Occupational Health Hygiene Toxicology - Case Study Example

Running Head: Оссuраtiоnаl Неаlth hygеinе tохiсоlоgy Оссuраtiоnаl Неаlth hygеinе tохiсоlоgy Name Instructor’s name Name of institution Subject Date 2. Case Study John is a spray painter. He has been working in the industry for 11 years and during this time has not had any health issues. Two months ago he started using a new paint thinner. Lately he has started to notice that he is coughing and experiencing shortness of breath after work. Hazard: Paint and Paint thinner According to the Workplace Hazardous Material Information System (WHMIS) any paint material is recognized as a controlled product[Que10]. This means that the materials are hazardous chemicals that can result into great harm to the human body; of the person handling in as well as the people who may be occupying that premise or in the workplace. Spray paint belongs to the class of chemical hazards as well as the paint thinner which has Methylene Chloride as the main ingredient[Que10]. Spray Painting This can be explained as the process by which air is driven under pressure though a small outlet which so as to draw paint out. This as a result produces air paint mist from this jet spray. Moreover, the spray painting can either be done by use of hand or automatically. In spar painting, there are methods that are used among them airless spraying. For this method, pressure is applied to the paint directly paint that is forced from the nozzle. If this pressure is mishandled, it may cause injury since it is usually high[Que13]. Hazards in Spray Painting While working with paint, it would be safe if the working places as well as the working activities are designed in a search a way that both health and safety are put in mind at the beginning of the whole process. It would mean that the hazards are dealt with easily rather than trying to minimize the hazards when the hazards have already presented themselves. It is important in this presentation to explain what a hazard is; a hazard is anything that probably would result to an injury or worse cause an illness to a person[Que13]. Most acts have placed a duty on the employers to carry out hazard identification at the places of work and put down a plan on how to have consultation with their employees on how they can eliminate them. In James's case, there are a number of hazards that while he engages in spray painting he might be exposed to. In many occasions, the paints used are classified as hazardous for they contain potentially harmful ingredients. The prolonged exposure to the ingredients as seen in James situation can cause illness. This usually happens through inhalation of the vapors and mists that are often toxic. On the other hand, the absorption of irritants through the skin is also rated as harmful. Moreover, spray painting has got other hazardous substances that people like James would be exposed to that include thinners as seen for James case, degreasers, the dust from sanding, surface preparation products and also rust removers. Routes of exposure Inhalation and ingestion Spraying painting is a process that results in increased exposure to the hazardous substances mentioned above. This is so because in most times, the person involved in spray painting is exposed to vapors, dust, as well as the pain mists also referred to as aerosols not forgetting the solvents that are used in the cleanup process such as the thinner as seen in the James case. For this reason, the route of entry to the body for the hazardous substances is generally through inhalation of the aerosols or dust. There is however a potential exposure that can occur through swallowing[The09]. These routes of exposure will result into the hazardous substances causing acute health effects that may even be chronic. There are its short term effects such as respiratory tract irritation, shortness in breath, influenza like symptoms, dizziness, chest tightness, and also nausea and headaches. The exposure has also its fine share of long term effects that may include cancer, asthma, lung function abnormal reduction, and also dysfunction of the central nervous system. Exposure and absorption by the skin Exposing the eyes as well as the skin to the hazardous substance usually is as a result of the presence of the airborne mist or the dust (aerosols). It can also occur through a direct contact with the paint or through freshly painted surfaces. Acute burning of the eyes is one of the health effects that may occur in these circumstances. On the other hand, the skin contact with the paints as well as other solvents used may result in the occurrence of acute irritation dermatitis, or defatting of the skin[The09]. Why the hazard presents risk to health Paint thinner can be termed as an important item whose significance is vital when it comes to painting jobs since it thins sticky paints as well as cleaning dirty brushes. On the other hand, thinner is a highly toxic substance that has a high combination of harmful chemicals. According to OSHA, inhalation acute exposures of paint thinner