Irritancy in eye

General irritation = irritation in eyes, nose, or throat). 

The health effects relevant to TVOC and low-level VOC exposures indoors are those which are likely to be common for most organic compounds (although appearing at different concentrations for different compounds). At the concentrations typically found indoors, sensory effects and hypersensitivity effects are considered to be the most relevant. These include sensory irritation, a feeling of dryness, weak inflammatory irritation in eyes, nose, airways and skin. The effects may be both immediate (acute) or delayed (subacute) (Berglund et al., 1992 EU-ECA-IAQ, 1991). 

At present an old review (Mplhave, 1986, 1991) is the only available attempt to draw conclusions on dose-response relations. Mplhave clearly states the inadequacy of the data used for the estimates and that these values must be seen in the context that very little health data is available, that the most recent study referred to is from the mid 80 s, and that the researchers are using different definitions of TVOC. It appears that at TVOC concentrations of ca. 3 mg/m complaints are evident in all investigated buildings, occupants having symptoms and odors being perceived in experimental studies. Physiological effects are seen at 5 mg/m, and exposures up to 8 mg/m lead to significant mucosal irritation in eyes, nose and throat. Whereas headaches are reported to occur at levels around 3 mg/m in field studies, chamber studies indicate no such effect at levels below 25 mg/m. At TVOC levels between 0.2 and 3 mg/m, irritation and discomfort may occur if other types of exposures interact. 

Isobntyl acetate is more toxic but less of an irritant than n-bntyl acetate. The toxic symptoms inclnde headache, drowsiness, irritation of npper respiratory tract, and anesthesia. A 4-honr exposnre to 8000 ppm was lethal to rats. It prodnced mild to moderate irritation on rabbits skin. The irritation in eyes was also mild to moderate. The LD50 oral valne in rabbit is within the range 4800 mg/kg. 

B. Effects of overexposure. 1. Short-term (acute) overexposure If you are overexposed to high concentrations of benzene, well above the levels where its odor is first recognizable, you may feel breathless, irritable, euphoric, or giddy you may experience irritation in eyes, nose, and respiratory tract. You may develop a headache, feel dizzy nauseated, or intoxicated. Severe exposures may lead to convulsions and loss of oonsciousness. 

Regulatory FDA 21CFR 172.695 DOT nonregulated SARA nonhazardous Canada DSL, Australia AlCS, Japan MITI listed Properties Off-wh. powd. 200 mesh flour-like odor sol. in cold water sp.gr. 0.8 (25 C) vise. 1300-1700 cps flash pt. (CC) > 93 C pH 6-8 (1%) 6-12% moisture Toxicology OSHA TWA 5 mg/m 3 (resp. fraction) may cause foreign body irritation in eyes, si. transient skin irritation inh, of dusts may cause upper respiratory tract irritation pract. nontoxic by ing. 

Health and Safety Factors. Butyrolactone is neither a skin irritant nor a sensiti2er however, it is judged to be a severe eye irritant in white rabbits. The acute oral LD q is 1.5 ml,/kg for white rats or guinea pigs. Subacute oral feeding studies were carried out with rats and with dogs. At levels up... 

Formaldehyde causes eye, upper respiratory tract, and skin irritation and is a skin sensitizer. Although sensory irritation, eg, eye irritation, has been reported at concentrations as low as 0.1 ppm in uncontrolled studies, significant eye/nose/throat irritation does not generally occur until concentrations of 1 ppm, based on controlled human chamber studies. Odor detection has commonly been reported to occur in the range of 0.06—0.5 ppm (133—135). 

In humans, cases of dermatitis have been described after contact with DHBs. Combined exposure to hydroquinone and quinone airborne concentrations causes eye irritation, sensitivity to light, injury of the corneal epithelium, and visual disturbances (126). Cases with an appreciable loss of vision have occurred (127). Long-term exposure causes staining due to irritation or allergy of the conjunctiva and cornea and also opacities. Resorcinol and catechol are also irritants for eyes. 

Maleic Anhydride. The ACGIH threshold limit value in air for maleic anhydride is 0.25 ppm and the OSHA permissible exposure level (PEL) is also 0.25 ppm (181). Maleic anhydride is a corrosive irritant to eyes, skin, and mucous membranes. Pulmonary edema (collection of fluid in the lungs) can result from airborne exposure. Skin contact should be avoided by the use of mbber gloves. Dust respirators should be used when maleic anhydride dust is present. Maleic anhydride is combustible when exposed to heat or flame and can react vigorously on contact with oxidizers. The material reacts exothermically with water or steam. Violent decompositions of maleic anhydride can be catalyzed at high temperature by strong bases (sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, calcium hydroxide, alkaU metals, and amines). Precaution should be taken during the manufacture and use of maleic anhydride to minimize the presence of basic materials. 

Toxicology. The nitroparaffins have minimal effects by way of actual contact. There were neither systemic effects nor irritation in dermal studies in rabbits. Human exposure of a prolonged or often-repeated nature has led to low grade irritation attributable to removal of oil from the skin, an effect produced by most organic solvents. Eye irritation potential of all four nitroparaffins has been deterrnined in rabbits. Other than a transient slight redness and some lachrymation, no effects were noted. The average Draize score was 0.0. The acute oral toxicity, LD q, of all four nitroparaffins has been deterrnined in the rat (Table 8). 

