-dichloroetbylether (Norpoth et al. 1986; Pettit 1986).
The DNA adducts l^-ethenoadenosine and 3,J4-ethenocytidine, may be used to indicate vinyl chloride exposure, although studies correlating the levels of these adducts with exposure levels are still lacking. These products remain in the body longer than free vinyl chloride or thiodiglycolic add, thereby increasing the period after exposure that a potential exposure may be detected (Bolt 1986; Guengerich and Watanabe 1979; Guengerich et al. 1979, 1981; Kappus et al. 1976; Watanabe et al. 1978a, 1978b). However, the presence of these adducts cannot indicate how long it has been since exposure occurred. In addition, these adducts are formed as the result of binding of the intermediary metabolites with nucleic adds, and other compounds produdng the same intermediaty metabolites will also produce these adducts. For example, these adducts have been identified as a result of exposure to vinyl bromide, ethyl carbamate, acrylonitrile, 2- cyanoethylene, and 1,2-dichloro-ethane (Bolt et al. 1986; Svensson and Osterman-Golkar 1986). Studies attempting to identify a metabolite more specific to vinyl chloride may be helpful in developing a biomarker that may be used to facilitate future medical surveillance, which can lead to early detection and possible treatment
The central nervous system depression associated with brief high-level exposures is easily determined by observation. The hepatic changes that may develop-during longer-term exposures are difficult to detect by standard biochemical liver function tests (Berk et al. 1975; Uss et al. 1985; Vihko et al. 1984). In contrast, tests of clearance such as the indocyanine clearance test or measurement of serum bile add levels are more specific and sensitive indicators of vinyl chloride-induced liver damage (Berk et al. 1975; Uss et al. 1985; Vihko et aL 1984). Angiosarcoma of the liver is a rare tumor type that has been shown to result from vinyl chloride exposure. However, other agents are known to cause angiosarcoma of the liver, such as arsenic and Thorotrast* (Gedigke et aL 1975; Marsteller et aL 1975). The cyanosis and blanching of the fingers in response to exposure to the cold may be an early indicator for the development of vinyl chloride disease. However, other conditions also known to cause these symptoms include connective tissue . disorders, mechanical arterial obstruction, hyperviscosity of the blood, and exposure to drugs, chemicals.
yCC 108254
75
2. HEALTH EFFECTS
or vibrating tools (Black et al. 1983, 1986; Freudiger et al. 1988). Finally, measurement of chromosomal aberrations may indicate the genotoxic effects of vinyl chloride (Anderson et al. 1980; Ducatman et al. 1975; Fucic et al. 1990). However, these aberrations do not specifically indicate vinyl chloride-induced damage. Also, ONA adducts may signal the potential to develop genotoxic effects. Further work identifying the correlation between the adducts and genotoxic effects would be useful.
Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, and Excretion. There are few data on humans for all toxicokinetic parameters across all exposure routes (Krajewski et al. 1980; Sabadie et al. 1980). Additional studies examining the toxicokinetics of inhalation and oral exposure in humans would be beneficial. There are a number of animal studies describing the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion of vinyl chloride administered via the oral (Feron et al. 1981; Green and Hathway 1975, 1977; Watanabe and Gehring 1976; Watanabe et al. 1976a; Withey 1976) and inhalation (Bolt et al. 1976a, 1977; Buchter et al. 1977, 1980; Duprat et al. 1977; Filser and Bolt 1979; Guengerich and Watanabe 1979; Heftier et al. 1975b; Jedrychowski et al. 1984, 1985; Ungvaty et al. 1978; Watanabe and Gehring 1976; Watanabe et al. 1976b, 1978a, 1978b; Withey 1976) routes, but few describing the toxicokinetics of vinyl chloride administered via the dermal route. One study in rats found an extremely limited absorption of vinyl chloride vapor across the skin (Hefner et al. 1975a). If there is negligible absorption resulting from dermal exposure, -then additional studies examining toxicokinetics from dermal exposures are not warranted; another study verifying the limited nature of dermal absorption, however, would be reassuring. Furthermore, the intermediary metabolites of vinyl chloride appear to be responsible for many of the toxic effects observed. Therefore, information regarding differences in the metabolic pattern according to sex, age, nutritional status, and species and correlations to differences in health effects would also be useful.
Comparative Toxicokinetics. The absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion of vinyl chloride have been studied in animals (Bolt et al. 1976a, 1977; Buchter et al. 1977, 1980; Duprat et al. 1977; Filser and Bolt 1979; Feron et al. 1981; Green and Hathway 1975; Guengerich and Watanabe 1979; Heftier el al. 1975b; Jedrychowski et al. 1984, 1985; Ungvaty et-al. 1978; Watanabe and Gehring 1976; Watanabe et al. 1976a, 1976b, 1978a, 1978b; Withey 1976), but information on toxicokinetics in humans is extremely limited (Krajewski et al. 1980; Sabadie et al. 1980). Human and animal data indicate that similar target organs (liver, central nervous system) for the toxic effects of vinyl chloride exist, suggesting some similarities of kinetics. Limited information is available regarding interspecies differences in kinetics. Most toxicokinetic studies have been conducted using rats (Bolt et al. 1976a, 1977; Buchter et al. 1977; Duprat et al. 1977; Filser and Bolt 1979; Feron et al. 1981; Green and Hathway 1975; Guengerich and Watanabe 1979; Hefner et al. 1975b; Jedrychowski et al. 1984, 1985; Ungvaty et al. 1978; Watanabe and Gehring 1976; Watanabe et al. 1976a, 1976b, 1978a, 1978b; Withey 1976), but one study in primates (Buchter et al. 1980) indicates that metabolism may saturate at lower concentrations in primates than rats. This may suggest a lower saturation point in humans also. Additional studies measuring the toxicokinetics in humans could provide valuable data as the roles of individual metabolites in the disease processes associated with vinyl chloride exposure are elucidated.
Methods for Reducing Toxic Effects. Vinyl chloride appears to be rapidly and completely absorbed following inhalation and oral exposure (Bolt et al. 1977; Krajewski et al. 1980; Watanabe et al. 1976a; Withey 1976). Methods used to reduce absorption immediately after exposure include removal from the source of exposure, cleansing contaminated body parts, and, in cases of ingestion, speeding the removal of unabsorbed material from the gastrointestinal tract (Bronstein and Currnace 1988; Haddad and Winchester 1990; Stutz and Janusz 1988). No information was located regarding the mechanism of absorption. Additional experiments examining the mechanism of absorption and potential means of interfering with that mechanism would be useful. Distribution of vinyl chloride in the body is rapid and widespread, but storage
UCC 108255
76 2. HEALTH EFFECTS
is limited by rapid metabolism and excretion (Bolt et al. 1976a; Buchter et al. 1977; Duprat et al. 1977; Watanabe et al. 1976a, 1976b, 1978a). The toxicity of vinyl chloride has been attributed to the formation of reactive epoxide metabolites. No information was located regarding removal of these toxic metabolites from the body once they have been formed, but information from toxicokinetic studies suggests that vinyl chloride metabolism to toxic metabolites may be reduced. Saturation of the metabolic pathways for vinyl chloride can result in clearance of unmetabolized vinyl chloride in exhaled air (Green and Hathway 1975; Watanabe and Gehring 1976; Watanabe et al. 1976a, 1976b, 1978a). Studies examining the effectiveness and endogenous toxicity of the agents used to block the metabolic pathways (alcohol, cobaltous chloride, SKF-535-A, 6-nitro-l ,23-benzothiodiazole) would provide useful information. Another strategy for reducing the formation of toxic metabolites includes increasing the pool of glutathione for use in metabolism to nontoxic metabolites. Studies examining the effectiveness of this procedure would also be helpful. Vinyl chloride disease may be mediated by an autoimmune mechanism (Grainger et al. 1980, Ward 1976). Further studies continuing to examine the role of autoimmune responses in vinyl chloride disease, the genetic factors resulting in greater susceptibility to the disease, and the effectiveness of drugs that block immune responses in reducing the symptoms of vinyl chloride disease would also provide valuable information. 2.9.3 On-going Studios On-going studies regarding the health effects of vinyl chloride were reported in the Federal Research in Progress (FEDRIP 1990) database and SCISearch (1990). Table 2-5 presents a summary of on-going studies that address the health'effects of vinyl chloride.
UCC 108256
77 2. HEALTH EFFECTS
TABLE 2-5. On-going Studies on Vinyl Chloride"
Investigator
Affiliation
Research description
Sponsor
D. Brown M. Humayun H. Jiangl B. Singer J. Taylor R. Thurman
NIOSH, Cincinnati, Ohio
Univenity of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey
University of Matyland
University of California, Lawrence Berkeley Lab
NIEHS
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Updating epidemiologic studies on vinyl chloride
Mechanisms of mutagenesis by cyclic DNA adducts in rabbits
Effects of vinyl chloride on pregnancy, parturition and fetal development among female workers
Biochemical mechanisms of vinyl chloride carcinogenesis
Molecular epidemiology of cancer susceptibility and oncogene activation
Mechanisms of hepatotoxicityby environmental pollutants
NIOSH NCI NA NCI NIEHS NIEHS
Sources: FEDRU* (1990); SCIsearch (1990)
DNA * deoxyribonucleic add; NA - not available; NCI - National Cancer Institute; NIEHS National Institute of Environmental Health Science; NIOSH " National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
UCC 108257
Preceding page blank
7#
3. CHEMICAL AND PHYSICAL INFORMATION
3.1 CHEMICAL IDENTITY
Information regarding the chemical identity of vinyl chloride is located in Table 3-1. This information includes synonyms, chemical formula and structure, and identification numbers. 3.2 PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES
Information regarding the physical and chemical properties of vinyl chloride is located in Table 3-2.
UCC 108258
80 3. CHEMICAL AND PHYSICAL INFORMATION
TABLE 3-1. Chemical Identity of Vinyl Chloride
Characteristic
Information
Reference
Chemical name Synonym(s)
Registered trade name($) Chemical formula Chemical structure
Identification numbers CAS registry NIOSH RTECS EPA hazardous waste OHM/TADS DOT/UN/NA/IMCO shipping HSDB NCI
Vinyl chloride
Chloroethene; chloroethylene; 1-chloroethylene; ethylene monochloride; monochloroethene; monochloroethylene; VQ VCM; vinyl chloride monomer
No data
CjHjQ
Ha
c;c
HH
75*01-4 KU9625000 U043 7216947 1066 169 No data
HSDB 1990 Fire 1986; HSDB 1990
* HSDB 1990
HSDB 1990 HSDB 1990 HSDB 1990 HSDB 1990 HSDB 1990 HSDB 1990
CAS Chemical Abstracts Services; DOT/UN/NA/EMCO * Department of Transportation/United Nations/North America/International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code; EPA Environmental Protection Agency, HSDB Hazardous Substances Data Bank; NCI m National Cancer Institute; NIOSH * National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health; OHM/TADS Oil and Hazardous Materials/Technical Assistance Data System; RTECS Registry of Toxic Effects of Chemical Substances
UCC 108259
81 3. CHEMICAL AND PHYSICAL INFORMATION
TABLE 3-2. Physical and Chemical Properties of Vinyl Chloride
Property
Molecular weight Color Physical state Melting point Boiling point Density:
at -14.TC at 15*C at 2CTC Vapor density Odor Odor threshold: Water Air Solubility: Water at 25*C
Organic solvent(s)
Partition coefficients:
Log Vapor pressure:
at 20"C at 25*C Henry's law constant: at lore Autoignition temperature Flashpoint Flammability limits Conversion bctors ppm to mg/m3 in air mg/m3 to ppm in air Explosive limits
vol volume
Information
624 Colorless Gas -153.8"C -13.4*C
0.969 g/cm3 0.9195 g/cm3 0.9106 g/cm3 2.16 Sweet
3.4 ppm 3,000 ppm
2,763 mg/L 1,100 mg/L Soluble in hydrocarbons,
oil, alcohol, chlorinated solvents, and most common organic liquids
1.36 1.99
2430 mmHg 2,660 mmHg
1.2 (atm-m3)/moi 472TC -77.75'C (open cup) 3.6-33 volume %
1 ppm 2.60 mg/m3 1 mg/m3 0.39 ppm 4-22 volume %
Reference
Sax and Lewis 1989 Cowfer and Magistro 1983 Cowfer and Magistro 1983 Cowfer and Magistro 1983 Cowfer and Magistro 1983
Cowfer and Magistro 1983
Sax and Lewis 1989
NIOSH 1986
Fire 1986
HSDB 1990
-
Amoore and Hautala 1983 Amoore and Hautala 1983
EPA 1985b Cowfer and Magistro 1983 Cowfer and Magistro 1983
NIOSH 1986 Lyman et al. 1982
IARC 1979 Sax and Lewis 1989
EPA 1985b Cowfer and Magistro 1983 Cowfer and Magistro 1983 NIOSH 1986
NIOSH 1986 NIOSH 1986 NIOSH 1986
UCC 108260
Preceding page blank 83
4. PRODUCTION, IMPORT, USE, AND DISPOSAL
4.1 PRODUCTION
In 1988, production of vinyl chloride in the United States was 9.1 billion pounds (CMR 1989), while production in 1986 was 8.4 billion pounds (USITC 1987). The estimated U.S. production level for 1993 is 11.0 billion pounds. Between 1979 and 1988, the vinyl chloride manufacturing industry in the United States grew by 2.1% per year. From the present time to 1993, U.S. vinyl chloride production is expected to increase by 3-4% per year (CMR 1989). The estimated U.S. capacity for vinyl chloride production in 1988 was 9.7 billion pounds, indicating that the U.S. vinyl chloride industry was operating at approximately 94% of its capacity (CMR 1989). In 1989, the estimated U.S. capacity was 10.4 billion pounds (SRI 1990a).
Vinyl chloride is currently produced in the United States by 9 companies at 11 facilities, which are as follows (SRI 1990a, 1990b); BF Goodrich Company in LaPorte, Texas; Borden Chemicals and Plastics in Geismar, Louisiana; Dow Chemical in Oyster Creek, Texas and in Plaquemine, Louisiana; Formosa Plastics Corporation in Baton Rouge, Louisiana and in Point Comfort, Texas; Georgia Gulf Corporation in Plaquemine, Louisiana; Occidental Petroleum Corporation in Deer Park, Texas; PPG Industries in Lake Charles, Louisiana; Vista Chemical Company in Lake Charles, Louisiana; and Westlake Monomers Corporation in Calvert City, Kentucky. Table 4-1 summarizes the facilities in the United States that manufacture or process vinyl chloride. This information was obtained from the 1988 Toxic Chemical Release Inventory (TRI88), and it summarizes the reported release data for 1988 (TRI88 1990). Table 4-1 also lists the maximum amounts of vinyl chloride that are present at these sites and the end uses of the vinyl chloride.
