Document YDLRxGxr049VjJ13azGwn8dDD

LiOKNihC* ADVOCATE Baton Kou^c, Louisiana j uwudy, bept.15,1887 K-fi- ' Long-term effects of toxic materials remain uncertain rt ****. t * 4 > . * * , I itA. ' ' ' ByBOB ANDERSON lfld MUCK DUNNE -Advocate staff Writer* ***** 7 \ "Toxic chemicals have been linked to reproductive problem*, but the ' itfftcts of the relatively low levels ' Cgftmonly found In air pollution `''remain an unknown,reproduction ' ud genetic experts say. inhere is reason for concern and nwaatlfatlon In localities where ;ler amounts of toxic air pollutants emitted and jcommunities aaspect reproductive problems, . several experts interviewed Indicated. - *4*be evidence linking toxic cbamleals . and reproductive problems lias come from laboratories, where animals can be D UST OP A SERIES exposed and fcaiefiijly studied, and (o a lesser extent in the workplace, where levels of toxic chemicals can be much higher than In the surrounding community. What happens to individuals' outside of plants who are exposed to a variety of toxic air pollutants at the parts-per-hlllion level remains a scientific unknown, though one that concerns tome scientists. ."Intentlontlly synthesized . compounds, along with thousands . that are inadvertantly generated, are Increasingly polluting our air, water and food," the late Dr. Sergio Fahro, then director of the Reproductive Toxicology Center at Georgetown University, wrote in 1902. "Since many of these chemicals are novel structures not previously existing in nature, tbelr long-term effect* In biologic systems in MSOMnneAL*,** Chemicals COMTMUEDFRQM IB general, and in the human in particular, are not known," he wrote. Studies from Sweden and Finland have suggested a correlation between spontaneous abortion and living near sites that emit cadmium, lead and arsenic, aaid Ellen K. SUbergeM, chief of toxic sriswce tor the Environmental Defense Fad. There have been reports to British Journals -suggesting a relationship between solvents and problems to pregnancy, she said. . A study published by National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health 11 years ago noted "Significant excels of fetal mortality among wives of miles, who were occupationally exposed to vinyl chloride," and said "observations of a significant excess of children born with birth defects were reported among populations residing proximate to .vinyl chloride polymerisation faculties.'' But the report laid additional epidemiological study.was needed to see if such a pattern held true la other OGC 0031" $> 1535r wl__ __- * Btsrat-- ttt nlxiici mn Berts teste* ebc.et. A in. Ae. flecu m VM fkkfUl U> kWMM Mick tightly regilatod hikikit i, awd tehafg** tad Bata Iran fitHf rrVrf fOciili mM * * * Bzperts tatarvkwod hr tUa aertss agreed that bqpecttlf seek RMutH aad that aOsgatto* of Ugh gt ntss k ariM wb*t task* anted eeed to bsbvestigated. "It's * ttrj Sticky adentUlc _ oblem," seys Dr. Dorothy Wartcrtoe, B professor *< feaeiles it Columbia University Cotiegs of Phyvidans and Burgeons. It ksapa ratting up all #v*r jtk country with various pollutants." . "While there Is good retrain expect Buck a link, there woo study that proves vech connection with any milerti] (other than load from smelter*, the im Hut lack of proof Md not be Uhea proof tbit DO relationship betvocn jalr pollutants ttl seprodsdlve problems exist, WartmrUe said. From what Is known aboot toxic temleak.Ttal'tMj big Jump ef the Bnaglaate to thhfc they cube caning teprodactive problem*," said Dr. Afltbcey Bdalli, the can eat firector of the Georgetown University ReprodaetiveToxfecIofy Center. "There's no question that people hare n|^B^Al_VA DB9(^SOO,nVOa Sio gSa aI. --O--KUa.M,--i 0- a1 Omm cbenticaB ire being found to their ir, even at low Brels, Sdalll said. Aboot I poreeit f reproductive problem* are being ttaksd to some tjpe Of toxic exposure, including drop, he said. But, he adds, that since the eaoe for M peresctofrsprodeettve problems are owsowa, the pouMSty exists that <a portku ef the ntoma abo kart a -'ehenricallML 1 Tbe Ibeds of Mute needed to <4stsnn*ae it rah ate exists, will be difficult and time-cowwnlng, "VTsrbartoe seid. I ^Mamtoleftea] rusesrch to Betting I and laboratwy research ta tilling : farther behind tbe prediction of new etenk >B, oiperts said. "We're been so eoacerned shout cancer that we haven't looked so much .at teratogens," said Barbara Shane, an 'Xpert to mutagens for tbe LSU Institute of Kevirvmatntal Stadia. A teratogen to wbslaace that can eaase