are that it may cause dizziness, watering of eyes, headache, eye irritation, nausea, weakness, muscle twitches, and a depression of the central nervous system[Saf12]. It is a dangerous substance since an over exposure may cause convulsions, an individual being unconscious, and in other occasions it may cause death. This means that deliberate misuse of this product by for example; deliberately concentrating and inhaling can be very harmful and could even be fatal. It is established that too much contact with paint thinner causes respiratory problems or to one getting allergic reactions. James was exposed to the paint thinner and lately he has started showing various symptoms that are as a result of that exposure[The09]. Exposure to the paint thinner varies greatly depending on the working conditions as well as practices. Occupational health effects These exposures maybe described as being either acute i.e. singe dose, or high concentration exposures that are over a short period of time. The exposure is what that initiates the toxic responses with that part of the body the paint thinner gets into contact with. The effects are characterized by reactions such as sneezing and irritation of the body after the exposure to the hazardous material. It may mean the effects occur immediately or maybe in about a day after. This results to changes in the function of the organs where one may be able to have immediate also known as acute or delayed also known as chronic. The paint thinner has been found to highly affect the respiratory tract[The09]. The vapors that emanate from the paint thinners are highly irritating to the lining of the respiratory tract; they affect the nose, the throat, as well as the lungs. Studies have also shown that asthma like reactions have been reported as a result of the exposure. This will mean that people who work in the line of spray painting may not be able to live normal lives as they did there before[Saf12]. Moreover, the thinner has a fare share of its effects to the skin. Acute exposure to the skin effects are that it causes irritation, numbness of the arms as well as the fingers, it also causes the skin to dry and worse of, it will cause a higher severity of the symptoms that are found under inhalation. In summary, the hazardous substances that are found in spray painting come with serious health effects. If there is a non controlled exposure the health effects can include: occupational asthma; allergic contact dermatitis; lung cancer; ‘painter’s syndrome’, this is usually as a result of long term exposure to organic solvents and affects the brain; damage to the reproductive system; and kidney or liver damage. The short term health effects of exposure are: irritant contact dermatitis; burns to the skin or eyes; vomiting and diarrhea; irritation to the noise, throat and lungs; and headaches, nausea dizziness, and fatigue Hazard monitoring and analyzing The first HACCP principle is hazard analysis and this is a very important task. When done inaccurately, it would lead to an inadequate HACCP plan. Hazard analysis requires technical expertise that is coupled up with sound scientific background. This is aimed at giving proper identification of all potential hazards[Saf12]. Whenever it is practical, it is of importance that whenever a substance is identified as a harmful contaminant it is replaced or eliminated. Its replacement should be of similar technical properties but of less harm to health. It is therefore important that in place of these more harmful organic solvents are heavy duty detergent cleaners. And whenever the organic solvents are inevitable, an investigation on their technical suitability as well as the health hazards that they are associated with. This will play an essential role in determining the overall suitability of the product. For this reason, it is very important that a product safety data sheet is created to provide information regarding the chemical hazard[Saf12]. The following details how spray painting hazards would be monitored and analyzed; An analysis of Paint thinner Paint Thinner Chemical Ingredient Methylene Chloride CH2Cl2 Methylene Chloride Physical Properties Molecular Weight is 84.9g/mol. Boiling point is 39.7'C. Freezing point is -95'C. Solubility: 1.3g/100g of water at 25'C. Physical state: liquid. Color: Colorless. Odor: Sweet and pleasant. Methylene Chloride Chemical Properties Auto ignition temperature: 1, 139 'F (615 'C). Flashpoint: Nonflammable. Flammability limits: Nonflammable. Conversion factors: 1 mg/m^3=0.28 ppm or 1 ppm=3.53 mg/m^3 Human Health Hazard. Methylene Chloride can cause brain damage, blurred vision, headaches, impaired motor response, drowsiness, and chemical intoxication if inhaled. May cause dermatitis if touched and is very corrosive. Methylene Chloride is also a carcinogen. Proper Way to Store Paint Thinner. WHMIS Symbols on the can The WHMIS symbols are; danger poisonous, danger flammable, and corrosive. Hazard Monitoring Procedure Eight hour exposure evaluation An eight hour measurement should be taken on James so