The commercial production of vinyl chloride began in the 1930s by reacting hydrogen chloride with acetylene. Currently, vinyl chloride is produced commercially by the chlorination of ethylene through one of two processes, direct chlorination or oxychlorination. Direct chlorination reacts ethylene with chlorine to produce 1,2-dichloroethane. Similarly, oxychlorination produces 1,2-dichloroethane, but this is accomplished by reacting ethylene with dry hydrogen chloride and oxygen. After both processes, the 1,2-dichloroethane is subjected to high pressures (23-3.0 megapascals) and temperatures (550-55CTC). This causes the 1,2-dichloroethane to undergo pyrolysis, or thermal cracking, which forms the vinyl chloride monomer and hydrogen chloride. The vinyl chloride monomer is then isolated (Cowfer and Magistro 1985). The technical grade product is available in 99.9% purity (HSDB 1990). Recent developments in vinyl chloride production include efforts to minimize by-product formation in 1,2-dichloroethane pyrolysis (Cowfer and Magistro 1985).
4.2 IMPORT/EXPORT
Imports of vinyl chloride were 227 million pounds in 1988 (CMR 1989) and 200 million pounds in 1987 (C&EN .1987). Data describing import trends prior to 1987 were not located. Exports of vinyl chloride were 637 million pounds in 1988 (CMR 1989) and 896 million pounds in 198S (CMR 1986b). In 1979, vinyl chloride exports were at an all-time high of 1.1 billion pounds (CMR 1981). Since this time, export volumes have been gradually declining (CMR 1981, 1983, 1989).
4.3 USE
Vinyl chloride is an important industrial chemical because of its wide variety of end-use products and the low cost of producing polymers from it. Furthermore, PVC is one of the most efficient construction materials available when analyzed on an energy-equivalent basis (Cowfer and Magistro 1985). The major
UCC 108261
IWLE 4 1. Facilities That Manufacture or Process Vinyl Chloride'
I. IMPORT, USE AND
UCC 108262
Facility
KirMilM Gibber Co.
Keysor-Century Carp. Union Carbide Corp. Georgia Gulf Corp. C. P. C. Wilarington Attonbly Plant Air Products 1 Cheadcale Inc. Union Carbide Corp. >. F. Goodrich
Borden Inc. Pfc*. A Indot. Products Vulcan Chentests Air Products 1 Chanlcslt Inc. Westlake Nonoaura Corporation B. F. Goodrich Louisville Plant Occidental Chsnlcsl Corp. Fonaosa Plastics Corp. Louisiana Borden Chonical A Plastics
Union Carbide-Indus. Cheatcats B. F. Goodrich Co. Dow Chsalcal Co. Plaquealne
Louisians Gaoraia Gulf Corp.
Certafnteed Corp. PPG Industries Inc.
Vlsts Cheatcal Co. Lake Charles Choalcal Plant
Dou Choalcal Co. Michigan Oiv. Blvsl Nonufocturinf Co. Hebay Corp. - Aa- Chea. Oiv. Varlfora Inc.
Vlsts Polyoars Colloids Inc. Uatsh Oiv. Occidental Cheatcal Corp. Occidental Chsalcal Corp. B. f. Goodrich Co.-Vinyl Oiv. Union Carbide Corp.
location*
Brea, CA
Saugus, CA Torrance, CA Delaware City, DE Ullainoton, OC Paco, FL Tucker, GA Henry, ll
1liiopolls, IL Wichita, KS Calvert City, KT Calvert City, KT Louisville, KV Addis, LA Baton Gouge, LA Goisewr, LA
Ifshnvllle, LA Plaquealne, LA Plaquealne, LA
Plaquealne, LA
Sulphur, LA Westlake, LA
Wcstlske, LA
Midland, Ml Cl Inton, MO Kansas City, NO Kearney, NO
Aberdeen, MS Gastonia, HC Burlington, HJ Burlington, Hi Pedrlcktoun, HJ Soieerset, HJ
Range of anxious aaounts on site in pounds
10,000-99,999
t,000,000-9,999,999 100,000-999,999
1,000,000-9,999,999 10,000-99,999
1,000,000-9,999,999 100,000-999,999
1,000,000-9,999,999
10,000,000-49,999,999 1,000-9,999
1,000,000-9,999,999 10,000,000-49,999,999
100,000-999,999 1,000,000-9,999,999 1,000,000-9,999,999 10,000,000-49,999,999
> 1 billion 100,000-999,999 10,000,000-49,999,999
1,000,000-9,999,999
1,000,000-9,999,999 50,000,000-99,999,999
10,000,000-49,999,999
1,000,000-9,999,999 10,000-99,999
100,000-999,999 1,000,000-9,999,999
10,000,000-49,999,999 10,000-99,999
1,000,000-9,999,999 1,000,000-9,999,999 1,000,000-9,999,999
10,000-99,999
Activities and uses
laport; as a foraulatfon component; as a processing aid
As a reactant As a reactant As a reactant As a aanufacturing aid As a reactant As a reactant As a reactant; as an article
coaponent Aft ft reactant As a reactant As a reactant Produce; for sate/distribution As a reactant As a reactant Produce; for sale/dtstribution Produce; for sale/dlstrlbution; as a
reactant As a byproduct As a reactant Produce; for sale/dlstrlbution
Produce; for on-site use/processIn#; for sale/distrfbutlon; as * reactant
As a reactant Produce; for aale/dietrlbution; as a
byproduct; as an tapurlty; as a reactant Produce; for sale/dlstrlbution
As a reactant As an article component As a reactant laport; for on-alte use/processing;
as an article coaponent As a reactant As a reactant As a reactant As a reactant As a reactant As a reactant
TABLE 4-1 (Continued)
I. PRODUCTION, IMPORT, USE. AND DtSI
UCC 108263
facility
location*
Eastman Wire 1 Cable Co. Goodyear Tire 1 Rubber Co. Oeneral Electric Co. Silicone
Product* National Late* Product* Co.
Vygen Corp. 0. f. Goodrich Avon Lake fecllitie* Nepco Plastic* Co.
Winslow, NJ Niagara Falls, NT Waterford, NT
Ashland, OH
Ashtabula, OH Avon lake, OH Napoleon, ON
Vista Polymer* Dlv. Of Vista Chemical Co.
Occidental Chemical Corp. B. f. Goodrich Co. Geon Vinyl Oiv.
Deer Park Plan Occidental Chemical Corp. Oeer Park -
VCR Dow Chemical Co.
Oklahoma City, OK
Pottstown, PA Oeer Park, IX
Deer Park, TX
Freeport, TX
Shintech Inc.
Ihiton Carbide Corp. 1. f. Goodrich Chmetcal Corporation Occidental Chemical Corp. fomasa Plastics Corp. U
Freeport, TX
Garland, TX La Porte, TX Pasadena, TX Point Comfort, TX
Derived fro* SHI (1990a, 1990b) and TRIM (1990) "Post office etete abbreviation* ueed
Range of maximal amounts on site in pounds
10,000-99,999 100,000-999,999 100,000-999,999
1,000-9,999
100,000-999,999 1,000,000-9,999,999
0-99
1.000,000-9,999,999
1,000,000-9,999,999 1,000,000-9,999,999
10,000,000-49,999,999
10,000,000-49,999,999
10,000,000-49,999,999
100,000-999,999 10,000.000-49,999,999
1,000,000-9,999,999 1,000,000-9,999,999
Activities and uses
As an article ccmponent As a reactant As a reactant
As a formulation component; as a manufacturing aid
As a reactant As a reactant Isport; tor on-site use/processing;
as a formulation component; as an article component As a reactant
As a reactant Aa a reactant
Produce; for sale/distribution
Produce; for on-site use/processing; a* a byproduct; as a reactant; in ancillary or other uses
Import; for on-site use/processing; as a reactant
As a reactant Produce; for sale/dlstributlon As a reactant Produce; tRport; for on-site
use/processfng; as a reactant
88
4. PRODUCTION, IMPORT, USE, AND DISPOSAL
end-use products include PVC products, such as automotive parts and accessories, furniture, packaging materials, pipes, wall coverings, and wire coating, and vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate copolymer products, such as films and resins (Cowfer and Magistro 1985; Eveleth et al. 1990). In 1988, the pattern of use for vinyl chloride produced in the United States was as follows: PVC production, 91%; exports, 7%; and other, 2% (CMR 1989). This use pattern indicates that vinyl .chloride monomer is almost exclusively used in the United States by the plastics industry. Vinyl chloride has been used in the past as a refrigerant, as a extraction solvent for heat-sensitive materials, and in the production of chloroacetaldhyde and methyl chloroform (IARC 1979). In the United States, limited quantities of vinyl chloride were used as an aerosol propellant and as an ingredient of drug and cosmetic products; however, these practices were banned by the EPA in 1974 (IARC 1979; HSDB 1990). 4.4 DISPOSAL Under the federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), those who generate, transport, treat, store, or dispose of vinyl chloride are required to comply with handling and report/record keeping regulations (EPA 1981b). The recommended method of disposal is total destruction by incineration. The temperature of the incinerator must be sufficient to ensure the complete combustion of the vinyl chloride in order to prevent the formation of phosgene. The recommended temperature range for indneratioif is 450-1,600*0, with residence times of seconds for gases and liquids, and bouts for solids (HSDB 1990). If in solution, the vinyl chloride product may need to be adsorbed onto a combustible material prior to incineration. Recommended materials include vermiculite, sawdust, or a sand-soda ash mixture (90/10) covered with wood and paper (OHM/TADS 1985). The vinyl chloride can also be dissolved in a flammable solvent prior to incineration. An add scrubber should be used in conjunction with the incinerator in order to remove any hydrogen chloride that is produced by the combustion process (HSDB 1990; OHM/TADS 1985). Aqueous by-product solutions from the production of vinyl chloride are usually steam-stripped to remove volatile organic compounds, neutralized, and then treated in an activated sludge system to remove nonvolatile organic compounds remaining in the waste water (Cowfer and Magistro 1983). A final method of disposal of vinyl chloride is the chemical destruction of small quantities similar to amounts used in experimental laboratories. The recommended technique is to add the vinyl chloride to sodium dichromate in concentrated sulfuric acid, and to allow this solution to react for 1-2 days (HSDB 1990).
UCC 108264
87
5. POTENTIAL FOR HUMAN EXPOSURE
5.1 OVERVIEW
Vinyl chloride is used almost exclusively in the United States by the plastics industry for the production of PVC and several copolymers. Anthropogenic sources are responsible for all of the vinyl chloride found in the environment. Most of the vinyl chloride released to the environment is eventually transported to the atmosphere, whereas lesser amounts are transported to groundwater. Vinyl chloride has been detected in the ambient air in the vicinity of vinyl chloride and PVC manufacturing plants and hazardous waste sites. The compound has also leached into groundwater from spills, landfills, and industrial sources. Vinyl chloride has been identified at 458 of the 1300 NPL hazardous waste sites (HAZDAT 1992). The frequency of these sites within the United States can be seen in Figure 5-1.
Effluents and emissions from vinyl chloride and PVC manufacturers are responsible for most of vinyl chloride released to the environment. When released to the atmosphere, vinyl chloride is expected to be removed by reaction with photochemically generated hydroxyl radicals (half-life = 1-2 days). Reaction products include hydrochloric acid, formaldehyde, formyl chloride, acetylene, chloroacetaldehyde, chloroacetylchloranil, and chloroethylene. In photochemical smog, the half-life of vinyl chloride is reduced to a few hours. When released to water, volatilization is expected to be the primary fate process.- In waters containing photosensitizers, such as humic materials, sensitized photodegradation may also.be important. When released to soil, vinyl chloride will either volatilize rapidly from soil surfaces or leach readily through soil, ultimately entering groundwater.
Segments of the general population living in the vicinity of emission sources are exposed to vinyl chloride by inhalation of contaminated air. Average daily intake of vinyl chloride by inhalation for these people ranges from trace amounts to 2,100 /tg/day. The average daily intake of vinyl chloride by inhalation is expected to be essentially zero for the remainder of the population. The majority of the general population is not expected to be exposed to vinyl chloride through ingestion of drinking water. The average daily intake of vinyl chloride through diet is predicted to be essentially zero. Workers, particularly in plastic industries, are exposed to vinyl chloride mainly by inhalation, with some absorption through the skin possible. The National Occupational Exposure Survey, conducted by NIOSH from 1981 to 1983, estimated that 81,314 workers employed at 3,711 plant sites were potentially exposed to vinyl chloride (NOES 1990).
5.2 RELEASES TO THE ENVIRONMENT
5.2.1 Air
The major source of vinyl chloride releases to the environment is believed to be emissions and effluents from plastic industries, primarily vinyl chloride and PVC manufacturers. Worldwide emissions of vinyl chloride into the atmosphere during 1982 totalled approximately 400 million pounds (Hartmans et al. 1985). Another emission source includes tobacco smoke which has been found to contain 5.6-28 ng vinyl chloride per cigarette (Hoffman et al. 1976). According to TRI88, an estimated total of at least 1374,153 pounds of vinyl chloride were released to air in the United States in 1988 from the manufacturing and processing facilities listed in Table 5-1 (SRI 1990a, 1990b; TRI88 1990). The TRI88 data should be used with caution since only certain types of facilities are required to report.
UCC 108265
POTENTIAL FOR HUMAN EXPOSURE
UCC 108266
FIGURE 5-1. FREQUENCY OF NPL SITES WITH VINYL CHLORIDE CONTAMINATION *
MDarlvad from HAZDAT 1992
89
5. POTENTIAL FOR HUMAN EXPOSURE
5.2.2 Water
Vinyl chloride released in waste water from the plastics industries is expected to volatilize fairly rapidly (on the order of hours to days) into the atmosphere. Another source of release to groundwater is the anaerobicreductive dehalogenation of 1,1.2-trichloroethylene, tetrachloroethylene, and 1,1,1-trichloroethane to vinyl chloride at hazardous waste sites (Smith and Dragun 1984). Vinyl chloride leaches into groundwater from spills, landfills, and industrial sources (e.g., plastics industry). According to data collected from the analysis of leachates and monitoring wells at sites where groundwater was contaminated by municipal solid waste landfill leachate, vinyl chloride was present in both the leachates and groundwater samples (Sabel and Clark 1984).
Vinyl chloride has been detected in groundwater samples taken at an estimated 3% of the NPL hazardous waste sites included in EPA's Contract Laboratory Program (CLP) at a geometric mean concentration of 0.102 ppm for the positive samples (CLPSD 1989). The compound was not listed in the CLP Statistical Database of chemicals detected in surface water samples collected at NPL sites. Note that information used from the CLP Statistical Database includes data from NPL sites only. According to TRI88, an estimated total of at least 2,018 pounds of vinyl chloride were released to water in the United States^in 1988 from the manufacturing and processing facilities listed in Table 5-1 (SRI 1990a, 1990b; TRI88 1990). The TRI88 data should be used with caution since only certain types of facilities are required to report
5.2.3 Soil
Vinyl chloride can be released into the soil from leachates at hazardous waste sites. Vinyl chloride was not listed in the EPA CLP Statistical Database of chemicals detected in soil samples taken at NPL sites (CLPSD 1989). According to TRI88, an estimated total of at least 2,180 pounds of vinyl chloride were released to land in the United States in 1988 the from the manufacturing and processing facilities listed in Table 5-1 (SRI 1990a, 1990b; TRI88 1990). The TRI88 data should be used with caution since only certain types of facilities are required to report.
