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

Introduction exposures solvents liquids and gases

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

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

Critical Exposure Factors (cont.) vapor pressure temperature relationship

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

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

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

Hazards (cont.) Combustion deflagration explosion detonation

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

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

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

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

Air Pollution Air Pollution Clean Air Act Photochemical Smog

Air Pollution (cont.) Ozone Depletion

Air Pollution (cont.) Greenhouse Gases global warming

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

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)