Exposure to fumes

METAL FUME FEVER Nou-speeifie, self-limiting illness resembling an attaek of influenza eaused mainly by exposure to fumes of zine, eopper, or magnesium and less frequently due to exposure to other metal fumes. Exposures oeeur from molten metals, e.g. in smelting, galvanizing, welding. 

Assessment of exposure to fume from welding and allied processes... 

Symptoms of exposure Eye contact may cause corneal injury. Exposure to fumes may cause irritation to eyes, nose, skin, and throat (NIOSH, 1997 Patnaik, 1992). An irritation concentration of 41.00 mg/m in air was reported by Ruth (1986). 

Chronic exposure to fumes of heated glacial acetic acid in a canning factory has been associated with a late airway response resulting in chronic inflammation and severe bronchial asthma. Inhalation challenge induced a late asthmatic response, confirming sensitization. ... 

Lung damage after chronic exposure to fumes in industry has not been described. The higher incidence of respiratory cancer reported in copper smelters is due to the presence of arsenic in the ore. ... 

The hazards associated with occupational exposure to phosphoric acid depend on its acidic nature. Concentrated phosphoric acid is corrosive to exposed tissue, and lower concentrations are irritating to the skin, eyes, and mucous membranes. Phosphoric acid has a low vapor pressure at room temperature and is unlikely to present an inhalation hazard unless introduced into the atmosphere as a spray or mist. Unacclimated workers could not endure exposure to fumes of phosphorus pentoxide (the anhydride of phosphoric acid) at a concentration of lOOmg/m exposure to concentrations between 3.6 and 11.3mg/m produced cough, whereas concentrations of... 

Sensitization of the respiratory tract has followed chronic exposure to fumes or dust of TETA, manifested by bronchial asthma. One worker developed asthma after working with an epoxy resin-TETA formulation for 6 months in a job laminating aircraft windows. In an environmental chamber, the worker developed flulike symptoms and asthmatic breathing after simulating the job conditions for 2 hours with the resin-TETA mixture. Similar exposure to the resin alone did not produce the symptoms. 

The fourth condition, termed pulmonary disease-anemia syndrome, is characterized by dyspnea, hemoptysis, pulmonary infiltrates, restrictive lung disease, and anemia. It occurs with high-dose exposure to fumes when heated metal surfaces are sprayed with TMAN-containing materials. High titers of antibody to trimellityl-human proteins and -erythroqn es have been found in affected workers. 

Hazards Extinguish all flames before using acetone, which is highly volatile and flammable. Calcium hypochlorite is a powerful oxidizer, and should never be mixed with concentrated sulfuric acid explosions will result. Chloroform inhalation should be avoided, but is not threatening in mild conditions. Benzene, toluene, and xylene are suspected carcinogens so avoid prolonged exposure to fumes and vapors. 

Plate 6. Effects of SOj on red current brushes (Ribes rubrum L.) in the second year of exposure to fumes of an iron smelter. Sparse foJiage, small leaf size premature leaf abscission and little or no fruit could be seen at a distance of 600 m from the source (left). The damaging effects were less expressed at a distance of 750 m. Healthy looking brushes could be observed at the control site situated 6000 m from the source. Biersdorf, W. Germany. 1960 (right). Photograph by courtesy of H. van Haut. 

Fumes can cause irritation or permanent damage to the eyes, nose, and respiratory system prolonged exposure to fumes may damage the lungs. 

Repeated exposures to fumes may cause erosion of the teeth. Chronic exposure may result in the development of bronchitis. 

APFO is a skin, eye, nose, and throat irritant. If exposure to fumes from overheating or combustion occurs, the victim should be moved to fresh air and monitored for irritation. If eye or dermal contact occurs, affected areas should be flushed thoroughly with water for at least 15 min. The victim should be observed for resulting skin irritation. A physician should be consulted if symptoms persist. If ingestion occurs, two glasses of water should be immediately given and vomiting should be induced. 

A 19-year-old grocery clerk, who was previously in good health, developed cough, dyspnea and other symptoms following exposure to fumes from a concrete floor sealant used to coat a stockroom floor. He was subsequently diagnosed with RADS. The subject sealant contained the following chemicals ... 

Will they he in or near areas where they will most likely be needed and away from potential exposure to fumes, spray, or smoke Or, will they be on the side of a tank or piece of equipment or in a location where smoke, fumes, or spray may make it difficult, if not impossible, to see and read the instructions ... 

Exposure to fumes, dusts, chemicals, loud noise or radiation ... 

Caution Denaturants, particularly methanol, may modify and increase toxic symptoms caused by ingestion and exposure to fumes. 

Note Exposure to fume may occur during the arc-welding of iron.]... 

Zinc chloride (CAS 7646-85-7) Caustic and highly irritating upon direct contact severe burns may result. Ulceration of exposed skin from exposure to fumes has been reported. Fumes extremely irritating to respiratory tract pulmonary edema has resulted. 1 mg/m (fume) 50 mg/m White powder or colodess crystals that absorb moisture. The fume is white and has an acrid odor. Exposure is principaiiy through smoke bombs. 

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