1. Fundamentals of Industrial Hygiene 6th Edition
Chapter 7:
Gases, Vapors, and Solvents
Compiled by Allen Sullivan,
Assistant Professor, Safety and Health Management Central Washington University

2. Introduction
exposures
solvents
liquids and gases

3. Properties of Gases, Vapors, & Solvents
vapor pressure
Solvents
volatility
polarity
hazards
solubility
dermal absorption
inhalation
aerosolized (solute exposure)

4. Critical Exposure Factors
Mode of Use
Temperature and Volatility
boiling point
pressure relationship
functional group relationship
4 carbon BP = 175°F
3 carbon BP = 133°F
6 carbon BP = 242°F

5. Critical Exposure Factors (cont.)
vapor pressure
temperature relationship

6. Critical Exposure Factors (cont.)
Concentration
Reactivity
Exposure Guidelines
TLVs, PELs, and RELs (MAKs in Europe)
TLVs v. PELs (private v. regulatory)

7. Solvents Organic Chemistry hydrocarbons importance of nomenclature
aliphatic
cyclic
aromatic
halogenated
ketones, esters, alcohols, and ethers
importance of nomenclature

8. Hazards Compressed Gases Cryogenic Liquids secure storage
proper ventilation
signage
transportation (valve cap)
protect from heat
attention to reactivity (gases with regulator & lines)
Cryogenic Liquids
extreme cold
oxygen displacement/condensation
pressure relief valves

9. Hazards (cont.)
Combustion
deflagration
explosion
detonation

10. Hazards (cont.) Flammability, Explosions, and Reactivity flash points
open-cup v. closed-cup
flammable/combustible liquids
Class I
Class II
fire point
flammable/explosive range
LFL/LEL
UFL/UEL

11. Toxicological Effects
Site of Action
Asphyxiation
simple asphyxiants v. chemical asphyxiants
Organic and Inorganic Gases
asphyxiants
acute toxins
products of decomposition
reactivity

12. Toxicological Effects (cont.)
Inorganic Acids and Bases
hydrogen fluoride (HF)
Other Aqueous Systems
prolonged exposure (e.g., dishpan hands)
low vapor pressure
Solvents and Solvent Vapors
general effects
low concentrations
high concentrations
very high concentrations
specific effects

13. Physiological Effects
Hydrocarbons
aliphatic
cyclic
aromatic
halogenated functional groups
nitrohydrocarbons
oxygen-containing functional groups
alcohols
aldehydes
ketones
esters
ethers
glycols

14. Air Pollution
Air Pollution
Clean Air Act
Photochemical Smog

15. Air Pollution (cont.)
Ozone Depletion

16. Air Pollution (cont.)
Greenhouse Gases
global warming

17. Evaluation of Hazards Evaluation Procedure toxicity of substance
concentration in breathing zone
manner of use
length of exposure
controls in place
special susceptibilities

18. Control of Hazards Control of Hazards
role of health and safety personnel
process controls
substitution
aqueous systems
engineering controls
closed ventilation systems v. local exhaust systems
personal protective equipment
respirators (limitations)
protective clothing and gloves (permeability, abrasion, cleaning)
protective eyewear (unvented, indirect-vented, face shields)