5.3 ENVIRONMENTAL FATE
5.3.1 Transport and Partitioning
Based on a vapor pressure of 2,660 mmHg at 25C, essentially all vinyl chloride in the atmosphere is expected to exist in vapor form (Eisenreich et al. 1981; Verschueren 1983). Consequently, removal from the atmosphere by dry deposition is not expected to.be an important fete process.
The primary removal process for vinyl chloride from natural water systems is volatilization into the atmosphere. Henry's law constant value of 1.2 atm-m3/mol at 10C indicates that vinyl chloride should partition rapidly to the atmosphere. The half-life for vinyl chloride volatilization from a typical pond, river, and lake has been estimated to be 433, 8.7, and 34.7 hours, respectively. These values are based on an experimentally determined reaeration rate ratio of approximately 2 and assumed oxygen reaeration rates of 0.008, 0.04, and 0.01 per hour for a typical pond, river, and lake, respectively (EPA 1982a). Predicted half-lives should be considered rough estimates since the presence of various salts in natural water systems may affect the volatility of vinyl chloride significantly (Callahan et al. 1979). Many salts have the ability to form complexes with vinyl chloride and can increase its water solubility; therefore, the presence of salts in natural waters may significantly influence the amount of vinyl chloride remaining in the water (Callahan et al. 1979).
UCC 108267
IWlf 5-1. Release* to the Envirenaent <roa Facilities Ihal Manufacture or Process Vinyl Chloride*
FOR HUMAN EXPOSURE
108268
Facility
Location*
Klrkhlll GtGfcer Co. Key*or-Century Carp. Union Carbide Corp. Georgia Gulf Corp. C-P-C Ifilaitngton
Asseably Riant Air Product* 1 Chanlcala
Inc. Union Carbide Corp. 1. F. Goodrich Gordan Inc. Fl|. 1
Indat. Products Vulcan Cheat celt
Air Products A Oieadcols Inc.
West (eke nonlaser s Corp. G. F. Goodrich Louisville
Plant Occidental Chan!cal
Corp. Foraoso Piaetica Corp.
LouieIana Gordan Cheapest A
Plastics Union Carbide-IndUs.
Chasilcels G. F. Goodrich Co. Don Cheatcat Co.
Plaquaalnt Louisiana Georfla Gulf Corp. Certainteed Corp. PPG Industries Inc. Vista Cheailcal Co. Lake
Cherlee Cheat cal Plant Dow Cheat cel Co.
Michigan Olv. Rival Manufacturing Co.
Orea, CA Saugua, CA Torrance, CA Delsuere City, DE Wllalnfton, GE
Paco. FL
Tucker, GA Ronry, IL llllopolls, IL
Wichita, rs Calvert City, KT
Calvert City, KT Louisville, KT
Addle, LA
Baton Route. LA
Getsaar, LA
Gahmfllo, LA
Plaqueaine, LA ftaquenine, la
Plaqucalne, LA Sulphur, LA Westlake, LA Westlake, LA
Midland, Ml
Clinton, MO
Air
13 090
32 91,453 13,000
12,000
29 33,100 09,670
115 20,000
05,784 9,200
31,468
20,192
39,060
37
18,900
7,100
18,600 24,500
2,600 15,500
800
0
Reported mounts relessed in pounds
Undergrouid injection
Water
00 00 00 01 00
00
00 00 0 390
00 00
0 16 00
00
09
S3 0
00
00 00
00 02 0 55 0 250
00
0 0.
land
Iota! ennri consent
POItt transfer
Off-site untc
transfer
0 13 0 090 0 32 0 91,454 0 13,000
250 12,250
0 29 0 33,100 0 90,068
0 115 0 28,000
0 85,800 0 9,200
0 31,460
0 28,201
0 39,121
0 37
0 18,900 0 7,100
0 18,600 0 24,502 0 2,655 0 15,750
0 800
00
00 160 0
00 0 2,188 250 250
00
00 0 580 0 1,155
00 00
00 14 400
0 5,001
00
00
00
06 00
00 00 0 23 0 250
03
00
TABLE 5 1 (Continued)
i. POTENTIAL FOR HUMAN EXPOSURE
UCC 108269
facility
location"
Nobay Corp. * Ag. Cheat. Div.
Variform Inc. Vista Polymers Colloids Inc. Walsh Div.
Occidental Chemical Corp.
Occidental Chemical Corp.
B. F. Goodrich Co. Vinyl Div.
Union Carbide Corp. Eastman Wire t Cable Co. Goodyear lire t Rubber
Co.
General Electric Co. Silicone Products
National latex Products Co.
Vygan Corp. B. F. Goodrich Avon lake
facilities Napco Plastics Co. Vista Polymers Dtv. Of
Vista Chemical Co. Occidental Chemical
Corp. B. F. Goodrich Co. Geon
Vinyl Div. Deer Park Plan Occidental Chemical Corp. Oeer Park * VCN Dow Chemical Co. Shfntech Inc. Union Carbide Corp.
Kansas City, NO
Kearney, NO Aberdeen, NS Gastonia, NC Burlington, NJ
Burlington, NJ
Pedricktoun, NJ
Somerset, NJ Winslow, NJ Niagara Falls, NT
Waterford, NY
Ashland, ON
Ashtabula, OH Avon lake, OH
Napoleon, OH Oklahoma City, OK
Pottstoun, PA
Oeer Park, TX
Deer Park, TX
Freeport, TX Freeport, TX Garland, TX
Reported amounts released in pounds
Underground
Air
injection
Water
land
iotal environment'
POFU transfer
Offsite waste
transfer
i.zao
0 76,562
500 9,300
27,700
72,000
14 0 89,600
272
0
42,845 40,000
0 65,670
2t4,810
17,400
25,000
2,280 85,550
311
0 0 0 1.280 a 0
00 00 00 0 16
00
0 76,562 0 500 0 9,316
0o 0Q 0
0 70
0 3 0 27.703 0 100
0 8 0 72.008 0 100
000
14 0 0
000
000
0
0
0
89.600
1.080
780
0 0 0 272 0 0
000
000
0 750 00
0 43,595
0
0
40.000
13.000
0 750
000
000
0
0
0 65.670
90
0
0 0 1,930 216.740 2.510 0
0 0 0 17.400 0 620.551
00
00 0 250 00
0 25,000
0 2,280 0 85,800 0 311
0 30
00 00 00
TAKE 5-1 (Continued)
Facility
Location*
Reported Mounts released in pounds
Underground
Air
injection
Water
Land
Total enviroment'
POIU transfer
Off-site waste
transfer
Laporte Chaadcel Corp. Occidental Cheapest
Corp. Foraosa Plastics Corp.
TX
la Porte, TX Pasadena, TX
Point Cearfort, TX
3,000 37,000
13,000
00 0 to
0 250
0 3,000 0 37,018
0 13,250
Totals
1374153
53
2018
2180
1378404
Wived iron SRI (1990a, 1990b) and TRIOS (1990) *Poat office state abbreviations used 'The sua of oil releases of the chearicat to air, land, water, and underground injection welts by a given facility
mu * pUaticly owned traatSMnt works
00 0 21,300
00
17104
653787
UCC 108270
93 5. POTENTIAL FOR HUMAN EXPOSURE
The relatively high vapor pressure of vinyl chloride indicates that the compound should volatilize quite rapidly from dry soil surfaces (Verschueren 1983). The effective half-life (due to volatilization) of vinyl chloride placed 10 cm deep in dry soil is predicted to be 12 hours (Jury et al. 1984). Vinyl chloride is soluble in water and thus can leach through the soil and travel to groundwater before evaporation can occur (Cowfer and Magistro 1983).
Experimental data regarding adsorption of vinyl chloride to soil were not located. Based on the regression equations given by Lyman et al. (1982), Sabljic (1984), and Kenaga and Goring (1980), the soil organic carbon adsorption coefficient (K^) for vinyl chloride was estimated to range from 14 to 131. These K^, values suggest a very low sorption tendency, meaning that this compound would be highly mobile in soil. Thus, vinyl chloride has the potential to leach into groundwater.
Vinyl chloride is soluble in most common organic solvents (Cowfer and Magistro 1983). In situations where organic contaminants exist in relatively high concentrations (e.g., landfills, hazardous waste sites), cosolvation of vinyl chloride could have the effect of reducing its volatility, thus causing it to have even greater mobility than indicated by estimated values.
Vinyl chloride's high vapor pressure and low octanol/water partition coefficient (log
* 1.23) indicates
that it bioaccumulates to a very limited extent (EPA 1982a). The bioconcentration factor (BCF) of an
organic chemical can be estimated from the
or water solubility. Based on the regression equation
given by Veith et al. (1980), the estimated BCF of S.l indicates limited bioconcentration in aquatic
organisms. Freitag et al. (1985) measured BCFs in algae, fish, and activated sludge. The BCFs for algae,
fish, and activated sludge were 40, less than 10, and 1,100, respectively. The very low value for Osh, in
comparison to the algae and activated sludge, may suggest a detoxification process in higher developed organisms such as fish. Lu et al. (1977) examined the bioaccumulation of l4C*vinyl chloride in a closed
model aquatic ecosystem over a 3-day period. The high volatility of vinyl chloride minimized any potential
bioaccumulation. Relatively low tissue concentrations found in fish suggested that vinyl chloride is not
hiomagnified in aquatic food chains to any substantial degree.
5.3.2 Transformation and Degradation
5.3,2.1 Air
Reaction of vinyl chloride vapor with photochemically generated hydroxyl radicals is predicted to be the primary degradation mechanism for this compound in the atmosphere. The half-life for this reaction in the atmosphere ranges from 12 to 1.8 days (Cox et al. 1974; Howard 1976; Perry et al. 1977). Products of this reaction are hydrochloric acid, formaldehyde, formyl chloride, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, chloroacetaidehyde, acetylene, chloroethylene epoxide, chloroacetylchloranil, and water (Muller and Korte 1977; Woldbaek and Klaboe 1978). Under conditions of photochemical smog, the half-life of vinyl chloride would be reduced to a few hours (Carassiti et al. 1978). Reaction with ozone and direct photolysis are less important degradation mechanisms of vinyl chloride in the atmosphere (EPA 1985c; Hill et al. 1976; Zhang et al. 1983). Vinyl chloride in the vapor phase does not absorb light of wavelengths above 220 nm; therefore, direct photolysis will not occur in the atmosphere (Hill et aL 1976).
5.3.2^ Water
The primary removal process for vinyl chloride from surface waters is volatilization into the atmosphere. Vinyl chloride in water does not absorb ultraviolet radiation above 218 nm; therefore, direct photolysis in
UCC 108271
94
5. POTENTIAL FOR HUMAN EXPOSURE
the aquatic environment i$ not expected to occur (Hill et al. 1976). Solutions of 10 mg/L (10 ppm) vinyl chloride in pure water were exposed to filtered light (greater than 300 nm) from a mercury lamp (Hill et al. 1976). No photolysis occurred over, a 90-hour period. In waters containing photosensitizes, such as humic materials, photodegradation may be fairly rapid. If so, in some waters, sensitized pbotodegradation may also be an important removal mechanism (Hill et al. 1976).
The hydrolytic half-life of vinyl chloride has been estimated to be less than 10 years at 25"C (Hill et al. 1976). Since the volatilization rate of vinyl chloride is much more rapid than the predicted rate of hydrolysis, hydrolysis is not a significant aquatic fate (Callahan et al. 1979; Hill et al. 1976). Vinyl chloride is not oxidized chemically by reaction with photochemically generated molecular oxygen in natural water systems (Hill et al. 1976). Experiments carried out at 20 mg/L vinyl chloride in water saturated with molecular oxygen at elevated temperatures showed that after 12 hours at 85C, no degradation of vinyl chloride could be detected. At temperatures and oxygen concentrations in natural waters; therefore, vinyl chloride will not be degraded by molecular oxygen at a significant rate (Hill et al. 1976).
The limited amount of existing data indicates that vinyl chloride is resistant to microbial degradation. Hill et al. (1976) found that an isolated microbial culture containing two species of bacteria and three mixed fungal populations was unable to biodegrade vinyl chloride over a 5-week period at concentrations of 20-120 mg/L (20-120 ppm). Helfgott et al. (1977) observed no change in the biochemical oxygen demand in raw sewage seed (used as a microbial inoculum) and raw sewage seed plus vinyl chloride at 20C over a 25-day period. The authors interpreted this to mean that no biodegradation of vinyl chloride occuned.
S.3.2.3 Soil
The majority of vinyl chloride present on soil surfaces will volatilize to the atmosphere. Vinyl chloride is also mobile in soil and susceptible to leaching (Lyman et al. 1982). The presence of other organic solvents, such as those found at hazardous waste sites, may affect the mobility of the substance in the soil (Cowfer and Magistro 1983). Photodegradation on the surface of soils is expected since sensitized photodegradation in water occurs. Also, based on data in aquatic media, microbial degradation of vinyl chloride is not expected to occur in soil.
5.4 LEVELS MONITORED OR ESTIMATED IN THE ENVIRONMENT
5.4.1 Air
Air in mral/remote and urban/suburban areas of the United States typically contains no detectable amount of vinyl chloride (Grimsrud and Rasmussen 1975a, 1975b; Harkov et al. 1984; Stephens et al. 1986; Wallace et al. 1984). Limited monitoring data indicate that in areas near vinyl chloride and PVC manufacturing facilities, the concentration of vinyl chloride in air typically ranges from trace levels to 105 pg/ar (0.041 ppm) (EPA 1979a; Gordon and Meeks 1977) but may exceed 2,600 pg/m3 (1 ppm) (Fishbein 1979). Elevated levels of vinyl chloride may also be found in the vidnity of hazardous waste sites and municipal landfills. Concentrations ranging from below detection limits to 5-8 pg/tn3 (0.002-0.003 ppm) have been measured in the air above some landfills (Baker and MacKay 1985; Stephens et al. 1986). Homes near a hazardous waste site in southern California were found to contain levels as high as 1,040 pg/m3 (0.4 ppm) (Stephens et al. 1986). Gaseous emissions from 20 Class II (nontoxic) landfills in southern California were analyzed for vinyl chloride (Wood and Porter 1987). Vinyl chloride was found in emissions from 85% of the landfills tested, and it was found in concentrations greater than 1 ppm in more than half of the landfill emissions. The concentration of vinyl chloride measured in this study ranged from 0.24 to
UCC 108272
95
5. POTENTIAL FOR HUMAN EXPOSURE
44 ppm. Based on their observations, the authors concluded that the presence of vinyl chloride at these landfills was due to either illegal disposal or in situ generation by the degradation of chlorinated solvents by bacteria and other microbes (Wood and Porter 1987).
5.4.2 Water
Vinyl chloride has been detected at varying concentrations in surface water, groundwater, and drinking water throughout the United States. Concentrations of vinyl chloride in drinking water wells and surface water in New York State were found to be 0.05 and 0.01 ppm, respectively (Burmaster 1982). Monitoring studies in nine states have identified concentrations as high as 9.8 pg/L (0.01 ppm) in surface water and 380 pg/L (0.38 ppm) in groundwater (Coniglio et al. 1980; Dyksen and Hess 1982).
