Eye contact

In normal practice, good ventilation to reduce exposure to vapors, splash-proof goggles to avoid eye contact, and protective clothing to avoid skin contact are required for the safe handling of acrylic monomers. A more extensive discussion of these factors should be consulted before handling these monomers (67). 

Both sodium fluoride and sodium bifluoride are poisonous if taken internally. Dust inhalation and skin or eye contact may cause irritation of the skin, eyes, or respiratory tract, and should be avoided by the use of proper protective equipment (1). 

The toxicity of 2,4-pentanedione is shown in Tables 3 and 11 to be similar to mesityl oxide, and greater than most other 1,2- or 1,4-diketones or monoketones. Inhalation of low levels of 2,4-pentanedione can cause nausea, eye contact can induce stinging, and recurrent exposure to high concentrations (300—400 ppm) can adversely affect the central nervous system and immune system (325). 

Health and Safety Factors. Magnesium hydroxide is not absorbed by the skin. Dry magnesium hydroxide may irritate the eyes, skin, nasal passages, and respiratory tract. Routes of body entry are skin contact, eye contact, inhalation, and ingestion. No LD q values for Mg(OH)2 are available. 

Handling of soluble uranium compounds requires appropriate clothing to prevent skin contact and eye protection to prevent any possible eye contact. Protective clothing requirements for insoluble uranium compounds should prevent repeated or prolonged skin contact. Eye protection for use in handling insoluble uranium compounds should prevent any possibiUty of eye contact. Respirators should always be worn to prevent inhalation of uranium dust, fumes, or gases (38). 

Eye contact can cause irritation or bums. Repeated skin contact can result iu dermatitis. Exposure to excessive vapor concentrations irritates the eyes and respiratory tract. Very high concentrations have a narcotic effect (43). 

The pneumatic classification system should be designed to handle ha2ardous dust (28). A ha2ardous dust is one which, when finely divided and suspended in air in the proper concentration, bums, produces violent explosions, or is sufficiently toxic to be injurious to personnel health (see Air pollution control methods Powders, handling). At the least, almost any dust can be irritating to personnel because of inhalation or skin or eye contact. Fully oxidi2ed and hydrated materials are generally considered safe. 

In case of eye contact, the eyes should be flushed immediately using plenty of water for at least 15 min and a physician should be consulted. 

In order to induce a toxic effect, local or systemic, the causative material must first come into contact with an exposed body surface these are the routes of exposure. In normal circumstances, and depending on the nature of the material, the practical routes of exposure are by swallowing, inhalation, and skin and eye contact. In addition, and for therapeutic purposes, it may be necessary to consider intramuscular, intravenous, and subcutaneous injections as routes of adininistration. 

The hquid is irritating to the skin after only a few minutes of contact. The inhibitor MEHQ may be partiy responsible for this irritation. Inhibited vinyhdene chloride is moderately irritating to the eyes. Contact causes pain and conjunctival irritation, and possibly some transient corneal injury and iritis. Permanent damage, however, is not likely. 

Toxicity Data on Af- Vinyl-2-Pyrrolidinone. Results of a chronic inhalation study in rats warrant a review of industrial hygiene practices to assure that VP vapor concentrations are maintained at a safe level. One of the manufacturers, ISP, recommends that an appropriate workplace exposure limit be set at 0.1 ppm (vapor) (9). Additionally, normal hygienic practices and precautions are recommended, such as prompt removal from skin and avoidance of ingestion. In case of accidental eye contact, immediately flush with water for at least 15 minutes and seek medical attention. Refer to the manufacturers Material Safety Data Sheets for more detailed information. Table 3 provides some toxicity data. 

The first -PDA antiozonants were low molecular weight -diaLkyl-/)-PDAs which caused skin irritations. Current higher molecular weight -dialkyl or A/-alkyl-AT-aryl derivatives are not primary skin irritants. A notable exception is A/-(I-methylethyl)-A7-phenyl-/)-PDA, which causes dermatitis. However, since some individuals are more sensitive than others, antiozonants should always be handled with care (46). When skin contact does occur, the affected area should be washed with mild soap and water. In case of eye contact, flush weU with water. Inhalation of mbber chemicals should be avoided, and respiratory equipment should be used in dusty areas. 

