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❑ 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 herbicides,
<br /> upon contact with the skin, may cause discoloring, skin irritation, or dermatitis. Contaminants of commercial preparations of chlorinated
<br /> phenoxy herbicides such as 2,4,5-T include 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin(dioxin). Dioxin is a known mutagen and a suspect carcinogen.
<br /> ❑ Hydrogen Sulfide(11-112S). 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 to
<br /> 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,coma,
<br /> and death. The current OSHA PEL is 10 ppm as an 8-hour time-weighted average(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 regulated by OSHA.
<br /> States may require individuals who conduct lead paint inspections or collect samples of lead paint to be licensed or certified. Partner employees
<br /> must determine the applicability of these regulations prior to any activities involving lead paint. For additional health information,see Metal
<br /> 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 contact
<br /> or allergic dermatitis. Repeated contact with arsenic compounds may result in hyperpigmentation. Cases of skin cancer due to the trivalent
<br /> inorganic arsenic compounds have been documented. The moist mucous membranes,particularly the conjunctivae,are most sensitive to the
<br /> irritating effects of arsenic. Copper particles embedded in the eye result in a pronounced foreign body reaction with a characteristic
<br /> 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 nervous
<br /> system (CNS) may also be adversely effected when lead is either inhaled or ingested in large quantities for extended periods of time. The
<br /> peripheral nerve is usually affected. "Wrist drop"is peculiar to such CNS damage. Lead has also been characterized as a male and female
<br /> reproductive toxin as well as a fetotoxin. 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/PID. When present in high concentrations in
<br /> air, methane acts primarily as a simple asphyxiant without other significant physiologic effects. Simple asphyxiants dilute or displace oxygen
<br /> 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 of gas
<br /> or vapor in air below which the substance will not burn when exposed to a source of ignition. This concentration is expressed in percent by
<br /> volume. Below this concentration,the mixture is"too lean"to burn or explode. The UEL of a substance is the maximum concentration of gas
<br /> or vapor in air above which the substance will not burn when exposed to a source of ignition. Above this concentration,the mixture is"too
<br /> rich"to burn or explode. The explosive range is the range of concentrations between the LEL and UEL where the gas-air mixture will support
<br /> combustion. For methane this range is 5 to 15 percent.
<br /> ❑ Pesticides. Pesticides can be grouped into three major categories:organophosphates,carbamate,and organochlo rates. The actual PELs as set
<br /> by the OSHA vary depending on the specific compound. Organophosphates,including diazinon,malathion and parathion,are quickly absorbed
<br /> into the body by inhalation,ingestion,and direct skin contact. The symptoms of exposure include headache,fatigue,dizziness,blurred vision,
<br /> sweating, cramps, nausea, and vomiting. More severe symptoms can include tightness of the chest, muscle spasms, seizures, and
<br /> unconsciousness. It should also be noted that the malathion and parathion PELs both carry the Skin notation,indicating that these compounds
<br /> adversely affect or penetrate the skin. OSHA specifies that skin exposure to substances carrying this designation should be prevented or
<br /> 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,the
<br /> OSHA exposure limit for carbaryl does not carry the Skin notation.
<br /> ® 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 mucous
<br /> membrane irritation. Inhalation of high concentrations of the vapor may cause pulmonary edema. Repeated or prolonged direct skin contact
<br /> Partner Site-Specific Health and Safety Plan Page 12
<br /> Version 2.0 July 6,2021
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