The level of vinyl chloride in groundwater in the United States was determined during the 1982 EPA Groundwater Supply Survey (Westrick et al. 1984). Water supplies from 945 sites throughout the United States were studied. Vinyl chloride was positively identified in only 0.74% of the 945 groundwater supplies (detection limit 0.001 ppm). It was reported that 0.5% of 186 random sample sites and 3.8% of 158 nonrandom sample sites contained detectable levels of vinyl chloride. The maximum concentrations at jhe random and nonrandom sites were 1.1 pg/L (0.0011 ppm) and 8.4 pg/L (0.0084 ppm), respectively (Westrick et al. 1984). Approximately half of the samples were taken from a random list of water systems, which were subdivided into two sets of systems-those serving fewer than 10,000 people and those serving more than 10,000 people. The nonrandom samples were taken from systems selected by the states, using groundwater sources that were likely to show volatile organic compounds in drinking water (Westrick et al. 1984). Other studies have reported the occurrence of vinyl chloride in groundwater samples collected throughout the United States at levels at or below 380 pg/L (0.38 ppm) (Coniglio et al. 1980; Cotruvo 1985; Goodenkauf and Atkinson 1986; Stuart 1983).
5.4.3 Soil
Monitoring data for vinyl chloride in soil were not located in the available literature.
5.4.4 Other Environmental Media
In the past, vinyl chloride has been detected in various foods as a result of migration from PVC food wrappings and containers (Gilbert et al. 1980). Vinyl chloride has been found in vinegar at levels up to 9.8 ppm, in edible oils at 03-18.0 ppm, and in alcoholic beverages at 0.0-8.4 ppm when these foods were packaged and stored in PVC containers (Williams 1976; Williams and Miles 1975). At present, FDA regulates the use of PVC polymers in food packaging materials and the amount of residual monomer in polymers. Results of a modeling study on the migration of vinyl chloride from PVC using liquid chromatography to simulate migration conditions in actual food packaging and storage revealed that, at the very low concentrations of residual vinyl chloride monomer in PVC packaging material, essentially zero migration of vinyl chloride monomer into foods occurs (Kontominas et al. 1985).
Vinyl chloride has leached into drinking water from PVC pipes. One study found that drinking water that ran through PVC pipes contained vinyl chloride at 1.4 pg/L (0.0014 ppm), whereas water that ran through a PVC system 9 years older contained 0.03-0.06 pg/L (3xl0`5-6xl0's ppm) (Dressman and McFarren 1978). The migration of vinyl chloride from rigid PVC water pipes into drinking water was directly proportional to the residual level of vinyl chloride in the pipe itself. Current data addressing the potential for leaching of vinyl chloride monomer from PVC pipes were not located. Under certain test conditions,
UCC 108273
5. POTENTIAL FOfl HUMAN EXPOSURE
vinyl chloride monomer in drinking water reacts with chlorine and is converted to chloroacetaldehyde and chloroacetic acid (Ando and Sayato 1984). Information concerning the effect of this reaction on drinking water supplies that are pretreated with chlorine and the extent of this reaction were not stated.
During an EPA study, detectable levels of vinyl chloride monomer (detection limit 0.0S ppm) were found, in indoor air samples taken from two of seven new 1975 model cars. Levels of vinyl chloride in indoor air in the two cars ranged from 0.4 to 1.2 ppm. Ventilation of the car interiors led to the dissipation of vinyl chloride. The cars involved in the study had a high ratio of plastic to interior volume and were expected to provide worst-case concentrations for vinyl chloride in interior car air (Hedley et aL 1976). Because of the limited nature of these data and the fact that this study is somewhat dated, no conclusions can be drawn regarding levels of vinyl chloride monomer in interior air of cars currently being produced.
Vinyl chloride has been detected in tobacco smoke. Cigarette smoke and small-cigar smoke have been found to contain 5.6-27 ng vinyl chloride per cigarette (Hoffman et aL 1976).
5.5 GENERAL POPULATION AND OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE
Inhalation is the most probable route of exposure for the general population. Topical values for the average daily intake of vinyl chloride by inhalation in urbanAuburban and rural/remote areas have been estimated to be essentially zero. Assuming that the average adult intake of air is 20 m3/day, the average daily intake of vinyl chloride by people living in the vicinity of emission sources has been estimated to range from trace amounts to 2,100 ng (EPA 1979a; Gordon and Meeks 1977). The majority of drinking water supplies in the United States contain no detectable levels of vinyl chloride (Coniglio et al. 1980; Westrick et al. 1984). Based on this information, it is assumed that the average daily intake of vinyl chloride by ingestion of drinking water for most persons in the United States is essentially zero. Estimates provided by EPA (1985b) indicate that 0.9% of the U.S. population is exposed to levels of vinyl chloride in drinking water greater than or equal to 1.0 ng/L, and 0.3% of the population is exposed to levels greater than 5 /xg/L.
The National Occupational Exposure Survey (NOES), conducted by NIOSH from 1981 to 1983, estimated that 81,314 workers employed at 3,711 plant sites were potentially exposed to vinyl chloride in the United States (NOES 1990). The NOES database does not contain information on the frequency, concentration, or duration of exposure; the survey provides only estimates of workers potentially exposed to chemicals in the workplace. Exposure is believed to occur primarily through inhalation with some absorption through the skin possible (Sittig 1985).
5.6 POPULATIONS WITH POTENTIALLY HIGH EXPOSURES
Individuals located near or downwind of production facilities, hazardous waste disposal sites, and landfills may potentially be exposed to higher than background ambient atmospheric levels of vinyl chloride. For specific levels associated with health effects, see Section 2.7. Individuals living near hazardous waste sites and landfills may also be exposed to vinyl chloride, in their drinking water. Workers involved in the production or polymerization of vinyl chloride may constitute a group at risk because of the potential for occupational exposure. Smokers may be at increased risk of exposure to higher levels of vinyl chloride as the compound has been detected in tobacco smoke.
UCC 108274
97
5, POTENTIAL FOR HUMAN EXPOSURE
5.7 ADEQUACY OF THE DATABASE
Section 104(i)(5) of CERCLA directs the Administrator of ATSDR (in consultation with the Administrator of EPA and agencies and programs of the Public Health Service) to assess whether adequate information on the health effects of vinyl chloride is available. Where adequate information is not available, ATSDR, in conjunction with NTP, is required to assure the initiation of a program of research designed to determine the health effects (and techniques for developing methods to determine such health effects) of vinyl chloride.
The following categories of possible data needs have been identified by a joint team of scientists from ATSDR, NTP, and EPA. They are defined as substance-specific informational needs that if met would reduce or eliminate the uncertainties of human health assessment. This definition should not be interpreted to mean that all data needs discussed in this section must be filled. In the future, the identified data needs will be evaluated and prioritized, and a substance-specific research agenda will be proposed.
5.7.1 Identification of Data Needa
Physical and Chemical Properties. The physical and chemical properties of vinyl chloride are sufficiently well characterized to permit estimation of its environmental fate (Amoore and Hautala 1983; Cowfer and Magistro 1983; EPA 1985b; Fire 1986; HSDB 1990; IARC 1979; Lyman et al. 1982; NIOSH 1986; Sax and Lewis 1989).
Production, Import/Export, Use, and Release and Disposal. Vinyl chloride is released primarily to the atmosphere via emissions from vinyl chloride and PVC manufacturing facilities (Hartmans et al. 1985; SRI 1990a, 1990b; TRI88 1990). The risk of exposure to vinyl chloride is highest for workers in the plastics industry and populations living near industrial areas or hazardous waste sites. Current production, use, and manufacturing methods are well described in the literature (CMR 1989; Cowfer and Magistro 1985; Eveleth et al. 1990; HSDB 1990; IARC 1979; SRI 1990a, 1990b; TRI88 1990; USITC 1987). More current information on releases and disposal methods might assist in estimating potential exposures to vinyl chloride, particularly for populations living near hazardous waste sites.
Environmental Fate. Vinyl chloride is transported in and partitioned to the air and water and is also partitioned to air from water (EPA 1982a). Experimental data regarding the partitioning of vinyl chloride to soil are needed. Vinyl chloride is transformed in the atmosphere by photooxidation (Carassiti et al. 1978; Cox et al. 1974; EPA 1985c; Hill et aL 1976; Howard 1976; Muller and Korte 1977; Perry et al. 1977; Woidbaek and Klaboe 1978; Zhang et al. 1983). It is removed from surface water and groundwater mainly by volatilization and photodegradation (Hill et al. 1976). Information regarding the transformation and degradation in soil would be helpful in defining the potential pathways for human exposure.
Bloavallablllty from Environmental Media. Vinyl chloride can be absorbed following inhalation (Bolt et al. 1977; Krajewski et aL 1980; Withey 1976), oral (Feron et aL 1981; Watanabe et al. 1976a; Withey 1976), and, to a much lesser extent, dermal (Hefner et al. 1975a) exposure. These routes of exposure may be of concern to humans because of the potential of vinyl chloride to contaminate air (Baker and MacKay 1985; EPA 1979a; Fishbein 1979; Gordon and Meeks 1977; Stephens et al. 1986; Wood and Porter 1987), water (Burmaster 1982; Coniglio et al. 1980; Cotruvo 1985; Dyksen and Hess 1982; Goodenkauf and Atkinson 1986; Stuart 1983; Westrick et al. 1984), and food (Gilbert et al. 1980; Williams 1976; Williams
UCC 108275
96
S. POTENTIAL FOR HUMAN EXPOSURE
and Miles 1975). Information regarding tbe bioavailability from ingestion and dermal contact of contaminated soils would be helpful, particularly for populations living near hazardous waste sites.
Food Chain Bloaccumulatlon. Vinyl chloride can bioconcentrate to a limited extent in aquatic organisms (EPA 1982a; Freitag et al. 1985). Biomagnification of vinyl chloride in terrestrial and aquatic food chains does not appear to be important because of its high volatility and the fact that it is readily metabolized by higher-trophic-level organisms (Freitag et al. 1985; Lu et al. 1977). No data were located regarding biomagnification in terrestrial foodchains.
Exposure Levels In Environmental Media. Vinyl chloride has been detected in air (Baker and MacKay 1985; EPA 1979a; Fishbein 1979; Gordon and Meeks 1977; Stephens et al. 1986; Wood and Porter 1987), water (Burmaster 1982; Coniglio et al. 1980, Cotruvo 1985; Dyksen and Hess 1982; Goodenkauf and Atkinson 1986; Stuart 1983; Westrick et al. 1984), sediment (Wang et al. 1985), and food (Gilbert et al. 1980, Williams 1976; Williams and Miles 1975). Intake data for the general population from the various media are available (Coniglio et al. 1980, EPA 1979a, 1985b; Gordon and Meeks 1977; Westrick et al. 1984). Data on levels of vinyl chloride in soils are needed. Site-specific data on concentrations of vinyl chloride in air, soil, and water would be helpful in estimating the risk of exposure for populations-living in the vicinity of hazardous waste sites. Also, current data on the extent of release (if any) of vinyl chloride from PVC pipes and from car interiors are needed to estimate the risk of exposure of the general population.
Exposure Levels In Humans. Vinyl chloride has been detected in human tissues and fluids as a result of occupational exposure to the substance. No information on biological monitoring studies for the general population was located. More information on exposure levels for populations living in the vicinity of hazardous waste sites would be helpful.
Exposure Registries. No exposure registries for vinyl chloride were located. This substance is not currently one of the substances for which a subregistiy has been established in the National Exposure Registry. The substance will be considered in the future when chemical selection is made for subregistries to be established. The information that is amassed in the National Exposure Registry facilitates the epidemiological research needed to assess adverse health outcomes that may be related to the exposure to this substance.
5.7.2 Ongoing Studies
As part of the Third National Health and Nutrition Evaluation Survey (NHANES III), the Environmental Health Laboratory Sciences Division of the Center for Environmental Health and Injury Control, Centers for Disease Control, will be analyzing human blood samples for vinyl chloride and other volatile organic compounds. These data will give an indication of the frequency of occurrence and background levels of these compounds in the general population.
Dr. S. Fogel (Cambridge Analytical Association) is examining the feasibility of in situ biodegradation of chlorinated ethenes, specifically vinyl chloride, in contaminated drinking water aquifers. Three microbiological processes have been identified with a high probability of achieving the complete biodegradation of vinyl chloride. The results may enable the design of a specific aquifer restoration plan in which tbe subsurface environment is modified to create a microbiological barrier across the path of an approaching contaminant plume. Dr. Fogel is also researching biodegradation of chlorinated aliphatic compounds by methane-utilizing bacteria. A bacterium has been isolated that grows by oxidizing methane
UCC 108276
as 5. POTENTIAL FOR HUMAN EXPOSURE (a methanotroph) and that can also degrade vinyl chloride. This discovery has significant potential for applications in the field of groundwater and waste water treatment
UCC 108277
Preceding page blank
101
6. ANALYTICAL METHODS
The purpose of this chapter is to describe the analytical methods that are available for detecting and/or measuring and monitoring vinyl chloride in environmental media and in biological samples. The intent is not to provide an exhaustive list of analytical methods that could be used to detect and quantify vinyl chloride. Rather, the intention is to identify well-established methods that are used as the standard methods of analysis. Many of the analytical methods used to detect vinyl chloride in environmental samples are the methods approved by federal organizations such as EPA and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). Other methods presented in this chapter are those that are approved by groups such as the Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC) and the American Public Health Association (APHA). Additionally, analytical methods are included that refine previously used methods to obtain lower detection limits, and/or to improve accuracy and precision.
6.1 BIOLOGICAL MATERIALS
The analytical method used to analyze for the presence of vinyl chloride in biological media is separation by gas chromatography (GC) combined with detection by mass spectrometry (MS), flame ionization detector (FID), or electron capture detector (ECD). Vinyl chloride and/or its metabolite, thiodiglycolic acid, have been detected in breath, urine, blood, and tissues. Breath samples can be preconcentrated by cryogenic trapping. The two methods most commonly used to prepare liquid and solid samples are preconcentration by a purge-and-trap technique or headspace analysis. Preconcentration not only increases the sensitivity but, in certain instances, may decrease the sample separation time prior to quantification. Details of commonly used analytical methods for several types of biological media are presented in Table 6-1.
Vinyl chloride was determined in exhaled air by preconcentration with a multistage cryogenic trapping system followed by thermal desorption using GC/FTD, GC/ECD, and GC/MS (Conkle et al. 1975). Sensitivity is in the low-ppb range. The authors noted that the reproducibility of the subject/sampling system was inconclusive. The quantitative data reflected considerable scatter, apparently indicating the variability of the biological system and the trace nature of the compound. The additional requirement for long-term coupling (30-60 minutes) of the sampling system to the subject probably limits the method to industrial health applications, with relatively robust subjects (Conkle et al. 1975). Baretta et al. (1969) monitored exposure to vinyl chloride through breath analysis. The breath samples were collected in pipets with plastic caps lined with six layers of Saran* film identical to that used for the construction of Saran air sampling bags. Aliquots were drawn from the pipets and injected directly into a gas chromatograph equipped with FID. Detectability of vinyl chloride in the exhaled air by this method becomes limited when air concentrations in the workplace are below 50 ppm.