The potassium hydroxide electrolyte used in alkaline batteries is a corrosive hazardous chemical. It is a poison and if ingested attacks the throat and stomach linings. Immediate medical attention is required. It slowly attacks skin if not rapidly washed away. Extreme care should be taken to avoid eye contact that can result in severe bums and blindness. Protective clothing and face shields or goggles should be worn when filling cells with water or electrolyte and performing other maintenance on vented batteries. 

Ethylene dibromide is a suspected human carcinogen and worker exposure by all routes should be carefiiUy controUed to levels as low as reasonably achievable (67). Ethylene dibromide causes severe blistering of the skin if contact is prolonged. Eye contact with the Hquid will cause pain, irritation, and temporary impairment of vision. Recommended safety equipment includes safety goggles, a NIOSH approved canister-type gas mask for organic vapors, neoprene gloves, and neoprene overshoes. In case of contact with ethylene dibromide, contaminated clothing and shoes should be removed and eyes or skin washed with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes. Contaminated clothes should be washed before reuse and contaminated shoes should be discarded. 

Eye contact should be followed by flushing the eyes with large amounts of water. If irritation persists, medical attention should be obtained. Skin contact should be followed by flushing with water, using soap if available. Neopentanoic acid is combustible and will bum. Eire should be extinguished with foam, dry chemical, or water spray. 

Dichloroethane is one of the more toxic chlorinated solvents by inhalation (49). The highest nontoxic vapor concentrations in chronic exposure studies with various animals range from 100 to 200 ppm (50,51). 1,2-Dichloroethane exhibits a low single-dose oral toxicity in rats LD q is 680 mg/kg (49). Repeated skin contact should be avoided since the solvent can cause defatting of the skin, severe irritation, and moderate edema. Eye contact may have slight to severe effects. 

To remain safe and efficacious on the eye, contact lenses must maintain clear and wetted surfaces, provide an adequate supply of atmospheric oxygen to and adequate expulsion of carbon dioxide from the cornea, allow adequate flow of the eye s tear fluid, and avoid excessive abrasion of the ocular surface or eyeflds, all under a variety of environmental conditions. The clinical performance of a contact lens is controlled by the nature of the lens material the lens design the method and quaUty of manufacture the lens parameters or specifications prescribed by the practitioner and the cleaning, disinfection, and wearing procedures used by the patient. 

Toxic hazards may be caused by chemical means, radiation, and noise. Routes of exposure are (1) eye contact, (2) inhalation, (3) ingestion, (4) skin contact, and (5) ears (noise). An Industrial Hygiene Guide (IHG) is based on exposures for an 8-h day, 40-h week, and is not to be used as a guide in the control of health hazards. It is not to be used as a fine hne between safe and dangerous conditions. 

The successful development of eye contact lenses led in turn to a demand for soft contact lenses. Such a demand was eventually met by the preparation of copolymers using a combination of an acrylic ester monomer such as methyl methacrylate, a cross-linkable monomer such as a dimethacrylate, and a monomer whose homopolymer is soluble or highly swollen in water such as N-vinyl pyrrolidone. Such copolymers swell in water (hence the term hydrophilic), the degree of swelling being controlled by the specific type and amount of the monomers used. In use the lens is swollen to equilibrium in water, a typical soft lens having a water content of about 75%. 

Impervious elasticated armlets may be appropriate Provide a readily available supply of disposable rags Do not carry used rags in overall or trouser pockets Wear goggles if eye contact is likely... 

Direct eye contact with liquid produces injury, generally transient, to the corneal epithelium. The liquid is mildly imtating to the skin due to the degreasing effect repeated contact may cause dermatitis. Ingestion of substantial quantities of liquid can damage the mucous membranes, and produce acute effects ranging from mild discomfort to profound anaesdiesia. 

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