Organic Solvent Recycling Plant Exposure Levels

Abstract

The chemical solvent recycling industry has experienced rapid growth in the past decade. Due to the recent development of the industry, there is only a limited amount of information on the occupational health problems faced by employees in these workplaces. The objective of this study was to determine representative time-weighted average exposure levels to five solvents of interest for employees working in the processing area of a chemical solvent recycling plant. Personal samples were collected during a six-month period, on days when workers were performing various job activities, with a goal of determining exposure concentrations during worst case situations. Passive dosimeters and charcoal tubes were used to collect breathing zone air contaminants. Gas Chromatograph analysis with flame ionization detection quantified worker exposures to toluene, xylene, methyl ethyl ketone, 1,1,1-trichloroethane, and acetone. Results indicated that worst-case exposures, extrapolated to an eight-hour workday were well below the current standards for the five chemicals analyzed. When the solvents were considered as a mixture with additive health effects, it was determined that the threshold limit value for the mixture was not exceeded. Kupferschmid, L. L.; Perkins, J. L.: Organic solvent recycling plant exposure levels.