Vinyl chloride has been measured in rat blood and tissues using headspace GC/FID (Zuccato et al. 1979). In headspace analysis, the gaseous layer above the sample is injected into the gas chromatograph. Sample preparation steps for rat blood and tissues involve extraction in an ethanol-water mixture, incubation, and direct injection into the gas chromatograph. Sample preparation for tissues includes an extra step involving freezing and homogenization before the extraction procedure. Accuracy varied, ranging from about 75% to 92% recovery. The method is sensitive to 5 ng/mL vinyl chloride in blood and 30 ng/g in tissues.
Muller et al. (1979) employed GC/MS as a selective biomonitoring method for the quantitative measurement of thiodiglycolic acid, a urinary metabolite of vinyl chloride. They reported a sensitivity of 50 ng/mL Precision was generally good. The authors noted that some thiodiglycolic acid has been found in supposedly unexposed subjects. Therefore, exposure to low levels of vinyl chloride could be masked by background metabolic levels within normal limits. This may limit the application of biological monitoring
UCC 108278
TABLE 6-1. Analytical Methods for Determining Vinyl Chloride In Biological Materials
Sample matrix Breath Breath Urine
Uriae
Preparation method
Analytical method
Sample detection
Umlt
Percent recovery
Breath collected la pipets lined with Sana* film; direct injection laio gas chromatograph
GC/FID
Cytogenlc trappiag of expired air; thermal deaorptioa Into gas chromatograph
OC7FID, OC/ECD, and GC/MS
Acidified and dedicated overnight; add methanol; derivatixe with diazomethaae; add km* exchange resin
GQMS
Internal standard added to mine; acidification and
ethyl acetate extraction; evaporation of soluent; addition of fcJ-trimethyallyldkthylaminehi pyridine (1:1); injection into gat chromatograph
OQFID, GC/MS
NR NR 50 ng/mL 10 mg/L
NR NR NR NR
Reference Baretta et al. 1969
Confcle et aL 1975
Muller et ai 1979
DraminsM and Trojanowska 1981
201
108279
*
TABLE 6-1 (Continued)
Sample matrix
Preparation method
Analytical method
Sample detection
limit
Percent recovety
Reference
Blood and tissues
Extraction in ethanolwater mixture. incubation, injection into gas chromatograph. Tissue preparation also includes freezing and homogenization before the extraction procedure.
GC/FID
5 ng/mL blood 75-79% blood
30 ng/g tissue 76-92% tissue
Zuccato et al. 1979
GC/ECD gas chroraalography/elcclron capture detector; GC/FID = gas chromatography/flame ionization detector; GC/MS = gas cfaromalography/mass spectrometry; NR = not reported
analytical methods
u c 108280
104
6. ANALYTICAL METHODS
for the measurement of vinyl chloride following low-level exposure (Muller et al. 1979; van Sittert and deJong 1985). In a study by Jedrychowski et al. (1984), urinaiy excretion of thiodigtycolic acid was determined using GC/FID. The urine was extracted twice with ethyl acetate prior to analysis. No recovery data were given for this method.
6.2 ENVIRONMENTAL SAMPLES
Analysis of environmental samples is similar to that of biological samples. The most common methods used to detect vinyl chloride in environmental samples are GC/MS, GC/ECD, and GC/FID. Preconcentration of samples is usually done by sorption on solid sorbent for air and by the purge-and-trap method for liquid and solid matrices. Alternatively, headspace above liquid and solid samples may be analyzed without preconcentration. Details of commonly used analytical methods for several types of environmental samples are presented in Table 6*2.
The primary method of analyzing vinyl chloride in air is GC combined with either MS, ECD, or FID. Air samples are usually pumped through a sample collection column with Tenax*-GC, coconut activated charcoal, or spherocarb (a carbon molecular sieve material) as the most common adsorbents. Several authors have noted that Tenax*GC displays poor retention for vinyl chloride when the compound is present in the vety low ppb range (Bozzelli and Kebbekus 1979; Krost et al. 1982; McMuny and Tarr 1978). Vinyl chloride is thermally desorbed from the collection column and concentrated on a cryogenic trapping column located on the gas chromatograph. Vapors are heat-released from the trapping column directly to the gas chromatograph (Bozzelli and Kebbekus 1979; Krost et al. 1982). Grab samples of air can also be obtained and preconcentrated on a cryogenic column (Rasmussen et al. 1977). The limit of detection for GC/MS and GC/ECD is in the sub-ppb range (Bozzelli and Kebbekus 1979; Harsch et al. 1979; Krost et al. 1982; Rasmussen et al. 1977). Accuracy is generally good (Bozzelli and Kebbekus 1979). With careful technique, precision is adequate, ranging from 5% to 20% (Bozzelli and Kebbekus 1979; McMuny and Tarr 1978),
Trace amounts of vinyl chloride in air and water were detected employing GC/ECD after derivatization to 1,2-dibromochloroethane (Wittsiepe et al. 1990). Air samples were taken by drawing a known volume directly through an ice-cooled adsorption tube. Water samples were purged with an inert gas before being drawn through the adsorption tube. The tubes were' eluted with carbon disulfide, and the vinyl chloride was derivatized with bromine water to form 1,2-dibromochloroethane. This derivatization technique is used for enhancement of sensitivity with GC/ECD. The derivative was determined by capillary GC with ECD. The detection limits for air and water samples are 50 ng/m3 and 0.4 ng/L (0.4 parts per trillion), respectively. Results from recovery experiments with dosed water indicated that accuracy was good.
Vinyl chloride can be detected in drinking water, groundwater, waste water, and leachate from solid waste. Analysis of vinyl chloride is done by purge-and-trap or headspace GC The primary analytical method is separation by GC combined with MS, ECD, FID, Hall's electrolytic conductivity detector (HECD), or another type of halogen specific detector (HSD). In most methods, vinyl chloride is liberated from the liquid matrix by purging with an inert gas and concentrated by trapping on a suitable solid sorbent Vinyl chloride is thermally desorbed and backflushed onto the column of the gas chromatograph with an inert gas. Detection of vinyl chloride is generally achieved using HECD, HSD, or MS (APHA 1985; EPA 1982d, 1982e; 1ARC 1978; Reding 1987). The limit of detection is in the sub-ppb range for halogen specific detectors (APHA 1985; EPA 1982d, 1982e) and in the low-ppb range for MS (EPA 1982d). Accuracy is greater than 98%, and precision ranges from 11% to 25% for GC/HECD and GC/MS (EPA I982d).
ucc 108281
TABLE 6-2. Analytical Methods for Determining Vinyl Chloride in Environmental Samples
I. ANALYTICAL METHODS
UCC 108282
Sample matrix
Preparation method
Analytical method
Sample detection
limit
Percent recovery
Reference
Occupational air
Ambient Indoor and outdoor air
Air Air
Automobile exhaust
Vinyl chloride in air adsorbed in activated carbon trap and desorbed by carbon disulfide
Air containing vinyl chloride passed through activated carbon trap and desorbed by dlchiorontethane or carbon disulfide
Adsorption on Tenax*-GC, or SKC* Carbon, then thermal desorption
Air prefiltered by Na^Oj-trealed glass fiber filter was passed through spherocarb adsorbent cartridge and thermally desorbed
Exhaust samples contained in aluminized plastic bags
GC/F1D
GC/F1D
GC/MS GC/FID, GC/MS, GC/ECD
GC/FID
NR 94% at 0.4-25 ppm
S ppb
NR
0.33 ppb
NR
0.005 ppb
NR
0.02 ppm
NR
k
NIOSH 1984
1ARC 1978
Krost et al. 1982 Harkov et al. 1983, 1984
Hasanen et al. 1979
TABLE 6-2 (Continued)
i. ANALYTICAL Ml
UCC 108283
Sample matrix
Preparation method
Analytical method
Sample detection
limit
Air
Air
Air
Drinking water
Drinking water and waste water Groundwater, liquid, and solid matrices
Trapped in cold Tena**-GC trap; thermal desorption
Sample collected in pressurized canister b passed through a freezeout loop and subsequently heated
Sample collected in polyester-coated plastic bags concentrated by freezeout and subsequently heated
Samples collected in serum reaction bottles; purge and trap technique
Purge and trap in Tenax*-GQ thermal desorption
Purge at 45*C and trap in Tenax*-GQ thermal desorption
GC/F1D
GC/ECD
GC/FID
GC/HSD, GC/MS
GC/HSD, GC/MS (EPA Methods 601 and 624) GC/HSD (EPA Method 8010)
NR 0.01 ppb
0.4 ppb
NR 0.18 ppb (HSD) 0.18 ppb
Percent recovery
Reference
89.6% at 6 ppb; 100% at 60 ppb
NR
Ives 1975
Harsch el al. 1979; Rasmussen et al. 1977
NR McMuriy and Tarr 1978
NR Dressman and McFarren 1978
102% at 0.8-32.3 ppb
APHA 1985; EPA 1982d
102% at
EPA 1982e
0.82-32.3 ppb
TABLE &-2 (Conttnued)
t. ANALYTICAL METHODS
UCC 108284
Sample matrix
Preparation method
Analytical method
Sample detection
limit
Percent recovery
Reference
Drinking water
Migration of monomer into drinking water from PVC pipes
Water
i jnittin
Purge and trap in Tetuut*-GC; thermal desorption
GC/Hall detector, GC/PID (EPA Methods 5022 and 5242)
Small sections put in water in sealed serum vial for a number of days at 20*C; solution directly injected into gas chromatograph
GC/FID
Sample in sealed vial is equilibrated at constant temperature; headspace gas injected into gas chromatograph
GC/FID
Gas from landfill sites sampled by PTFE tubing inside drive-m piezometers was adsorbed in Tenax*-GC or Porapak*, a sorbent; trapped sample desorbed and concentrated in liquid Nj-cooled loop and flash desorbed
GC/MS
0.04 ppb (Hall detector); 0.02 ppb (P1D) NR
<1 ppb
0.04-0.8 PP
.i
100-119% at 5-10 ppb
Reding 1987
NR Ando and Sayato 1984
NR 1ARC 1978 NR Young and Parker 1984
Sample matrix
Preparation method
TABLE 6-2 (Continued)
Analytical method
Sample detection
limit
Percent recovery
Reference
i. ANALYTICAL METHODS
UCC 108285
Sediment and oyster
Landfill gas
Food (orange drink, wine, olive oil)
Foodstuff!
Homogeneous sample mixed with water and vinyl chloride purged into a closed loop; gas in closed loop injected into gas chromatograph
GC/ECD
Sample collected in 2 L evacuated glass bulb; gas directly injected into gas chromatograph
GC/FID
Sample sealed In vials and equilibrated at 4fTC for 2 hours; headspace gas Injected into gas chromatograph
GC/FID
Sample sealed in vials and equilibrated at 4tPC for a minimum of 2 hours; headspace gas injected into gas chromatograph
GC/FID
2 ng/g (sediment)
4 ng/g (oyster)
NR
NR NR
NR NR
Wang et al. 1985 Wood and Porter 1987 Chudy and Crosby 1977
t-5 ppb
NR
IARC 1978
EPA = Environmental Protection Agency, GC/ECD = gas chromatography/electron capture detector; GC/FID = gas chromatography/ilame ionizaliondetector; GC/HSD = gas chromatography/halogen specific detector; GC/MS = gas chromatography/mass spectrometry; GC/P1D = gas chromatography/photoionizallon detector; HSD = halogen specific detector; Nj - nitrogen; Na^S^Oj = sodium thiosulfate; NR = not reported; PFTE = polytetrafluorelhylene;PID = photoionization detector; PVC = polyvinyl chloride
109
6. ANALYTICAL METHODS
Recently, EPA made improvements in methods for measuring volatile organic chemicals. The major change is the use of smaller sample volumes allowed by increased use of capillary gas chromatographic columns.Capiilary columns provide better resolution, minimum detection limits, and less column bleed than packed columns (Reding 1987).
Vinyl chloride has been measured in sediment using GC/ECD with sensitivity in the low-ppb range. Accuracy and precision data were not given (Wang et al. 1985). No information on analysis of vinyl chloride in soil was located. GC/HSD of headspace gases is the EPA-recommended method for solid matrices with sensitivity in the sub-ppb range. Accuracy (101.9%) is good and precision (11.4%) is adequate (EPA I982d). Vinyl chloride levels in food have been determined using GC/FID. Headspace analysis is a common method of preparation of foods with sensitivity in the low-ppb range (1ARC 1978).
6.3 ADEQUACY OF THE DATABASE
Section 104(i)(5) of CERCLA directs the Administrator of ATSDR (in consultation with the Administrator of EPA and agencies and programs of the Public Health Service) to assess whether adequate information on the health effects of vinyl chloride is available. Where adequate information is not available, ATSDR, in conjunction with NTP, is required to assure the initiation of a program of research designed to determine the health effects (and techniques for developing methods to determine such health effects) 'Of vinyl chloride.
The following categories of possible dam needs have been identified by a joint team of scientists from ATSDR, NTP, and EPA. They are defined as substance-specific informational needs that if met would reduce or eliminate the uncertainties of human health assessment This definition should not be interpreted to mean that all data needs discussed in this section must be filled. In the future, the identified data needs will be evaluated and prioritized, and a substance-specific research agenda will be proposed.
6.3.1 Identification of Data Heads
Methods for Determining Biomarkers of Exposure and Effect Methods are available for measuring
vinyl chloride and/or its metabolite, thiodiglycolic add, in breath, urine, blood, and tissue (Baretta et al. 1969; Conkle et al. 1975; Draminski and Trojanowska 1981; Muller et al. 1979; Zuccato et al. 1979). These methods are sensitive for measuring levels at which health effects might occur and for measuring higher background levels that might be found in specific populations known to be exposed to elevated levels of vinyl chloride (e.g., workers in the plastics industry and individuals living in the vicinity of hazardous waste sites). Measurement of urinary thiodiglycolic add can be used as an indicator of vinyl chloride intake as long as individual variability in metabolism due to such factors as liver disease, use of drugs, and alcohol intake can be accounted for (Hefner et al. 1975b; Muller et al. 1979). Exposure to vinyl chloride at concentrations below 1-5 ppm could be masked by background metabolic levels of thiodiglycolic add within normal limits (Muller et al. 1979). Also, the formation of thiodiglycolic add is not unique to vinyl chloride exposure (Norpoth et al. 1986; Pettit 1986). The methods are generally reliable, although increased precision for most methods would increase reliability. Background levels for the general population are ill defined (EPA 1985b). Further research on the relationship between low-level exposure and levels of vinyl chloride in biological media would be helpful in assessing the risks and health effects of chronic, low-level exposure.