AereJoproeatal malformations. Research * task Chemicals hy tbe .VI. Bertram--iai Protection Ageocy flu* beta shewed toward looking at :e*BC*r, and bas fallod to look at tbe possible relaUo&sbip between such chemicals aad many other health effecta, Including reproductive disorders, said Jmj PoJ, an aarironmsatal toxicologist with the RaUoctal WlldUie FederaUoa. ' "We bare lobe extremely cautious in {allowing the public to be exposed" to itrsn low Bveb of toxic chemical* until more Is known abort what those chemical* caa do to beoana at low Brill. "Anotherconcern is whateffects they May hart when mixedwithlow Wnb hundreds ef other ebemlcals hi tbe air,'* he says. : Tbe ways !a srhich chemicals might 'fleet tbe reproductive arocee* art SKmerons, according to SUborgeld. *Tteprodaetioa is seek a complex nrocees." 1 As ferret research B deoe, "w Bnect tb find tbe roprodnetko system : ioberdnereb)etoUHda,beeaiuetber 1 are so many posribOitBs for something { >0) wrong," ibe said. , . ( The retatlonsblp .between toxic Chemicals And rejwodactlon "is tbe merging Bswe la eerrtronmental ' godcMogy * she said.- la addition to actaal Ttprednctirc halted aboet childhood cancer ana jthamlcaiexposeres ofparents, she said. Dr. Vllma Hart of the Depertmeot o{ tCptdemiology st Harvard has studied if high air polistion and infant toonallty, bet says it B ertn more difficult to determine If there is a relationship between miacarTtagm and ' air potlotants. ` *^bere are so many causes for those - aeeats (miscarriages) that to sort them D*t is a practicable iatpossUaUtty, hot . that's not to aay they are wot Wing l armed by a cootamtsant." she said. I To do a reprodecUre analysis of a Mounuity it difflcvlt and time aaswuming," Bent said. dtill, hbe faeBsm it B vary Bopcrtant for a oomsMulty to haveiia concerns answered. Sclalli said at Bast It percent of pregnancies tn tbe ation end in eniicajTiage. Wartwrtoo said something in tbe IS to M percent range is normal. But neither one can say wbat part hemleals might play In soeb rstes er in other reproductive problems. Tbit complex Issue Is made more `difficult hoesnse advance* in oor understanding at the reproductive Mxldty of ebemksls have sot kept pace wVh the Introducin' into tbe enrirocn.':*lgnllleat propo:; .. |*tiolopr (ea**),`' Fai r v. t umihc (Americas lowraal of InduttrUl BdidneBim. Several of tbe sabsUnces cmltud ' the air ta Bast Baton Rotge, ___Tillt and Aacenisou partakes are known to havs reproductive or (otageoic Electa, according to stndtes coodocted by tbeNatiotul liwtltnte ef XH*^petlcoii a*rty , However, tbe affects have been shown either for laboratory animals or for workers and act for the general public. * ~"Epiekiorofcydrin has been shown to (ladace a significant Incraase iu .chromosomal aberrations found in the .white blood cells of workers jaccu^tiociBy exposed," according to In studies, eplcblorohydrin has been shown to induce sterility in rtU and " genetic rtsk tor man exists following exposure." In anotbar study, eplchlorobydrin did not decrease sperm founts or affect hormonal activity in urcckars, although N106H said the data W* act base statistically analysed. i State have aBofosak a WgnUkast tocreese* tauBrcmouomal sbemtkw connected to worken associated with vteyl chkrtde. Turttar evidence tor the sanUgeidcdty of vinyl chloride bas been provided by tewstigatka showing an lacresselaMSIwarteage among wives f male workers knowing occupational wpoenre to vinyl chloride," JtOlSH Xtbylsne dicbloride la reported to mas Qw plaosntal terrier, uccstoulaie In tbe placenta aad fetal tissues end csete abnormal development of tbe feta* in rsl state, acccrmng to NIOSB- NIOSH also cited one study that showed possible fetal and maternal toxicity in rats and mice exposed to .jwrhtoroetbyieoe daring gestatke- , Studies have -also indicated ghat ethylene oxide can . tense `"chromosomal breakage in workers and animals." NIOSH said. "Recent experiments in mammals kave demonstrated adverse reproductive efiecta," NIOSH said. The agency Issued guidelines for exposure to ethylene oxide tn the workplace that included a call for a reproductive history study as part of worker monitoring- OCQOSn? Cast : OU** , ~y. ` 16--. or*: 150,000 *0,000 *10,000 4,709,000, 10,000 Chlorina -- Hat a high toxic and hazard laval. It it an axtrama irritant to tha mucus membrane*, the ayaa and raaplratory tract. A coneantratlon of 3.5 part* par mlUion(ppm) produeaa a detachable dor. 16 ppm causes Immediate Irritation ofthe throat, 50 ppm can ba dangeroua even tor ahort axpoauraa and at 1,000 ppm, it can ba fatal. ACGIH: 1 ppm. Hydrogen nhlerM# -- la conaidarad vary toxic and is a Irrltanl to tha akin, ayea and muout mambranaa. K ia an experimental mutagen. ACGIH: 6 ppm. Hydrogen sulfide -- It la vary high laval Irritant to tha ayea and mucus membranes. Low level expoeure may cause eye irritation and higher concentration* may result In hsadaehe, dizziness, excitement and other affects. It la a central nervous system depressant. ACGIH: 10 ppm. 12,000 *0,170,000 Ammonia -- A powerful Irrltanl to eyes, skin, respiratory tract and mucus membranoe. ACGIH: 23 ppm. *00,000 sao.ooo . 