Toxicity by inhalation

Health nd Safety Factors. Isophorone is considered moderately toxic by ingestion and skin contact. Some rat tumor formation evidence has been found (264), but no demonstration as a human carcinogen has been proven. Isophorone is considered an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) priority pollutant, and has a permissible acute toxicity concentration of 117, 000 ///L to protect freshwater aquatic life, 12, 900 ///L to protect saltwater aquatic life, and 5, 200 ///L to protect human life (265). Isophorone is mildly toxic by inhalation, but because of its low volatiUty it is not a serious vapor hazard. 

Carbon tetrachloride is toxic by inhalation of its vapor and oral intake of the Hquid. Inhalation of the vapor constitutes the principal ha2ard. Exposure to excessive levels of vapor is characterized by two types of response an anesthetic effect similar to that caused by compounds such as diethyl ether and chloroform and organic injury to the tissues of certain organs, in particular the Hver and kidneys. This type of injury may not become evident until 1—10 days after exposure. The nature of the effect is deterrnined largely by the vapor concentration but the extent or severity of the effect is deterrnined principaHy by the duration of exposure (38). 

Dichloroethylene is toxic by inhalation and ingestion and can be absorbed by the skin. It has a TLV of 200 ppm (10). The odor does not provide adequate warning of dangerously high vapor concentrations. Thorough ventilation is essential whenever the solvent is used for both worker exposure and flammabihty concerns. Symptoms of exposure include narcosis, dizziness, and drowsiness. Currently no data are available on the chronic effects of exposure to low vapor concentrations over extended periods of time. 

Cyanohydrins are highly toxic by inhalation or ingestion, and moderately toxic through skin absorption (21). AH a-hydroxy nitriles are potential sources of hydrogen cyanide or cyanides and must be handled with considerable caution. Contact with the skin and inhalation should be rigorously avoided. Special protective clothing should be worn and any exposure should be avoided (18,20). The area should be adequately ventilated. Immediate medical attention is essential in case of cyanohydrin poisoning. 

The water solubiUty of glutaric acid fosters its toxicity. Glutaric acid is a known nephrotoxin. Renal failure has been documented ia rabbits adruinistered sodium glutarate subcutaneously (124). Dibasic ester (Du Pont), which contains primarily dimethyl glutarate, has low acute toxicity by inhalation and by ingestion, and is moderately toxic via dermal absorption. The acid is both a dermal and ocular irritant of humans. The ester is a severe skin irritant and may cause a rash ia humans (120). 

Carbon monoxide is extremely toxic by inhalation since it reduces the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood. In sufficient concentration it will result in unconsciousness and death. Typical reactions to carbon monoxide in air are summarized in Table 5.31. 

Acetone cyanohydrin (Oxyisobutyric nitrile) (CH3)2C(0H)CN Highly toxic by inhalation or ingestion Irritating and moderately toxic upon skin contact Readily decomposes to HCN and acetone at 1 20°C, or at lower temperatures when exposed to alkaline conditions Colourless combustible liquid Elash point 73°C Ignition temperature 68.7°C Completely soluble in water... 

Toxic by inhalation, in contact with skin, and if swallowed... 

Another important ether is vinyl ether, a colorless liquid with the characteristic ether odor. Its molecular formula is CjHjOCjHj. Vinyl ether has a flash point of -22°F and an ignition temperature of b80°F. It is highly toxic by inhalation and is used in medicine and in the polymerization of certain plastics. 

Health Hazards Information - Recommended Personal Protective Equipment Data not available Symptoms Following Exposure Irritating to skin and mucous membranes General Treatment for Exposure Data not available Toxicity by Inhalation (ThresholdLimit Value) Not pertinent Short-Term Exposure Limits Not pertinent Toxicity by Ingestion Grade 2 oral rat LDjq 3500 mg/kg Late Toxicity Not pertinent Vapor (Gas) Irritant Characteristics Not pertinent Liquid or Solid Irritant Characteristics Data not available Odor Threshold Not pertinent. 

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