UCC 108286
110 6. ANALYTICAL METHODS
Existing methods are sensitive for measuring levels of vinyl chloride and its metabolite, thiodiglycolic add, in individuals affected by exposure to very high levels of vinyl chloride (Baretta et al. 1969; Conkle et al. 1975; Draminski and Trojanowska 1981; Muller et al. 1979; Zuccato et al. 1979). Also, methods are available to detect DNA adducts produced by the reaction of vinyl chloride metabolites with DNA (Eberle et al. 1989; Young and Santetla 1988). These DNA adducts are specific indicators of vinyl chloride's genotoxic potential. These methods, however, are not sufficiently sensitive to determine the genotoxic effects resulting from low-level exposure. Correlations between levels detected in biological tissues and fluids, and specific observed effects for lower levels of exposure, are not established. Additional research in this area would allow better assessment of existing methods and would help in defining areas in which improvements are needed.
Methods for Determining Parent Compounds and Degradation Products In Environmental Media.
Existing methods for determining vinyl chloride in air (Harsch et al 1979; Hasanen et al. 1979; Harkov et al. 1983, 1984; IARC 1978; Ives 1975; Krost et al. 1982; McMuny and Tan 1978; NIOSH 1984; Rasmussen et al 1977) and water (Ando and Sayato 1984; APHA 1985; Dressman and McFarren 1978; EPA 1982d, 1982e; IARC 1978; Reding 1987), the media of most concern for human exposure, are sensitive, reproducible, and reliable for measuring background levels in the environment. Research investigating the relationship between levels measured in air and water and observed health effects could increase our confidence in existing methods and/or indicate where improvements are needed. Methpds specifically regarding the analysis of vinyl chloride in soils were not located. EPA does, however, have sensitive and reliable methods for determining the concentration of vinyl chloride in soil matrices (EPA 1982e), which include contaminated soils.
6.3.2 On-going Studies
No on-going studies concerning methods for measuring and determining vinyl chloride in biological and environmental samples were located. The Environmental Health Laboratory Sciences Division of the Center for Environmental Health and Injury Control, Centers for Disease Control, is developing methods for the analysis of vinyl chloride and other volatile organic compounds in blood. These methods-use purge and trap methodology and magnetic sector mass spectrometry which gives detection limits in the low parts per trillion range.
UCC 108287
Ill
7. REGULATIONS AND ADVISORIES
The international, national, and state regulations and guidelines regarding vinyl chloride in air, water, and other media are summarized in Table 7-1. ATSDR has derived two MRL values for vinyl chloride. An intermediate-duration inhalation MRL of 0.002 ppm was derived for vinyl chloride based upon increased liver weight in rats (Bi et al. 1985). A chronic-duration oral MRL of 2x1 O'5 mg/kg/day was derived for vinyl chloride based upon an increased incidence of foci of cellular alteration in the livers of rats (Til et al. 1983). No EPA reference dose (RfD) or reference concentration (RfC) exists for vinyl chloride (IRIS 1990). Vinyl chloride is on the list of chemicals appearing in Toxic Chemicals Subject to Section 313 of the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act of 1986" (EPA 1987f, 1988c). The FDA proposed to amend its regulations regarding the vinyl chloride content of polymers used in packaging materials or processing equipment for foods (EPA 1977c; FDA 1986). Depending on the nature of the polymer and its use, proposed vinyl chloride content may range from 5 to 50 ppm.
UCC 108288
112 7. REGULATIONS AND ADVISORIES
TABLE 7-1. Regulations and Guidelines Applicable to Vinyl Chloride
Afwwy IKTRMATIWAL IARC NATIONAL Rafulatiana: a. Air:
OSHA
b. Wear EPA ODW
a. Food: FDA
d. Ottaar EPA OEM
DMCnptMMI Caidnogsaic cluafatioa
Information
Reforancee
Oroup 1*
1ARC 19*7
PEL TWA
1 ppm
STBL
5 ppm
Diraet amployas upoan to vinyl chloride ii not allowed
Caaeeatmtioo in exhanw |UM front formulation and purification of vinyl chloride dull not exceed^
Reactor opaniai loaa from each reactor not to ncMd
In polyvinyl chloride plana tiaing dripping to eotdrol amiMinna
Daily weighted avenge reeidual eotteaniaiiou prncaaaad each day fee polyvinyl chloride duperxioo reaina may not axeaad
Latex taaina avenged aaparataly for each qppa of raain
Dhpenien polyvinyl chloride reeine Jgtludiflf lift
Lean leeina
Yea
10 ppm
0.02 g/kg of p--o-*i-y--vi-n-y-i chloride product
2,000ppm
400 ppm 2g/kg 0.4 g/kg
MCL In drinking water Rul hopoiid
Regulated under SDWA of I9S6
0.002mg/L OjOOlmg/L Yaa
ledinnl food additive for uaa only ae a aougiuoan of tdhocivn
Yaa
Runnable quantity: CEECLA Slanaory RQ PropoGsrf
1 pound 10 pounds
EPA 1974a (29 CFR 1910.I017);EPA 1974b .
EPA 1974a (29 CFR 1910.1017);EPA 1974b
EPA 1974a (29 CFR 1910.10I7);EPA 1974b
EPA 19Mb (40 CFR 61.43); EPA 19Mc
EPA 19Mb (40 CFR 61.63); EPA 19Me
EPA 19Mb (40 CFR 61.63); EPA l9Mc
EPA 19Mb (40 CFR 61.63); EPA 19S6c
EPA 19Mb (40 CFR 61.63); EPA 19Mc
EPA 19Mb (40 CFR 61.63); EPA 19Me
EPA 19Mb (40 CFR 61.63); EPA 19Mc
EPA 1919b (40 CFR 141, 142.143); EPA 19*7d
FYTRAC 19*1
EPA 1977a 1 CFR 17S.103); EPA 1977b
EPA 19Ue(40CFR 302); EPA !9Ma (40 CFR 117); BPA 19*7e
UCC 108289
Agency NATIONAL (Co.)
EPA OSW
epa errs Guidelines: a. Air:
acoih EPA NIOSH
b. Water: EPA OOW
113 7. REGULATIONS AND ADVISORIES
TABLE 7*1 (Continued)
Description
Information
References
Designated u a Toxic Mluua under
Sactioa 307(a)(1) of Ih* Fsdsrtl
Water Pollution Cottrol Act
Designated aa a Hazardous Substances
under CERCLA
Listing u a Hazardous Watte: Heavy
amis from distillation of vinyl
chloride mnnomar production
Lilting at a Hazardous Watte: Diaeaidad
commarcial ehamical product! off*
specification tpacias, cottaioar
raaiduaa, and
rsaiduas tbaraof
lilting at a Hazardoua Cotatituam
Yea Yas Yaa Yet
Yaa
Datignated at a Hazardoua Air Pollutatt undar Section 112 of tha Claan Air Act
Groundwater Monitoring Raquiramatt
Yaa Yaa
Toxic Chatnical Kalaaaa Reporting; Comnumity Rigfat-to-Know
Yaa
EPA 1979c (10 CFR 401.15); EPA 1979b
EPA 1905a (40 CFR 302); EPA 19t7e
EPA 1901b (40 CFR 261J2);EPA I9lc
EPA 1901a (40 CFR 261.33); EPA 1900b
EPA 1900a (40 CFR 261, Appendix VID); EPA 1900b
EPA 1975a (40 CFR 61.01); EPA 1975b
EPA 1907b (40 CFR 264, Appendix IX); EPA 1907c
EPA 1900c (40 CFR 372); EPA 1907f
TLVTWA STEL
RC (Inhalation)
REL TWA (15 minutes) 1DLH NIOtH McoMnandt that vinyl chlerida
be Mated aa an omipatinnal
10 ngbr, 5 ppm ACOIH 1900 No date
No data
255ng/tt^ No data Yaa
DUO 1990 NIOSH 1905 NKNH 1905
MCLO Fual Category
Haahh Advisories: l-day (proposed) 10-day Longer term (child) longer term (aduR)
0 1
2.6mg/L 2.6mg/L 0.013 ng/L 0.046 mg/L Not ranommandtd
EPA 1909b (40 CFR 141,142); EPA 19S7d
EPA 1907g
UCC 108290
114 7. REGULATIONS AND ADVISORIES
TABLE 7*1 (Continued)
Agancy
Detcription
Information
Rafsroncaa
NATIONAL (Com.) EPA OWR5
Ambiant Watar Quality Critaria for Protection of Human Haahhc
Ingaa^ng watar and orgtnurai:
!o;5
10 7 Ingaa^ng oifanitm* only:
c, Otbar: EPA
10*7 Drinking watar:
10 5 10*6
RID (otal) Caicinogan elaiaifieation Unit riak (inhalation)
Unit riak (oral)
SIAZE
Regulation* and OukMium:
a. Air:
Califomia-Moaiaray Coanactinw Florida-Fort Laudardala Kanaaa-Kanaaa City Kanaaa MiyirhuMiti Munetam Maryland Main* Michigan North Carolina North Dakota Nevada Now York Parmayiyania-Hiilarlalphia Peanaytvaaia-Philadelphia South Carolina South Dakota Taxaa Taxaa Virginia Vannont
Awaptabla Ambiam Air Coocaamaoni (NA) (8 hour) (8 hour) (Annual) (Annual) (24 hour) (Annual) (NA) (NA) (Annual) (Annual)
(NA) (8 hour) 0 yaar) (1 yaar) (Annual) <24 hour) (8 hour) (30 mtnuMa) (Annual) (24 hour) (Annual)
20gg/L
2.0 n.
0.2*g/L
SJ46M/L 525 *g/l_ 52.5 gg/L
1.5 *g/L 0.15ag/L 0.015ag/L
No data Group Ad 1.4*10"*
(Ag/nA*1 S.4*10"5
(Ag/L)*1
0.00 50.0 ag/m3 0.10 ag/m3 0.244ag/m3 3.85 ag/m3 3.47 ag/m3 OJSng/m3 04) 0.0 0.4 ag/m3 0.00038mg/tn3 04) 0238n|/^ 0.400ag/m3 2-57ppb 2.40ppb 50.0 ag/m3 50.0 ag/m3 100.0ag/m3 10.0 ag/m3 130.0 ag/m3 020 ag/m3
EPA 19SOc EPA 1910c
EPA 19t0e
EPA 1985b
DUS 1990 EPA 1990 EPA 1990 EPA 1990
NAT1CH 1990
UCC 108291
Agency
STATE (Com.)
Kentucky Montana
Alabama Arizona Colorado Delaware Florida Georgia Dlinoia Indiana Iowa Kentucky Louisiana Maryland Miaiiiaippi Miiiouri Montana Nebraika New Mexico North Carolina North Dakota Oklahoma PenneyIvania Tenneeaee Utah Virginia Weet Virginia Wiaconain
Arizona Connecticut Miaaouri New York Wiaconain
South Carolina
115 7. REGULATIONS AND ADVISORIES
TABLE 7*1 (Continued)
Deacription
Information
RdanoeM
Ambient Air Emiaeioni Limitationa for Claee 1 areaa (24-hour avenge)
Deaignatad aa a Hazardoua Air Pollutant and eubject to regulationa
lSgg/m^
15 eg/m*
Yax Yea Yea Yea Yea Yea Yea Yaa Yea Yea Yea Yaa Yea Ye* Yaa Yaa Ye* Yea Yea Yaa Yea Ye* Yea Ye* Yea Yea
Permit required to conatruct and operate an air contamination aouree project if yearly emiaaiona exceed:
1 ton 1 ton 1 ton 1 ion 1 too
Prevention of Significant Deterioration Adapted air pollution control
etandard* found in EPA 1971 (40 CPU 52.21)
Yea
CELDS 1990 CELDS 1990 EPA 19S5d (40 CFR 61.01)
CELDS 1990 CELDS (990
ucc 108292
Agcy
STATE (Coot.)
Delaware Oregon Wiaconaia Wiacooain
Wiacooaiii
b. Water:
Arizona California Florida
Maine Minaaaota Naw Jarray Now Maxioo Naw York Rhode laland Oklahoma Alabama Colorado Georgia
Naw York North Carolina
Puerto Rico Rhode laland^
ne
7. REGULATIONS AND ADVISORIES
TABLE 7-1 (Continued)
Daacription
Information
Rtftnoew
Sourcaa axampt from air monitoring taquifemema if nat emirainna
(24 hour) (24 hour) (24 hour) (24 hour) Hazardous Air Comamtnaata without Acceptable Ambient Coocaotntioaa requiring application of Loweet Achiavabla Fmiaaioti Rataa Fxanyooo from raquiiernam of Cananuctioa or Modification and Naw Operation Parmita for Air FoUuioa Sourcaa if amiaainna
CELDS 1990
IS f/a
IS Ag/m"
I5/nC
IS gg/nr 300 pounda/yaar
WAC 19U
1 too/yaar
CELDS 1990
Drinking water quality guidaliaaa md ittdifds
MAL m drinking water MCL in drinking watar
MCLO
1 Ag/L 2g/L 1 Ag/L i Ag/L 1 Af/L 2 Ag/L 0.15 Ag/L 2 Ag/L 1 Ag/L 5 Ag/L 0 g/L 1 Ag/L 0.002 mg/L
0.002 mg/L 0.002 mg/L 0.002mg/L 0.002mg/L 0.002mg/L 0.002mg/L 0.002mg/L 0.002mg/L 0.002mg/L
10 Pi*
0.002mg/L 0.002mg/L 0.002mg/L 0.002 mg/L 0.002mg/L
0.0002mg/L 0
FSTRAC 19U
CELDS 1990 CELDS 1990
CELDS 1990
UCC 108293
117 7. REGULATIONS AND ADVISORIES
TABLE 7-1 (Continued)
Agency
Description
Information
References
STATE (Com.) New York Utah Wisconsin
c. Other; Kentucky
Effluent standards: maximum allowxbla concentrations into uturated or unasturatad zones
Allowable concentration limits for Class OA watara
Ground Water Quality Standards Public Health Groundwater Quality
Standerda; Enforcement Standard Preventative Action Limit Human Cancar Critsria Public Water Supply
Warm water apoit fish communities Cold water communities Gnat Lakes communitiee Non-Water Supply Warm water sport fish communitiea Cold water communitiea Warm water forage and limitad
forage fiifa communities and limitad aquatic Ufa
S.Ogg/L
5.0pg/L
0.002 mg/L
O.OlSgg/L O.OOlSgg/L
O.lSRg/L O.lSpg/L 0.l5pg/L 10Ag/L 3.7g*/L 30*g/L
Defined as hazardous waste
Yea
CELDS 1990 CELDS 1990 CELDS 1990 WAC 19SS WAC 19SS DNR 19*7
NREPC 19** (401 KAR 31040)
Oroup I: Carcinogenic to Humans
Applies to reacton. strippers, mixing, weighing and bolding container*, and monomer recovety lyatatna c8ecause of iu carcinogenic potential. tba EPA-recommended concentration for vinyl chlorida in ambient water is zero. Howavar,
because attainmem of this (aval nay not bn poaaibla, lavali which correspond to upper bound incremental lifotima cancar risks of 10'5,10* .and 10`^ara aabmatad. <*Oroup A: Human Carcinogau
ACOIH - Amarkan Conforanoa of Governmental Induatrial Hygienists; CERCLA Comprabanaiva Environmamal Raaponaa, Companaation. and Liability Act; ERA * Environmental Promotion Agency; FDA Food and Drug Administration; LARC " luMmational Aganoy for Raaaarch on Cancar. IDUf Immadiataly Dangerous to Ufa or Health Laval; MAL " Maximum Allowable Laval; MCL Maximum CoMamtnam Laval; MCLG -- Maximum Comamiaain Laval Goal; NA " not applieabla; NIOSH - National Inadnaa for Occupational Safety and Haaltfa; ODW - Office of Drinking Water, OERR - Office of Emergency and Remedial Ramonas; OSHA " Occupational Safety and Health Administration; OSW - Office of Solid Weatsa; OTS - Office
of Toxic Subauacea; OWRS m Office of Water Regulations and Standards; PEL Permissible Exposure limit-, RL
Recommended Exposure Limit; RfC - Reference Concentration; RfD Rafaraoca Doaa; RQ - Reportable Quantity; SDWA
Safa Drinking Water Act; STEL - Short Term Expoauie Limit; TLV - Thiacboid Limit Vaiua; TWA - Tuna-Weighted Avenge
UCC 108294
Preceding page Wank
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Cited in text
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UCC 108297
122 8. REFERENCES
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UCC 108298
123 8. REFERENCES
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UCC 108299
124 6. REFERENCES
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UCC 108300
125 8. REFERENCES
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UC '0830,
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UCC 108302
127
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UCC 108303
128
8. REFERENCES
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Wang YL, Zhao XH. 1987. Occupational health of working women in China. Asia-Pacific Journal of Public Health 4:66-71.
