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ulceration of the nasal septum. Certain forms of hexavalent chromium have been found to cause increased respiratory
<br /> cancer among workers.
<br /> Trivalent chromium compounds (chromic oxide) are generally considered to be of lower toxicity, although dermatitis may
<br /> occur as a result of direct handling.
<br /> ❑ Cutting Oils. Cutting oils may produce a condition known as "cutting oil acne," a specific dermatosis associated with
<br /> prolonged and repeated direct contact. Other problems associated with continued occupational exposure to cutting fluids
<br /> include allergic skin sensitization,folliculitis and squamous cell carcinoma, due to the presence of nitrosamines.
<br /> ® Fuel Oil. See Petroleum Hydrocarbons(PHC)
<br /> ® Gasoline. See BTEX Compounds, and Tetraethyl and Tetramethyl Lead.
<br /> ❑ Herbicides. Some of the commonly used herbicides present a low toxicity to man. However, other herbicides pose more
<br /> serious problems. Organophosphorus and carbamate herbicides, if inhaled or ingested can interfere with the functioning of
<br /> the central nervous system. Many herbicides can be readily absorbed through the skin to cause systemic effects. In addition
<br /> to being absorbed through the skin, many herbicides, upon contact with the skin, may cause discoloring, skin irritation or
<br /> dermatitis. Contaminants of commercial preparations of chlorinated phenoxy herbicides such as 2,4,5-T include 2,3,7,8-
<br /> tetra chlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (dioxin). Dioxin is a known mutagen and a suspect carcinogen.
<br /> ❑ Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S). Hydrogen sulfide, characterized by its "rotten egg" odor, is produced by the decomposition of
<br /> sulfur-containing organic matter. It is found in many of the same areas where methane is found such as landfills, swamps,
<br /> sewers and sewer treatment facilities. An important characteristic of H2S is its ability to cause a decrease in ones ability to
<br /> detect its presence by smell. So although one may no longer be able to smell it, it could still be present in harmful
<br /> concentrations.
<br /> The symptoms of over exposure include headache, dizziness, staggering and nausea. Severe over exposure can cause
<br /> respiratory failure, coma, and death. The current OSHA PEL is 10 ppm as an 8-hour TWA. The ACGIH TLV is the same.
<br /> ❑ Lead Paint. The inspection and/or removal, sanding, grinding, etc. of lead-based or lead-containing paints is now strictly
<br /> regulated by OSHA. States may require individuals who conduct lead paint inspections or collect samples of lead paint to be
<br /> licensed or certified. AEI employees must determine the applicability of these regulations prior to any activities involving lead
<br /> paint. For additional health information, see Metal Compounds.
<br /> ® Metal Compounds. Overexposure to metal compounds has been associated with a variety of local and systemic health
<br /> hazards, both acute and chronic in nature, with chronic effects being most significant. Direct contact with the dusts of some
<br /> metal compounds can result in contact or allergic dermatitis. Repeated contact with arsenic compounds may result in
<br /> hyperpigmentation. Cases of skin cancer due to the trivalent inorganic arsenic compounds have been documented. The
<br /> moist mucous membranes, particularly the conjunctivae, are most sensitive to the irritating effects of arsenic. Copper
<br /> particles embedded in the eye result in a pronounced foreign body reaction with a characteristic discoloration of eye tissue.
<br /> Inhalation of copper and zinc dusts and fumes above their established PELs may result in flu-like symptoms known as"metal
<br /> fume fever." Prolonged and repeated inhalation of the dusts of inorganic arsenic compounds above the established PEL may
<br /> result in weakness, loss of appetite, a sense of heaviness in the stomach and vomiting. Respiratory problems such as cough,
<br /> hoarseness and chest pain usually precede the gastrointestinal problems. Chronic overexposure to the dusts of inorganic
<br /> arsenic may result in lung cancer.
<br /> The early symptoms of lead poisoning are usually nonspecific. Symptoms include sleep disturbances, decreased physical
<br /> fitness, headache, decreased appetite and abdominal pains. Chronic overexposure may result in severe colic and severe
<br /> abdominal cramping. The central nervous system (CNS) may also be adversely effected when lead is either inhaled or
<br /> ingested in large quantities for extended periods of time. The peripheral nerve is usually affected. "Wrist drop" is peculiar to
<br /> such CNS damage. Lead has also been characterized as a male and female reproductive toxin as well as a fetotoxin.
<br /> Exposure to lead (Pb) is regulated by a comprehensive OSHA standard (29 CFR 1910.1025).
<br /> ❑ Methane. Methane is an odorless, colorless, tasteless, gas that cannot be detected by an H-Nu or similar PID. When
<br /> present in high concentrations in air, methane acts primarily as a simple asphyxiant without other significant physiologic
<br /> effects. Simple asphyxiants dilute or displace oxygen below that required to maintain blood levels sufficient for normal tissue
<br /> respiration.
<br /> Methane has a lower explosive limit (LEL) of 5 percent and an upper explosive limit (UEL) of 15 percent. The LEL of a
<br /> substance is the minimum concentration of gas or vapor in air below which the substance will not burn when exposed to a
<br /> source of ignition. This concentration is expressed in percent by volume. Below this concentration, the mixture is "too lean"
<br /> to burn or explode. The UEL of a substance is the maximum concentration of gas or vapor in air above which the substance
<br /> will not burn when exposed to a source of ignition. Above this concentration, the mixture is "too rich" to burn or explode.
<br /> AEI Health&Safety,Injury&Illness Prevention Plan Page 13 of 25
<br /> June 24, 2011
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