Health of Workers Exposed to 1,1,1,–Trichloroethane: A Matched-Pair Study

Abstract

An epidemiologic study of 151 matched pairs of employees was conducted in two adjacent textile plants, one of which used inhibited 1,1,1-trichloroethane as a general cleaning solvent. Employees in the study population had exposures to the solvent for 6 yrs or less at varying concentrations which were measured by breathing zone sampling and personal monitoring. While cardiovascular and hepatic observations were of primary interest, other health parameters were also studied. Application of sensitive statistical techniques and careful examination of all data did not reveal any clinically pertinent findings that were associated with exposure to 1,1,1-trichloroethane. The statistically significant associations that were observed between health measures and nonexposure factors emphasize the need to consider age, sex, race, and other variables in designing epidemiologic studies.

Cardiovascular diseases and the work environment. A critical review of the epidemiologic literature on chemical factors.

“…In addition to the case reports mentioned, five epidemiologic studies have been found (238)(239)(240)(241)(242). They were published during the period 1975-1988, and there is no indication of increasing research activity in this area despite the increased interest in organic solvents.…”

Astrogliosis in the cerebral cortex of gerbils after long-term exposure to 1,1,1-trichloroethane.

“…Although no adverse effects on the central nervous system were observed in man after chronic exposure to I, I, l-trichloroethane (24,35), exposure to other solvents, such as ethanol, toluene and dichlorornethane, are known to cause cortical impairment (17,31,53). Since long-term exposure to ethanol mainly affects the anterior parts of the cerebral cortex in man (37), different cortical regions were examined in this investigation.…”

“…However, little is known of the neuroto xicity of the compound. Studies on workers in occupational settings have been made, and no adverse effects on the central nervous system were observed after chronic exposure (24,35). However, the exposure levelsin these studies were relatively low.…”

Health hazard evaluation report: HETA-95-0044-2561, Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District, Bissell Point Wastewater Treatment Plant, St. Louis, Missouri.

“…Textile workers exposed from several months to 6-years to 1,1,1-trichloroethane concentrations sometimes exceeding 200 ppm revealed no evidence of cardiovascular, hepatic, renal, or other effects as a function of exposure. 19,25 The NIOSH REL for 1,1,1-trichloroethane is a 10-minute ceiling concentration of 350 ppm. 2 The OSHA PEL for 1,1,1-trichloroethane is an 8-hour TWA of 350 ppm.…”