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fl Herbicides. Some of the commonly used herbicides present a low toxicity to man. However, other herbicides pose more serious problems.
<br />Organophosphorus and carbamate herbicides, if inhaled or ingested, can interfere with the functioning of the central nervous system. Many
<br />herbicides can be readily absorbed through the skin to cause systemic effects. In addition to being absorbed through the skin, many
<br />herbicides, upon contact with the skin, may cause discoloring, skin irritation, or dermatitis. Contaminants of commercial preparations of
<br />chlorinated phenoxy herbicides such as 2,4,5-T include 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (dioxin). Dioxin is a known mutagen and a
<br />suspect carcinogen.
<br />El Hydrogen Sulfide (112S). H2S, characterized by its "rotten egg" odor, is produced by the decomposition of sulfur-containing organic matter.
<br />It is found in many of the same areas where methane is found such as landfills, swamps, sewers, and sewer treatment facilities. An important
<br />characteristic of H2S is its ability to cause a decrease in one's ability to detect its presence by smell. So although one may no longer be able
<br />to smell it, it could still be present in harmful concentrations.
<br />The symptoms of overexposure include headache, dizziness, staggering, and nausea. Severe overexposure can cause respiratory failure,
<br />coma, and death. The current OSHA PEL is 10 ppm as an 8-hour time-weighted average (TWA). The ACGIH TLV is the same.
<br />fl Lead Paint. The inspection and/or removal, sanding, grinding, etc. of lead-based or lead-containing paints is now strictly regulated by
<br />OSHA. States may require individuals who conduct lead paint inspections or collect samples of lead paint to be licensed or certified. Partner
<br />employees must determine the applicability of these regulations prior to any activities involving lead paint. For additional health
<br />information, see Metal Compounds.
<br />Metal Compounds. Overexposure to metal compounds has been associated with a variety of local and systemic health hazards, both acute
<br />and chronic in nature, with chronic effects being most significant. Direct contact with the dusts of some metal compounds can result in
<br />contact or allergic dermatitis. Repeated contact with arsenic compounds may result in hyperpigmentation. Cases of skin cancer due to the
<br />trivalent inorganic arsenic compounds have been documented. The moist mucous membranes, particularly the conjunctivae, are most
<br />sensitive to the irritating effects of arsenic. Copper particles embedded in the eye result in a pronounced foreign body reaction with a
<br />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 fume fever."
<br />Prolonged and repeated inhalation of the dusts of inorganic arsenic compounds above the established PEL may result in weakness, loss of
<br />appetite, a sense of heaviness in the stomach, and vomiting. Respiratory problems such as cough, hoarseness, and chest pain usually precede
<br />the gastrointestinal problems. Chronic overexposure to the dusts of inorganic arsenic may result in lung cancer.
<br />The early symptoms of lead poisoning are usually nonspecific. Symptoms include sleep disturbances, decreased physical fitness, headache,
<br />decreased appetite, and abdominal pains. Chronic overexposure may result in severe colic and severe abdominal cramping. The central
<br />nervous system (CNS) may also be adversely effected when lead is either inhaled or ingested in large quantities for extended periods of
<br />time. The peripheral nerve is usually affected. "Wrist drop" is peculiar to such CNS damage. Lead has also been characterized as a male
<br />and female reproductive toxin as well as a fetotoxin. Exposure to lead (Pb) is regulated by a comprehensive OSHA standard (29 CFR
<br />1910.1025).
<br />Methane. Methane is an odorless, colorless, tasteless, gas that cannot be detected by an H-Nu/PID. When present in high concentrations
<br />in air, methane acts primarily as a simple asphyxiant without other significant physiologic effects. Simple asphyxiants dilute or displace
<br />oxygen below that required to maintain blood levels sufficient for normal tissue respiration.
<br />Methane has a LEL of 5 percent and an upper explosive limit (UEL) of 15 percent. The LEL of a substance is the minimum concentration
<br />of gas or vapor in air below which the substance will not burn when exposed to a source of ignition. This concentration is expressed in
<br />percent by volume. Below this concentration, the mixture is "too lean" to burn or explode. The UEL of a substance is the maximum
<br />concentration of gas or vapor in air above which the substance will not burn when exposed to a source of ignition. Above this concentration,
<br />the mixture is "too rich" to bum or explode. The explosive range is the range of concentrations between the LEL and UEL where the gas-
<br />air mixture will support combustion. For methane this range is 5 to 15 percent.
<br />Pesticides. Pesticides can be grouped into three major categories: organophosphates, carbamate, and organochlorates. The actual PELs as
<br />set by the OSHA vary depending on the specific compound. Organophosphates, including diazinon, malathion and parathion, are quickly
<br />absorbed into the body by inhalation, ingestion, and direct skin contact. The symptoms of exposure include headache, fatigue, dizziness,
<br />blurred vision, sweating, cramps, nausea, and vomiting. More severe symptoms can include tightness of the chest, muscle spasms, seizures,
<br />and unconsciousness. It should also be noted that the malathion and parathion PELs both carry the Skin notation, indicating that these
<br />compounds adversely affect or penetrate the skin. OSHA specifies that skin exposure to substances carrying this designation should be
<br />prevented or reduced through the use of the appropriate PPE.
<br />Organochlorates such as chlordane, DDT and heptachlor can cause dizziness, nausea, abdominal pain, and vomiting. The more severe
<br />symptoms include epileptic-like seizures, rapid heartbeat, coma, and death. These compounds also carry the OSHA Skin notation. The
<br />symptoms of exposure to carbamate such carbaryl (also known as sevin) is similar to those described for the organophosphates. However,
<br />the OSHA exposure limit for carbaryl does not carry the Skin notation.
<br />Z Petroleum Hydrocarbons (PHCs). Petroleum hydrocarbons such as fuel oil are generally considered to be of low toxicity. Recommended
<br />airborne exposure limits have not been established for these vapors. However, inhalation of low concentrations of the vapor may cause
<br />mucous membrane irritation. Inhalation of high concentrations of the vapor may cause pulmonary edema. Repeated or prolonged direct
<br />skin contact with the oil may produce skin irritation as a result of defatting. Protective measures, such as the wearing of chemically resistant
<br />Partner Site-Specific Health and Safety Plan Page 9
<br />Version 1.02 February 1,2018
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