Inorganic health hazards

Nickel and its inorganic compounds health hazards and precautionary measures Metalworking fluids health precautions Vinyl chloride toxic hazards and precautions... 

Whatever distinguishes asbestos fibers—their composition, structure, or other peculiar properties that may contribute to the health hazard—they need to be examined in context, as representative of a class of inorganic fibrous materials. Perhaps then the factors that initiate adverse biologic reactions, and might be responsible for the induction of disease, could be identified. 

The confusion and frustration of nonepidemiologists, especially those who must act on hehalf of the public, contribute further to the disarray. For ethical reasons, they propose regulations that seek the lowest possible level of asbestos exposure. But economics, not to mention common sense, continues to bring the results of these decisions to our attention. Inorganic fibers are ubiquitous. Are asbestos and other fibrous materials major health hazards for the world s population ... 

Health hazards associated with exposure to fibrous materials have been studied since the turn of the century. Fibers less than 5 microns in diameter are likely to become airborne and, as part of the enviromnent, may be inhaled or ingested. The relationship of fiber size to cell size and function, especially clearance once the fiber is inside the human body, sets off a cascade of events that can, and often does, lead to disease. The dimensions, dose, and durability of inorganic fibers are the salient determinants of disease (Lei-neweber, 1981). 

Ahmed, A.E. Anders, M.W. (1978) Metabolism of dihalomethanes to formaldehyde and inorganic halide. II. Studies on tire mechanism of the reachon. Biochem. Pharmacol., TI, 2021-2025 Ahrenholz, S.H. (1980) Looart Press, Inc., Colorado Springs, CO (Health Hazard Evaluation... 

A variety of industrial materials, including metallic compounds (both organic and inorganic), are produced by multiple anthropogenic activities. Because of the manner of use and disposal, these often reach the environment and cause a plethora of potential health hazards.4 Of the above symptoms, the risk for CNS disturbances in a child s development or in the human adult has gained importance. Information concerning different metals (e.g., arsenic, cadmium, chromium, lead, mercury, many other compounds) and their possible carcinogenicity has been documented as a national priority in the literature (Table 3-1).6-1011... 

Mercury (11) is a frequent component of industrial wastewaters, remarkably toxic at concentrations higher than 0.005 mg The World Health Organization (2006) and national environmental agencies recommend a limit of 0.006 mg of inorganic mercury in drinking water. The health hazards due to the toxic effect of mercury at Minamata, Japan, and Iraq are very well known (Bockris, 1997). 

The use of asbestos has been greatly diminished because of its identification with health hazards. There have been proposed replacement materials such as the Zeta Plus filter media from the AMF Cuno Division, consisting of a composite of cellulose and inorganic filter aids that have a positive charge and provide an electrokinetic attraction to hold colloids (usually negatively charged). These media therefore provide both mechanical straining and electrokinetic adsorption. 

Hassan A, Velasquez E, Belmar R, et al Mercury poisoning in Nicaragua a case study of the export of environmental and occupational health hazards by a multinational corporation. International Journal of Health Service 11 221-226, 1981 Haut MW, Morrow LA, Pool D, et al Neurobehavioral effects of acute exposure to inorganic mercury vapor. Applied Neuropsychology 6 193-200, 1999 Hay WJ, Rickards AG, McMenemey WH, et al Organic mercurial encephalopathy. 

To date, the Commission for the Investigation of Health Hazards of Chemical Compounds in the Work Area in Germany (DFG) has published BAT values for the following metals aluminum, lead, manganese, metallic mercury and inorganic mercury compounds, tetraethyl- and tetramethyl lead, and vanadium pentoxide (see DFG... 

Other disadvantages of phosphorus-based FRs include the health hazards of some of the organic varieties (this affects those involved in processing rather than end users) and their tendency to release toxic combustion products during a fire. Inorganic phosphorus compounds absorb moisture, and can suffer from a lack of permanency. 

---