0 o 0 *3,000 I I 14,000 0 0 0 0 410,000 13,000 90,000 130,000 300,000 350,000 0*4,000 Propylene -- A eimple asphyxiant but can react vigorously with - other materials. 1** butadiene -- The vapors are an Irritant to the eyes and the muous membrane. Inhalation of high concentrations can oauae , unconsciousness and death. ACGIH: 10 ppm. Cthylene Oxide -- A suspected carcinogen and an experimental teratogen, and mutagen.'K la a powerful Irritant to akin, eyes and mucua membrane. ACGIH: 1 ppm/ Propylene Oxide -- An experimental mutagsn and carofnogen. H Is a moderate akin and eye Irritant. It le a food additive permitted In food for human consumption and an Insecticidal fumigant. ACGH: 20 ppm. Methylene chloride -- An experimental carcinogen. It la very dangeroua to the eyes and has a high narcotic 01(001.11*8 been used In Europe a* an anesthatlc. Used at a food additive permitted In food for human consumption. ACGIH: 100 ppm. ; Chloroform -- An experimental carcinogen and taratogen. H la a central nervous system poison and a skin and eye Irritant. Well known anesthetic. ACGIH: 10 ppm. Carbon tetrachloride -- A potential human carcinogen, teratogen and damages the human central nervous system, pulmonary system and gastrointestinal system. H has a very narcotic effect. ACGIH: 5 ppm. 04,000 336,000 Methyl chloroform -- Causes psychotropic effects, gastrointestinal effects and central neverous system effects. A skin and eye irritant. ACGIH: 300 ppm. Kthytene dlehlorlde -- An experimental carcinogen and mutagen and a euBpected human carcinogen. It Is a akin and eye irritant end is a oentraf nervous system hazard. Can oauae headaches, mental confusion, depression and fatigue. ACGIH: 10 ppm. 110,000 300,000 Perohloroethylene -- An experimental carcinogen and mutagen and a toxic Inhalant. ACGIH: 60 ppm. Vinyl ahlertde -- A human oaroinogen and a saver* Irritant dangeroua to the eye*, akin and muous membranes. In experiments, chronic exposure can cause liver damage. Circulatory and bone ehnegea noted In the fingertips of some workers handling unpolymarizad materials. ACGIH: 6 ppm. GGC 0031 I 3 0 *10,000 Vfnyfldene 9lorMo -- An Experimental mutsoen and saver* irritant. Effects similar to vinyl chloride. ACQIH: 6 ppm. 975,0009,000 *6,000 . 229,600 plohlorohydrln -- A *u*pectod human carcinogan and an experimental mutaoan, carcinogan, tumorlgenlc agant. Very dangarou* to the human eye*, it can eaua* atarlllty and chronic exposure can cause kidney, eye and lung damage. ACGIM: 2 ppm. Toluene -- An experimental mutagen and a human carcinogen with payohotropic effects. A skin and eye Irrltatnt. Repeated email doses can cause headache, nausea, eye irritation, loss of appetite. Impaired coordination. ACQIH: 100 ppm. 900,000 0 0 0 24,000 *,000 Styrene " An experimental oarctnogen, mutagen and tumorigenic agent. An eye and ekln irritant. ACQIH: 50 ppm. Phenol An experiment carcinooen, mutagan and tumortganlc agant. An Irritant to the akin and eyas. ACQIH: 6 ppm. CMorobenaerte --* Strong nacrotle effects and mild Irritant. ACQIH: 75 ppm. 19,000 *90,000 8,000 0 0 0 Senaene -- A human carcinogen and recognized leukemogen. Poisonous if Inhsled. ACQIH: 10 ppm Xylene -- An eye Irritant. OSHA and ACQIH: 100 ppm. l Acrylonitrile -- A auspacted carcinogen (brain) and a akin and eye irrhant.lt Inhibits oxygen absorption. Not rspldly fatal. ACQIH: 2 ppm. 7,192,000 40,150,000 Total* 10lift CE: H Environment,! Quality Effeota baaed on Information from Rapid Guide to Hazerodus Chemicele In the Workplace by N. Irving Sex and Richard Lewis Sr. end Dangerous Properties of industrial Materials by N. Irving Sax. ACGIH: Thla la the threshold limit value as used by the American Coherence cl Governmental industrial Hygienists. The threshold limit value le considered the level at which a worker can be exposed for eight hours per day during a 40-hour weak and suffer no HI effect*. X