Isopropyl alcohol odor caused

Isopropyl alcohol, a widely used antiseptic and disinfectant, is used to disinfect thermometers, needles, anesthesia equipment, and other instruments. The odor of isopropyl alcohol may be detected at concentrations of 40 to 200 ppm. Exposure to isopropyl alcohol can cause irritation of the eyes and mucous membranes. Contact with the liquid may also cause skin rashes. The OSHA PEL is 400 ppm for an eight-hour TWA. Workers should use appropriate protective clothing such as gloves and face shields to prevent repeated or prolonged skin contact with isopropyl alcohol. Splash-proof safety goggles should also be provided and required for use where isopropyl alcohol may contact the eyes. 

Use of isopropyl alcohol in industrial appHcations does not present a health hazard. The alcohol produces anesthetic effects in high vapor concentration. Consequently, the OSHA permissible exposure limit (PEL) and the ACGIH threshold limit value (TLV) have been estabUshed at 400 ppm (0.098 mg/L) for an 8-h exposure (TWA) (138). This level causes a mild irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat (139). However, the TLV level does not produce symptoms of anesthesia (140). The OSHA and ACGIH short-term exposure limits (STELs) are 500 ppm. The odor threshold for isopropyl alcohol ranges from 3 to 200 ppm, which is the minimum concentration having identifiable odor (141). 

Solvent residues from printing and adhesives have the potential to cause food tainting. Typical solvents used in printing with characteristic, easily detectable odors are aliphatic esters, such as ethyl acetate, isopropyl acetate, and w-propyl acetate, the alcohols isopropyl alcohol and w-propyl alcohol and hydrocarbon mixtures, particularly aromatics. Regular tests are carried out by printers of food packaging to ensure that the concentrations of solvent residues are maintained below the odor and tainting threshold levels. The most widely used analytical technique to measure the levels of solvent residues is GC head-space analysis. Portions of the packaging are placed in sealed vials or other suitable containers and heated... 

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