VOCs and Organophosphates

Question 1

Signs and symptoms of organophosphate poisoning (DUMBELS)

Answer 1

DUMBELS
Defecation / diaphoresis
Urination
Miosis (excessive construction of pupil)
Bronchospasm / bronchorrhea
Emesis (vomiting)
Lacrimation
Salivation

Question 2

Signs and symptoms of organophosphate poisoning (2)

Answer 2

SLUDGE
Salivation
Lacrimation (flow of tears)
Urination
Defecation
GI stress
Emesis (vomiting)

Question 3

What kind of chemical compound is benzene?

Answer 3

The most simple aromatic hydrocarbon (has a sweet odor)

Question 4

Benzene TLV

Answer 4

0.5 ppm

Question 5

Benzene TLV STEL

Answer 5

2.5 ppm

Question 6

Workers at high risk of benzene exposure include

Answer 6

Benzene is found in products that are made from coal and petroleum. Lubricants, plastics, rubbers, dyes, and other chemicals can be produced with benzene. Some examples of workers at risk of benzene exposure include the following:

• Factory workers where steel or rubber is made or processed
• Workers in the printing industry or who work around printing inks
• Fire fighters who come in contact with toxic smoke
• Workers in gas stations, shoe making or repair, and who work in laboratories

Question 7

Benzene health effects

Answer 7

IT’S A CARCINOGEN

• Irritating to the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract.
• Nervous system depression (lack or coordination, slowed/slurred speech, drowsiness, poor judgement, slowed breathing, slowed heart rate, confusion, lethargy)
• Arrhythmias
• Longer-term exposure to benzene may cause anemia, alterations to the immune system, and leukemia.

Question 8

Formaldehyde TLV

Answer 8

0.1 ppm

Question 9

Formaldehyde TLV STEL

Answer 9

0.3 ppm

Question 10

Formaldehyde symptoms

Answer 10

CARCINOGEN - nasopharyngeal cancer and leukemia

Acute:
- Irritating to eyes, nose, and throat
- Wheezing and coughing
- Allergic reactions on eyes, skin, and respiratory tract

Question 11

Workers at greater risk of formaldehyde exposure

Answer 11

Formaldehyde is used in many industries. It’s used in glues, dyes, textiles, disinfectants, building materials, automotive parts, embalming, and laboratories. Examples of workers at greater risk of being exposed to formaldehyde include:
- Laboratory workers
- Agricultural workers who work in confinement livestock production
- Construction workers who work with resin manufactured products
- Morticians in embalming process
- Beauticians who apply dyes and smoothing products
- Woodworking and furniture making

Question 12

Toluene TLV

Answer 12

20 ppm

Question 13

Health effects of toluene

Answer 13

• Eye and eye irritation
• Tiredness and insomnia
• Confusion
• Euphoria
• Headache
• Anxiety
• Nerve damage
• Inflammation of the skin
• Liver and kidney damage
• Female reproductive damage / pregnancy loss

Question 14

Workers at greater risk for toluene exposure

Answer 14

Toluene is used in many industries. It’s used in paints, dyes, solvents, fingernail polish, and gasoline. Some examples of workers at risk of being exposed to toluene include the following:
- Workers in locations where there are leaking underground gasoline storage tanks
- Technicians who work in nail salons
- Construction workers who use paint, adhesives, or solvents
- Workers involved with the production of gasoline

Question 15

Where do we normally see organophosphates?

Answer 15

These chemicals are the primary` components in herbicides, pesticides, and insecticides and have extensive application in manufacturing plastics and solvents

Question 16

General acute health effects from volatile organic compounds

Answer 16

• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Eye, respiratory tract, and mucous membrane irritation
• Headache
• Fatigue