*Wang T, Lenahan R, Kanik M. 1985. Impact of trichloroethylene-contaminated groundwater discharged to the main canal and Indian River Lagoon, Vero Beach, Florida. Bull Environ Contam Toxicol 34:578586.
'Ward AM. 1976. Clinical aspects of vinyl chloride disease: Evidence of an immune complex disorder in vinyl chloride workers. Proc R Soc Med; 69:289-290.
'Watanabe PG, Gehring PJ. 1976. Dose-dependent fate of vinyl chloride and its possible relationship to oncogenicity in rats. Environ Health Perspect 17:145-152.
'Watanabe PG, McGowan OR, Gehring PJ. 1976a. Fate of [14C] vinyl chloride after single oral administration in rats. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 36:339-352.
'Watanabe PG, McGowan OR, Madrid EO, et al. 1976b. Fate of [14C] vinyl chloride following inhalation exposure in rats. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 37:49-59.
'Watanabe PG, Zempel JA, Gebring PJ. 1978a. Comparison of the fate of vinyl chloride following single and repeated exposure in rats. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 44:391-399.
'Watanabe PG, Zempel JA, Pegg DG, et al. 1978b. Hepatic macromolecular binding following exposure to vinyl chloride. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 44:571-579.
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152 8. REFERENCES
*Waxweiier RJ, Falk H, McMichael A, et al. 1977. A cross-sectional epidemiologic survey of vinyl chloride workers. NTIS PB274193.
Waxweiler RJ, Smith AH, Falk H, et al. 1981. Excess lung cancer risk in a synthetic chemicals plant. Environ Health Perspect 41:159-165.
*Waxweiler RJ, Stringer W, Wagner JK, et al. 1976. Neoplastic risk among workers exposed to vinyl chloride. Ann NY Acad Sd 271:40-48.
Weber H, Reinl W, Oreiser E 1981. German investigations on morbidity and mortality of workers exposed to vinyl chloride. Environ Health Perspect 41:95-99.
Weinbren K. 1976. Clinical aspects of vinyl chloride disease: Histopathology of liver lesions associated with exposure to vinyl chloride monomer. Proc R Soc Med 69:299-303.
Westrick JJ, Mello JW, Thomas RF. 1984. The groundwater supply survey. J Am Water Works Assoc 76:52-59.
WHO. 1986. Diseases caused by toxic halogen derivatives of aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons. Early detection of occupational diseases. Geneva: World Health Organization, 102-121.
Williams DT. 1976. Confirmation of vinyl chloride in foods by conversion to 1-chloro-1,2-dibromothane. J Assoc Off Anal Chem 59:32-34.
Williams DT, Miles WF. 1975. Gas-liquid chromatographic determination of vinyl chloride in alcoholic beverages, vegetable oils, and vinegars. J Assoc Off Anal Chem 58:272-275.
Williamson IG, Ramsden RT. 1988. Angiosarcoma of maxillary antrum-association with vinyl chloride exposure. J Laryngol Otol 102:464-467.
Williamson J, Kavanagh B. 1987. Vinyl chloride monomer and other contaminants in PVC welding fumes. Am Ind Hyg Assoc J 48:432-436.
Wilson JT, Wilson BH. 1985. Biotransformation of trichloroethylene in soil. Appl Environ Microbio 49:242-243.
Wilson RH, McCormick WE, Tatum CF, et al. 1967. Occupational acroosteolysis report of 31 cases. JAMA 201:577-580.
Wilson BH, Smith GB, Rees JF. 1986. Biotransformations of selected alkyibenzenes and halogenated aliphatic hydrocarbons in methanogenic aquifer material: A microcosm study. Environ Sd Technol 20:9971002.
Wisniewska-Knypl JM, Klimczak J, Kolakowski J. 1980. Monoaxygenase activity and ultrastructural changes of liver in the course of chronic exposure of rats to vinyl chloride. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 46:241-249.
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153 8. REFERENCES
Withey JR. 1976. Pharmacodynamics and uptake of vinyl chloride monomer administered by various routes to rats. J Toxicol Environ Health 1:381-394. *Wittsiepe J, Selenka F, Jackwerth E. 1990. Gas-chromatographic determination of trace amounts of vinyl-chloride in water and air after derivation to 1,2-bromochloroethane. Presenius Journal of Analytical Chemistry 336:322-327. 'Woldbaek T, Klaboe P. 1978. The photochemical reaction of vinyl chloride with oxygen studied by infrared spectroscopy. Spectrochim Acta 34:481-487. Wolf K, Holland R. Rajaratnam A. 1987. Vinyl chloride contamination: The hidden threat Journal of Hazardous Materials 15:163-184. *Wong O, Whorton MD, Ragland D, et al. 1986. An update of an epidemiologic study of vinyl chloride workers, 1942-1982. Prepared by Environmental Health Associates, Inc. for Chemical Manufacturers Association. 'Wood JA, Porter ML 1987. Hazardous pollutants in class II landfills. JAPCA 37:609-615. *Wu W, Steenland K, Brown D, et al. 1989. Cohort and case-control analyses of workers exposed to vinyl chloride: An update. J Occup Med 31:518-523. 'Young P, Parker A. 1984. Vapors and odors and toxic gases from landfills. In Hazardous and Industrial Waste Management and Testing: Third Symposium. ASTM STP 851. LP Jackson, AR Rohlik, PA Conway, eds. Philadelphia, PA: American Society for Testing and Materials. 24-41. 'Young TL, Santella RM. 1988. Development of techniques to monitor for exposure to vinyl chloride: Monoclonal antibodies to ethenoadenosine and ethenocytidine. Carcinogenesis 9:589-592. Young DR, Gossett RW, Baird RB, et al. 1983. Wastewater inputs and marine bioaccumulation of priority pollutant organics off Southern California. In: Water Chlorination: Environ Impact Health Eff 4:871-884. 'Zhang J, Hatakeyama S, Akimoto H. 1983. Rate constants of the reaction of ozone with trans-1,2dichioroethene and vinyl chloride in air. Int J Chem Kinet 15:655-668. Zielhuis RL, Stijkel A, Verberk MM, et aL 1984. Plastic Monomers. Health Risks to Female Workers in Occupational Exposure to Chemical Agents. Berlin: Springer-Verlag, 42-47. Zimmerman HJ. 1986. Effects of alcohol on other bepatotoxins. Alcoholism 103-15. 'Zuccato E, Mancucd F, Fanelli R, et al. 1979. Head-space gas-chromatographic analysis of vinyl chloride monomer in rat blood and tissues. Xenobiotica 9:27-31.
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9. GLOSSARY
Acute Exposure - Exposure to a chemical for a duration of 14 days or less, as specified in the Toxicological Profiles.
Adsorption Coefficient (K^) - The ratio of the amount of a chemical adsorbed per unit weight of organic carbon in the soil or sediment to the concentration of the chemical in solution at equilibrium.
Adsorption Ratio (Kd) - The amount of a chemical adsorbed by a sediment or soil (i.e., the solid phase) divided by the amount of chemical in the solution phase, which is in equilibrium with the solid phase, at a fixed solid/solution ratio. It is generally expressed in micrograms of chemical sorbed per gram of soil or sediment.
Bioconcentration Factor (BCF) -- The quotient of the concentration of a chemical in aquatic organisms at a specific time or during a discrete time period of exposure divided by the concentration in the surrounding water at the same time or during the same period.
Cancer Effect Level (CEL) - The lowest dose of chemical in a study, or group of studies, that produces significant increases in the incidence of cancer (or tumors) between the exposed population and its appropriate control.
Carcinogen -- A chemical capable of inducing cancer.
Ceiling Value -- A concentration of a substance thar should not be exceeded, even instantaneously.
Chronic Exposure -- Exposure to a chemical for 365 days or more, as specified in the Toxicological Profiles.
Developmental Toxicity - The occurrence of adverse effects on the developing organism that may result from exposure to a chemical prior to conception (either parent), during prenatal development, or postnatally to the time of sexual maturation. Adverse developmental effects may be detected at any point in the life span of the organism.
Embryotoxidty and Fetotaxldty - Any toxic effect on the conceptus as a result of prenatal exposure to a chemical; the distinguishing feature between the two terms is the stage of development during which the insult occurred. The terms, as used here, indude malformations and variations, altered growth, and in utero death.
EPA Health Advisory - An estimate of acceptable drinking water levels for a chemical substance based on health effects information. A health advisory is not a legally enforceable federal standard, but serves as technical guidance to assist federal, state, and local officials.
Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health (IDLH) - The maximum environmental concentration of a contaminant from which one could escape within 30 min without any escape-impairing symptoms or irreversible health effects.
Intermediate Exposure - Exposure to a chemical for a duration of 15-364 days, as spetified in the Toxicological Profiles.
ucc A08330
156 9. GLOSSARY
Immunologic Toxicity -- The occurrence of adverse effects on the immune system that may result from exposure to environmental agents such as chemicals.
In Vitro Isolated from the living organism and artificially maintained, as in a test tube.
In Vivo - Occurring within the living organism.
Lethal Concentration^, (LC^,) - The lowest concentration of a chemical in air which has been reported to have caused death in humans or animals.
Lethal Concentration^, (LCM) -- A calculated concentration of a chemical in air to which exposure for a specific length of time is expected to cause death in 50% of a defined experimental animal population.
Lethal Dose(L0. (LD^) - The lowest dose of a chemical introduced by a route other than inhalation that is expected to have caused death in humans or animals.
Lethal Dose(S0, (LDj^ - The dose of a chemical which has been calculated to cause death in 50% -of a defined experimental animal population.
Lethal Hme(50, (LT^) - A calculated period of time within which a specific concentration of a chemical is expected to cause death in 50% of a defined experimental animal population.
Lowest-Observed-Adverse-Effect Level (LOAEL) - The lowest dose of chemical in a study, or group of studies, that produces statistically or biologically significant increases in frequency or severity of adverse effects between the exposed population and its appropriate control.
Malformations - Permanent structural changes that may adversely affect survival, development, or function.
Minimal Risk Level - An estimate of daily human exposure to a dose of a chemical that is likely to be without an appreciable risk of adverse noncancerous effects over a specified duration of exposure.
Mutagen - A substance that causes mutations. A mutation is a change in the genetic material in a body cell. Mutations can lead to birth defects, miscarriages, or cancer.
Neurotoxicity - The occurrence of adverse effects on the nervous system following exposure to chemical.
No-Observed-Adverse-Effect Level (NOAEL) - The dose of chemical at which there were no statistically or biologically significant increases in frequency or severity of adverse effects seen between the exposed population and its appropriate control. Effects may be produced at this dose, but they are not considered to be adverse.
Octanol-Water Partition Coefficient (K^) - The equilibrium ratio of the concentrations of a chemical in n-octanol and water, in dilute solution.
Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) - An allowable exposure level in workplace air averaged over an 8-hour shift.
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157
9. GLOSSARY
q,* ~ The upper-bound estimate of the low-dose slope of the dose-response curve as determined by the multistage procedure. The q}* can be used to calculate an estimate of carcinogenic potency, the incremental excess cancer risk per unit of exposure (usually ng[L for water, mg/kg/day for food, and jig/m3 for air).
Reference Dose (RID) - An estimate (with uncertainty spanning perhaps an order of magnitude) of the daily exposure of the human population to a potential hazard that is likely to be without risk of deleterious effects during a lifetime. The RfD is operationally derived from the NOAEL (from animal and human studies) by a consistent application of uncertainty factors that reflect various types of data used to estimate RfDs and an additional modifying factor, which is based on a professional judgment of the entire database on the chemical. The RfDs are not applicable to nonthreshold effects such as cancer.
Reportable Quantity (RQ) - The quantity of a hazardous substance that is considered reportable under CERCLA. Reportable quantities are (1) 1 pound or greater or (2) for selected substances, an amount established by regulation either under CERCLA or under Sect 311 of the Clean Water Act. Quantities are measured over a 24-hour period.
Reproductive Toxicity -- The occurrence of adverse effects on the reproductive system that may result from exposure to a chemical. The toxicity may be directed to the reproductive organs and/or the related endocrine system. The manifestation of such toxicity may be noted as alterations in sexual behavior, fertility, pregnancy outcomes, or modifications in other functions that are dependent on the integrity of this system.
Short-Term Exposure Limit (STEL) - The maximum concentration to which workers can be exposed for up to 15 min continually. No more than four excursions are allowed per day, and there must be at least 60 min between exposure periods. The daily TLV-TWA may not be exceeded.
Target Organ Toxicity - This term covers a broad range of adverse effects on target organs or physiological systems (e.g., renal, cardiovascular) extending from those arising through a single limited exposure to those assumed over a lifetime of exposure to a chemical.
Teratogen - A chemical that causes structural defects that affect the development of an organism.
Threshold Limit Value (TLV) - A concentration of a substance to which most workets can be exposed without adverse effect The TLV may be expressed as a TWA, as a STEL, or as a CL.
Time-Weighted Average (TWA) - An allowable exposure concentration averaged over a normal 8-hour workday or 40-hour workweek.
Toxic Dose (TDj*) - A calculated dose of a chemical, introduced by a route other than inhalation, which is expected to cause a specific toxic effect in 50% of a defined experimental animal population.
Uncertainty Factor (UF) - A factor used in operationally deriving the RfD from experimental data. UFs are intended to account for (1) the variation in sensitivity among the members of the human population, (2) the uncertainty in extrapolating animal data to the case of human, (3) the uncertainty in extrapolating from data obtained in a study that is of less than lifetime exposure, and (4) the uncertainty in using LOAEL data rather than NOAEL data. Usually each of these factors is set equal to 10.