Single-dose preparations intended for use in eye surgery do not contain excipient ingredients, in order to avoid tissue irritation. However, multiple-dose containers may require antioxidants (qv), antimicrobial preservatives, or buffers to maintain stabiHty and stefiHty. Such solutions are packaged in polyethylene flexible dropper units called droptainers or in glass dropper botdes. 

Health and Safety Factors. Both pyromellitic acid and its dianhydride irritate skin, eyes, and mucous membranes, and they cause skin sensitization (156). When it comes in contact with moist tissue the dianhydride converts to the acid. Direct contact with should be avoided and protective clothing should be worn in areas where it is used. The LD q for intergastric administration in rats is 2.2—2.6 g/kg (157). In 6-mo experiments, the maximum nontoxic dose was 0.07 mg/kg/d, and it affected the fiver, kidney, and reproductive tract. Precautions against fire and dust explosions as explained in the terephthafic acid section should be foUowed. 

Propylene is a colorless gas under normal conditions, has anesthetic properties at high concentrations, and can cause asphyxiation. It does not irritate the eyes and its odor is characteristic of olefins. Propjiene is a flammable gas under normal atmospheric conditions. Vapor-cloud formation from Hquid or vapor leaks is the main ha2ard that can lead to explosion. The autoignition temperature is 731 K in air and 696 K in oxygen (80). Evaporation of Hquid propylene can cause skin bums. Propylene also reacts vigorously with oxidising materials. Under unusual conditions, eg, 96.8 MPa (995 atm) and 600 K, it explodes. It reacts violentiy with NO2, N2O4, and N2O (81). Explosions have been reported when Hquid propylene contacts water at 315—348 K (82). Table 8 shows the ratio TJTp where is the initial water temperature, and T is the superheat limit temperature of the hydrocarbon. 

Eye. Adverse effects may be produced by splashes of Hquids or soflds, and by materials dispersed in the atmosphere. The eye is particularly sensitive to peripheral sensory irritants in the atmosphere. Toxic effects that may be induced include transient acute inflammation, persistent damage, and, occasionally, sensitivity reactions. ToxicologicaHy significant amounts of material may be absorbed by the periocular blood vessels in cases of splash contamination of the eye with materials of high acute toxicity (58). 

Human sensitization studies were negative at 10% solution (47). Undiluted benzyl alcohol produces moderate dermal irritation in guinea pigs and mild dermal irritation in rabbits (48,49). Severe eye irritation was noted in a rabbit study (50). Acute oral rat LD q values were reported between 1.23 and 3.10 g/kg (50—52). A dermal rabbit LD q value of 2.0 g/kg has been reported (49). Rats died after 2 h when exposed to a 200-ppm vapor concentration (53). Benzyl alcohol is readily oxidized in animals and humans to benzoic acid [65-85-0] which is then conjugated with glycine [56-40-6], and rapidly eliminated in the urine as hippuric acid [495-69-2] (54). 

The primary ha2ard associated with C q trialkylacetic acids is eye irritation. In contact with the eyes, the material is irritating and may injure eye tissue if not removed promptly. Any contact with the eyes should be immediately flushed with large amounts of water. Medical attention should also be obtained. For skin contact, flush with large quantities of water, using soap if available. To extinguish fires, use foam, dry chemical, or water spray. 

Epoxy Phenol Novolak Resins. Acute oral studies indicate low toxicity for these resins (49). Eye studies indicate only minor irritation in animals (49). The EPN resins have shown weak skin-sensitizing potential in humans. 

Acetaldehyde ammonia trimer (hexahydro-2,4,6-trimethyl-l,3,5-triazine trihydrate) [76231-37-3] M 183.3, m 94-96 , 95-97 , 97 , b 110 (partly dec). Crystd from EtOH-Et20. When prepared it separates as the trihydrate which can be dried in a vacuum over CaCl2 at room temp to give the anhydrous compound with the same melting point. The dihydrate melts at 25-28° then resolidifies and melts again at 94-95°. IRRITATES THE EYES AND MUCOUS MEMBRANES. [J Org Chem 38 3288 1973.]... 

Diethyl pyrocarbonate (DEP) [1609-47-8] M 162.1, b 38-40°/12mm, 160-163 /atm, d 1.119, Op 1.398. Dissolve in Et20, wash with dilute HCl, H2O, dry over Na2S04. filter, evaporate and distil the residue first in vacuo then at atmospheric pressure. It is soluble in alcohols, esters, ketones and hydrocarbon solvents. A 50% w/w soln is usually prepared for general use. Treat with great CAUTION as DEP irritates the eyes, mucous membranes and skin. [Boehm and Mehta Chem Ber 71 1797 1938 Thoma and Rinke Justus Liebigs Ann Chem 624 30 1959.]... 

Acrylonitrile (Vinyl cyanide) CH,CHCN Closely resembles HCN in toxic action Poisonous by inhalation, ingestion or skin absorption Emits cyanides when heated or contacted by acids or acid fumes Symptoms flushed face, irritation of eyes and nose, nausea etc. Colourless flammable liquid with mild, faintly pungent odour Elash point 0°C. Dilute water solutions also have low flash points... 

Colourless, corrosive nonflammable gas with an acrid odour Highly irritating to eyes, skin and mucous membranes Attacks natural rubber Decomposed by light Extremely soluble in water Fumes in moist air... 

Concern Specific effects, therefore increased costs, accident rate reduced productivity Decreased well-being Non-specific respiratory troubles Irritation of eyes, nose and throat Damage to property and vegetation Injury to animals Decrease in amenity Long-term ecological effects... 

---