Occupational/Indoor Exposures Flashcards
Dx criteria for Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS)
- Sx are reproducible with repeated chemical exposures.
- Condition has persisted for significant period of time.
- Low levels of exposure result in manifestations of the syndrome (inc. sensitivity).
- Sx improve when the triggering chemicals are removed.
- Responses often occur to multiple chemically unrelated substances.
- Symptoms involve multiple-organ symptoms
What are the sx of and potential contributing factors to Sick Building Syndrome (SBS)?
Sx: Fatigue, H/A, Nausea, EENT irritation, Chest tightness, Asthma, Poor concentration, Memory loss
Factors: chemicals (i.e. Formaldehyde), mold, recirculation of air, poor ventilation
What is the difference between Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) and Building-Related Illness?
SBS: Sx of ill health that seem linked to a building but no specific cause is identified
B-RI: Recognized diseases caused by being in a building
Main chemical in Brazilian Blow-outs?
Formaldehyde
Maternal occupation with increased risk of cleft palate in their children?
Preschool teachers
What you can potentially be exposed to if a Compact Fluorescent bulb breaks?
Small amounts of mercury
What is in Teflon cookware?
Polytetrafluoroethylene or PTFE
What is MRLs?
Maximum Residue Limits = limit set by the EPA, for how much pesticide can remain on food.
Main systems affected by VOCs?
Hematological, Nervous & Immune Systems
Benzene: how are we exposed and what does it cause?
Exposed via forest fires, volcanoes, part of crude oil, gasoline, exhaust, cigarette smoke
Causes cells to not work effectively: marrow suppression, anemia, leukemia
Notable characteristics of Toluene?
- Smell of paint thinner
- Added to gasoline to improve octane ratings, used as a solvent
- Abused as an inhalant: this is what huffers are after (paint + glue)
- 25x more potent than benzene
Notable characteristics of Xylene?
- Used in histology labs, occurs naturally in coal, petroleum and wood tar
- Main effect: CNS depression
- Can penetrate most clothing
Notable characteristics of Phenol?
- White, volatile crystalline solid, produced from petroleum
- Used in the conversion to precursors of plastics; used in plywood, construction, automotive and appliance industries
- Precursor to many drugs; oral anesthetic in Chloraseptic / Carmex but considered quite toxic p.o.
Notable characteristics of Formaldehyde?
- Extremely common in use; Adhesives, glues and dyes, pressed wood products, carpet, particle board, plywood, paper products, “wrinkle-free” clothing
- Health Effects: mostly resp. and mucous membrane; URT but not LRT: solubility prevents access to LRT
Notable characteristics of Vinyl Chloride and PVC?
- One source of “new car smell”, found in pipes, insulation, siding, shower curtains
- Health effects from off-gassing and leaching
- Highly hepatotoxic: Hepatic Angiosarcoma
What is Vinyl Chloride Disease?
- Raynaud’s- Vasospasm of distal extremities
- Acroosteolysis - Dissolution of terminal phalanges & SI Joint, Scleroderma-like skin changes(tightening)
First carcinogen discovered?
Benzo(a)pyrene - forms Heterocyclic Amines (HCA)
Prevention strategies to protect against Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs)?
- Tobacco cessation, Non-grilled meat
- Eat brassicas (Indole-3-carbinol, Isothiocyanate)
- Antioxidants
- Marinade in Acidic base - Vinegar/Lemon is best
What metabolite can you test for in the case of 2nd and 3rd hand smoke, and how do you test for it?
Cotinine. Urine test most common.
Used to measure tobacco consumption
Primary metabolite of nicotine (80%)
Blood, Saliva, Hair tests also possible, all are highly correlated.
Where is asbestos found and what health risks are associated with it?
Found in: fire-proofing, Insulation (Heat, Electrical, Sound), Friction products (Car brakes, clutch), Tile (Roofing, Ceiling, Floors, etc…)
Size of particulate matter is extremely fine
Health risks: Asbestosis, Mesotheolioma, Lung CA
What numbers are the safest plastics?
2, 4: No leeching, no detection in humans
What numbers are somewhat safe plastics?
1, 5: Some leeching, no detected health effects
What numbers are known to be un-safe plastics?
3, 6, some 7: Known leeching + health effects
Notable characteristics of Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)?
- SPI #3: Plastic pipes, Insulation, Vinyl siding (Houses), IV bags and tubing
Some contain plasticizers (pthalate softeners) - Health Effects: Statistically significant increased risk of CV + nervous disease