UCC 108332
A-1
APPENDIX A USER'S GUIDE
Chapter 1 Public Health Statement
This chapter of the profile is a health effects summary written in nontechnical language. Its intended audience is the general public especially people living in the vicinity of a hazardous waste site or substance release. If the Public Health Statement were removed from the rest of the document, it would still communicate to the lay public essential information about the substance.
The major headings in the Public Health Statement are useful to find specific topics of concern. The topics are written in a question and answer format The answer to each question includes a sentence that will direct the reader to chapters in the profile that will provide more information on the given topic.
Chapter 2
Tables and Figures for Levels of Significant Exposure (LSE)
Tables (2-1. 2-2, and 2-3) and figures (2-1 and 2-2) are used to summarize health effects by duration of exposure and endpoint and to illustrate graphically levels of exposure associated with those effects. All entries in these tables and figures represent studies that provide reliable, quantitative estimates of No-Observed-Adverse-Effect Levels (NOAELs), Lowest-Observed- Adverse-Effect Levels (LOAELs) for Less Serious and Serious health effects, or Cancer Effect Levels (CELs). In addition, these tables and figures illustrate differences in response by species. Minimal Risk Levels (MRLs) to humans for noncancer end points, and EPA's estimated range associated with an upper-bound individual lifetime cancer risk of 1 in 10,000 to 1 in 10.000,000. The LSE tables and figures can be used for a quick review of the health effects and to locate data for a specific exposure scenario. The LSE tables and figures should always be used in conjunction with the text
The legends presented below demonstrate the application of these tables and figures. A representative example of LSE Table 2-1 and Figure 2-1 are shown. The numbers in the left column of the legends correspond to the numbers in the example table and figure.
LEGEND
See LSE Table 2-1
(1) . Route of Exposure One of the fust considerations when reviewing the toxicity of a substance using these tables and figures should be the relevant and appropriate route of exposure. When sufficient data exist, three LSE tables and two LSE figures are presented in the document. The three LSE tables present data on the three principal routes of exposure. Le., inhalation, oral, and dermal (LSE Table 2-1, 2-2. and 2-3, respectively). LSE figures are limited to the inhalation (LSE Figtie 2-1) and oral (LSE Figure 2-2) routes.
(2) . Exposure Duration Three exposure periods: acute (14 days or less); intermediate (15 to 364 days); and chronic (365 days or more) are presented within each route of exposure. In this example, an inhalation study of intermediate duration exposure is reported.
UCC 108333
A-2 APPENDIX A
(3) . Health Effect The major categories of health effects included in LSE tables and figures are death, systemic. immunological, neurological, developmental, reproductive, and cancer. NOAELs and LOAELs can be reported in the tables and figures for all effects but cancer. Systemic effects are further defined in the "System" column of the LSE table.
(4) . Kev to Figure Each key number in the LSE table links study information to one or more data points using the same key number in the corresponding LSE figure. In this example, the study represented by key number 18 has been used to define a NOAEL and a Less Serious LOAEL (also see the two *l8r* data points in Figure 2-1).
(5) . Species The test species, whether animal or human, are identified in this column.
(6) .
Exposure Frequcncv/Duration The duration of the study and the weekly and daily exposure regimen are provided in this column. This permits comparison of NOAELs and LOAELs from different studies. In this case (key number 18), rats were exposed to [substance x] via inhalation for 13 weeks, 5 days per week, for 6 hours per day.
(7) .
System This column father defines the systemic effects. These systems include: respiratory. cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, hematological, musculoskeletal, hepatic, renal, and dermal/ocular. "Other" refers to any systemic effect (e.g,, a decrease in body weight) not covered in these systems. In the example of key number 18, one systemic effect (respiratory) was investigated in this study.
(8) .
NOAEL A No-Observed-Adverse-Effect Level (NOAEL) is the highest exposure level at which no harmful
effects were seen in the organ system studied. Key number 18 reports a NOAEL of 3 ppm for the respiratory system which was used to derive an intermediate exposure, inhalation MRL of 0.005 ppm (see footnote *b").
(9) .
mAH. A Lowest-Observed-Adverse-Effect Level (LOAEL) is the lowest exposure level used in the study that caused a harmful health effect LOAELs have been classified into "Less Serious" and "Serious" effects. These distinctions help readers identify the levels of exposure at which diverse health effects first appear and the gradation of effects with increasing dose. A brief description of the specific end point used to quantify the advene effect accompanies the LOAEL. The "Less Serious" respiratory effect reported in key number 18 (hyperplasia) occurred at a LOAEL of 10 ppm.
(10) . Reference The complete reference citation is given in Chapter 8 of the profile.
(11) .
CEL A Cancer Effect Level (CEL) is the lowest exposure level associated with the onset of carcinogenesis in experimental or epidemiological studies. CELs are always considered serious effects. The LSE tables and figures do not contain NOAELs for cancer, but the text may report doses which did not cause a measurable increase in cancer.
(12) . Footnotes Explanations of abbreviations or reference notes for data in the LSE tables are found in die
footnotes. Footnote "b* indictees the NOAEL of 3 ppm in key number 18 was used to derive an MRL of 0X105 ppm.
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A3 APPENDIX A
LEGEND See LSE Figure 2-1
LSE figures graphically illustnue the data presented in the corresponding LSE tables. Figures help the reader quickly compare health effects according to exposure levels for particular exposure duration. (13) . Exposure Duration The same exposure periods appear as in the LSE table. In this example, health effects
observed within the intermediate and chronic exposure periods are illustrated. (14) . Health Effect These are the categories of health effects for which reliable quantitative data exist The
same health effects appear in the LSE table. (15) . Levels of Exposure Exposure levels far each health effect in the LSE tables are graphically displayed in
the LSE figures. Exposure levels are reported on the log scale "y" axis. Inhalation exposure is reported in mg/m1 or ppm and oral exposure is reported in mg/kg/day. (16) . NOAEL In this example, 18r NOAEL is the critical end point for which an intermediate inhalation exposure MRL is based. As you can see from the LSE figure key. the open-circle symbol indicates a NOAEL far the test species (rat). The key number 18 corresponds to the entry in the LSE table. The dashed descending arrow indicates the extrapolation from the exposure level of 3 ppm (see entry 18 in the Table) to the MRL of 0.005 ppm (see footnote "b* in the LSE table). (17) . CEL Key number 38r is one of three studies for which Cancer Effect Levels (CELs) were derived. The diamond symbol refers to a CEL for the test species (rat). The number 38 corresponds to the entry in the LSE table. (18) . Estimated Upper-Bound Human Cancer Risk Levels This is the range associated with the upper-bound for lifetime cancer risk of 1 in 10,000 to 1 in 10.000,000. These risk levels are derived from EPA's Human Health Assessment Group's upper-bound estimates of the slope of the cancer dose response curve at low dose levels (q,*). (19) . Kev to LSE Figure The Key explains the abbreviations and symbols used in the figure.
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APPENDIX A
UCC 108336
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OGC a08337
Chapter 2 (Section 2.4) Relevance to Public Health
A-6 APPENOIX A
The Relevance to Public Health section provides a health effects summary based on evaluations of existing toxicological, epidemiological, and toxicokinetic information. This summary is designed to present interpretive, weight-of-evidence discussions for human health end points by addressing the following questions.
1. What effects are known to occur in humans?
2. What effects observed in animals are likely to be of concern to humans?
3. What exposure conditions are likely to be of concern to humans, especially around hazardous waste sites?
The section discusses health effects by end point. Human data are presented first, then animal data Both are organized by route of exposure (inhalation, oral, and dermal) and by duration (acute, intermediate, and chronic). In vitro data and data from parenteral routes (intramuscular, intravenous, subcutaneous, etc.) are also considered in this section. If data are located in the scientific literature, a table of genotoxicity information is included.
The carcinogenic potential of the profiled substance is qualitatively evaluated, when appropriate, using existing toxicokinetic, genotoxic. and carcinogenic data. ATSDR does not currently assess cancer potency or perform cancer risk assessments. MRLs for noncancer end points if derived, and the end points from which they were derived are indicated and discussed in the appropriate section(s).
Limitations to existing scientific literature that prevent a satisfactory evaluation of the relevance to public health are identified in the Identification of Data Needs section.
Interpretation of Minimal Risk Levels
Where sufficient toxicologic information was available, MRLs were derived. MRLs are specific for route (inhalation or oral) and duration (acute, intermediate, or chronic) of exposure. Ideally, MRLs can be derived from all six exposure scenarios (e.g,, Inhalation - acute, -intermediate, -chronic; Oral - acute, -intermediate, - chronic). These MRLs are not meant to support regulatory action, but to aquaini health professionals with exposure levels at which adverse health effects are not expected to occur in humans. They should help physicians and public health officials determine the safety of a community living near a substance emission, given the concentration of a contaminant in air or the estimated daily dose received via food or water. MRLs are based largely on toxicological studies in animals and on reports of human occupational exposure.
MRL users should be familiar with the toxicological information on which the number is based. Section 2.4, "Relevance to Public Health." contains basic information known about the substance. Other sections such as 2.6, "Interactions with Other Chemicals" and 2.7, "Populations that are Unusually Susceptible" provide important supplemental information.
MRL users should also understand the MRL derivation methodology. MRLs are derived using a modified version of the risk assessment methodology used by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) (Barnes and Dourson, 1988; EPA 1989a) to derive reference doses (RfDs) for lifetime exposure.
UCC 108338
A-7 APPENDIX A
To derive an MRL. ATSDR generally selects the end point which, in its best judgement, represents the most sensitive human health effect for a given exposure route and duration. ATSDR cannot make this judgement or derive an MRL unless information (quantitative or qualitative) is available for all potential effects (e.g,, systemic, neurological, and developmental). In order to compare NOAELs and LOAELs for specific end points, all inhalation exposure levels are adjusted for 24hr exposures and all intermittent exposures for inhalation and oral routes of intermediate and chronic duration are adjusted for continous exposure (i.e.. 7 days/week). If the information and reliable quantitative data on the chosen end point are available, ATSDR derives an MRL using the most sensitive species (when information from multiple species is available) with the highest NOAEL that does not exceed any adverse effect levels. The NOAEL is the most suitable end point for deriving an MRL. When a NOAEL is not available, a Less Serious LOAEL can be used to derive an MRL, and an uncertainty factor (UF) of 10 is employed. MRLs are not derived from Serious LOAELs. Additional uncertainty factors of 10 each are used for human variability to protect sensitive subpopulations (people who are most susceptible to the health effects caused by the substance) and for interspecies variability (extrapolation from animals to humans). In deriving an MRL. these individual uncertainty factors are multiplied together. The product is then divided into the adjusted inhalation concentration or oral dosage selected from the study. Uncertainty factors used in developing a substance-specific MRL are provided in the footnotes of the LSE Tables.
UCC 108339
B-1
APPENDIX B ACRONYMS, ABBREVIATIONS, AND SYMBOLS
ACGIH ADME atm ATSDR BCF BSC C CDC CEL CERCLA CFR CLP cm CNS d DHEW DHHS DOL ECG EEG EPA EKG F
Fi FAO FEMA FIFRA fpm ft FR
g GC gen HPLC hr IDLH LARC ILO in Kd
kg kkg
*oc
L
American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, and Excretion atmosphere Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry bioconcentration factor Board of Scientific Counselors Centigrade Centers for Disease Control Cancer Effect Level Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act Code of Federal Regulations Contract Laboratory Program centimeter central nervous system day
Department of Health, Education, and Welfare Department of Health and Human Services Department of Labor electrocardiogram electroencephalogram Environmental Protection Agency see ECG Fahrenheit first filial generation Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations Federal Emergency Management Agency Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodentidde Act feet per minute foot Federal Register gram gas chromatography generation high-performance liquid chromatography hour Immediately Dangerous to Life and Health International Agency for Research on Cancer International Labor Organization inch adsorption ratio kilogram metric ton organic carbon partition coefficient octanol-water partition coefficient liter
UCC 108340
B-2 APPENDIX B
LC LC^
lc50
LDLq LO50 LOAEL LSE m mg min mL mm mmHg mmol mo mppcf MRL MS NIEHS NIOSH NIOSHTIC
ng nm NHANES nmol NOAEL NOES NOHS NPL NRC NTIS NTP OSHA
PEL
Pg pmol
PHS PMR ppb ppm ppt REL RID RTECS see
SCE SIC SMR
liquid chromatography lethal concentration, low lethal concentration, 50% kill lethal dose, low lethal dose, 50% kill lowest-observed-adverse-effect level
Levels of Significant Exposure meter milligram minute milliliter millimeter millimeters of mercury millimole month millions of particles per cubic foot Minimal Risk Level mass spectrometry National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health NIOSH's Computerized Information Retrieval System nanogram nanometer National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey nanomole no-observed-adverse-effect level
National Occupational Exposure Survey National Occupational Hazard Survey National Priorities List National Research Council National Technical Information Service National Toxicology Program Occupational Safety and Health Administration permissible exposure limit picogram picomole Public Health Service proportionate mortality ratio parts per billion parts per million
parts per trillion recommended exposure limit Reference Dose Registry of Toxic Effects of Chemical Substances second sister chromatid exchange Standard Industrial Classification standard mortality ratio
UCC 108341
APPENDIX B
STEL STORET TLV TSCA TRI TWA U.S. UF
yr WHO wk
> > = < <_ % a & 6
7 nm
me
short term exposure limit STORAGE and RETRIEVAL threshold limit value Toxic Substances Control Act Toxics Release Inventoiy time-weighted average United States uncertainty factor year World Health Organization week
greater than greater than or equal to equal to less than less than or equal to percent alpha beta delta gamma micron microgram
VJCC 1083A2
C-1
APPENDIX C
PEER REVIEW
A peer review panel was assembled for vinyl chloride. The panel consisted of the following members: Dr. Brent Burton, Associate Professor, Oregon Poison Center, Oregon Health Sciences University, Portland, Oregon; Dr. Finis Cavender, Associate Professor, Abilene Christian University, Abilene, Texas; Dr. Peter Lacouture, Associate Director, Clinical Research, The Purdue Frederick Company, Norwalk, Connecticut; Dr. Richard Monson, Director, Occupational Health Program, Department of Epidemiology, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts; Dr. Frederick Oehme, Director, Comparative Toxicology Laboratories, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas; and Dr. Martha Radike, Research Associate Professor, Department of Environmental Health, University of Cincinnati Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio. These experts collectively have knowledge of vinyl chloride's physical and chemical properties, toxicokinetics, key health end points, mechanisms of action, human and animal exposure, and quantification of risk to humans. All reviewers were selected in conformity with the conditions for peer review specified in Section I04(i)(13) of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act, as amended.
Scientists from the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) have reviewed the peer reviewers' comments and determined which comments will be included in the profile. A listing of the, peer reviewers' comments not incorporated in the profile, with a brief explanation of the rationale for their exclusion, exists as pan of the administrative record for this compound. A list of databases reviewed and a list of unpublished documents cited are also included in the administrative record.
The citation of the peer review panel should not be understood to imply its approval of the profile's final content. The responsibility for the content of this profile lies with the ATSDR.
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