that the eight hour exposure is based on an eight hour sample. Moreover, there can be several short time interval samples that can help in determining the average exposure level. It is also very important in the monitoring procedure that air samples are taken in James breathing zone; the air that would be a representation of what James inhaled. A Ceiling Evaluation This is a measurement that is taken to determine James's ceiling exposure usually taken at periods of maximum expected concentrations of the paint thinner. With each measurement, there should be a ten minute sample or consecutive sample series that total to ten to be able to give a near representation of what James inhaled. We should therefore have a minimum of three measurements on his working period and this should include the highest of all measurements which is taken as his estimate of his exposure. Peak above ceiling evaluation This is a measurement that is taken ad used to determine James's peak exposure which should be taken at the periods when there is an expected high airborne concentration of paint thinner. This should be followed with acquiring a ten minute sample for each measurement from the breathing zone that James works in. to be able to gather a better analysis, a minimum of three measurements should be taken while James works for one shift and with these measurements the highest of all the measurements will be a representation of James's exposure. Method The sampling and analyses should be performed through collection of vapor. The collection of the vapors will be done using absorption tube which has a subsequent desorption of Methylene Chloride the chemical ingredient in paint thinner with carbon disulfide and gas to aide in a chromatographic analysis. The detector tubes should be certified by NIOSH and follow the analytical method for Methylene Chloride as it is spelt out in the Manual of Analytical Methods. 3. Case Study Steve is the office manager for an accounting firm. His office roof has recently started to become water stained and there appears to be some sort of fungi starting to grow. Hazard: Fungi Fungi which are present as mould is present everywhere. Even in indoor environments there are hundreds of different types of fungi that are able to grow whenever moisture is available. As it is evident in Steve's case, fungi can grow on building roofs as well as on other material such as ceiling tiles. According to studies, it is not possible to completely eliminate their presence however; it is important to prevent mould growth indoors and therefore should be removed if present[Ryl00]. Fungi belong to biological hazards category and as we can derive from this case, the accumulation of water has lead to the growth of mold. This has been associated with human health effects. One way that has been identified to help in solving the mold problems in buildings is by actively inspecting as well as correcting moisture problems in building not forgetting the drying and management of the water damaged materials[OSH08]. The mold exposures and its related health symptoms can be eliminated by removing mold as well as the correction of the underlying cause of water accumulation. There several and different kinds of fungi and they include, rusts, molds, mildew, and yeasts. Studies have stated that some of these are harmless however; some can cause serious respiratory and other disorders when anyone is exposed to them through inhalation or coming into contact with fungi[New08]. Routes of exposure Playing a vital role in the earth's ecology, fungi are common in almost all environments and this as a result means that all people have a routine exposure and this may occur through ingestion, touching, and inhalation all from the moldy surfaces. The main route of exposure for people working in the moldy workplaces such as Steve is the inhalation of the airborne spores of fungal, metabolites, or fragments. There is a less understanding as well as literature on ingestion as an exposure and are found to be easily preventative by the occupants through maintaining of simple hygiene routines in their workplaces[New08]. This leaves us with inhalation, where we discuss the adverse health effects that emanate from the inhalation of mould. Inhalation Many fungi such as Aspergillus, Fusarium, Penicillium, Memnoniella, and Trichoderma are known to produce potent mycotoxins. These are fungal metabolites that have been identified to be toxic agents. One of the main routes of exposure to fungi is through inhalation. Mold which we have mentioned severally here is a type of fungi despite being interchangeably with fungi. All molds need is moisture as well as a food source i.e. an organic material upon which it feeds on. It is interesting to note that mold will occur in any color and the easiest way to recognize mould is by noticing mildew or the presence of an earthy smell[Ryl00]. As it is evident in Steve's case, fungi can be found in both indoor and outdoor environments such as on wet or damp walls and ceilings. An indoor moisture maybe a safe haven leading to the growth of molds due to the presence of high humidity, leaks, flooding, and steam. For the exposure, molds produce spores that are seed like and they are small enough to travel through air. This means that the route of exposure is breathing in the spores and this is how many people come into contact with them. Studies have revealed that sometimes molds produce mycotoxins; these are chemicals that are attached to the spores and also other parts of the molds[Ryl00]. The same time you are exposed to molds, you may subsequently be exposed to mycotoxins though they are produced only under specific environmental conditions. Hazard Effect on Health Considering the fact that the exposure to fungi happens on daily basis in the air taken in, it is important therefore to note that molds grow excessively sometimes inside the workplaces and they will be the cause of different types of illnesses. Despite the fact that some individuals will not be affected by the olds, others will have symptoms ranging from those that resemble those of hay fever to having common cold which are different in that they may last for longer durations. According to the New York department of health and mental hygiene, some of the adverse effects of mold include toxic effects, allergic reactions, and irritation as well as infections. Nevertheless, the mere presence of mold does not mean that the people present in the workplace will definitely exhibit the adverse health effects but the increase in amount of mold impacted materials however means an increase in the potential exposures[New08]. Exposures such as the chronic exposures, occupational exposures to fungi that is highly concentrated more so to the individuals who have underlying health issues such as allergies, a compromised immune system, or asthma represent a significant risk. According to the Institute of Medicine IOM (2004) health risks that are associated with damp indoor environments were reported and the evidence that was presented suggested a high association between the development of asthma and damp indoor environment. Moreover, respiratory symptoms that include, coughing, wheezing, and exacerbation of asthma were reported (Institute of Medicine IOM, 2004). Hypersensitivity and Allergic Effects There have been well established findings that fungi can cause in humans adverse allergic reactions. Some of the symptoms that are associated with the allergic reactions include, sneezing, runny nose, post-nasal drip that is coupled with a sore throat, cough, eye irritation, and also wheeze. There are symptoms that are immunological responses that are a result of mold that include hypersensitivity pneumonitis, allergic rhinitis, and asthma exacerbations. The mentioned symptoms may persist even after the removal of the source for some time[Ryl00]. Toxic Effects and Irritant Fungi are known to produce toxins and some symptoms have been attributed to the toxins or toxic effects of the presence of fungi indoors. Production of toxins by fungi is of varying levels that is said to be dependent on complexities of the biological as well as environmental factors. Some of the symptoms that are associated with the exposure to the toxins found indoors include irritation, headaches, and nausea/appetite loss[Ryl00]. Hazard Monitoring and Analysis Air sampling to check the presence of fungi should be made routine assessment. In situations where an individual is diagnosed with a disease associated with fungal exposure, air monitoring should be done. The mere fact that there is visual appearance of fungal should be a trigger for \Steve's workplace to be air monitoring to establish the extent of contamination in the building. This would also require sampling being conducting while the ventilation systems run. A microscopic identification of the spores is important not forgetting a documented quality control done in a lab and used for the analysis of the air samples. Steve's workplace will require the evaluation of data and air sampling by a health professional that posse's great experience. In the wake of a few traces of fungal spores in the area sample should be considered background. The presence of fungal fragments is an indication of fungal colonization. This means that the air samples that are a collected should be evaluated by comparison means that is between the indoor and the outdoor. Differences in the levels of the fungi found in the samples of air will again be an indication that the moisture sources result to fungal growth and therefore problematic. Bibliography NCOH/SORDSA; Isocyanates: Health Hazards and Precautions SORDSA Alert; Department of Health; 1998; http://www.asosh.org/Programmes/SORDSA/Isocyanates.htm. Que10: , (Queensland University OHS, 2010), Que13: , (Quensland Goverment , 2009-2013), The09: , (The Occupational Safety and Health Act 1984 established the WorkSafe Western Australia, 2009), Saf12: , (Safe Work Australia, 2012), Ryl00: , (Rylander, 2000), OSH08: , (OSHA Fact Sheet, 2008), New08: , (New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, 2008), Read More