Investigation and Control of Occupational Hazards Associated with the Use of Spirit Duplicators

Abstract

A Health Hazard Evaluation was conducted by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) to determine if vapors from duplicating fluid (99% methyl alcohol) used in direct-process spirit duplicating machines were causing adverse health effects among teacher aides, or had been responsible for the deaths of three former teacher aides. Death certificates and autopsy data were obtained and evaluated. A self-administered symptom questionnaire was distributed to current teacher aides (exposed group) and to a comparison group of teachers. Fifteen-minute breathing zone air samples for methyl alcohol vapor were collected at operator stations using an infrared gas analyzer. No information supported the claim that the three deaths were related to methyl alcohol exposure. Teacher aides reported significantly more blurred vision, headache, dizziness, and nausea than the comparison group. Concentrations of airborne methyl alcohol ranged from 365-3080 ppm; 15 of 21 measurements exceeded the NIOSH-recommended 15-minute exposure limit of 800 ppm. A mean 96% reduction in vapor concentration was accomplished using inexpensive enclosures and existing room exhaust systems.

Solvent‐based paint and varnish removers: a focused toxicologic review of existing and alternative constituents

“…In contrast to acute toxicity, there is limited information on chronic methanol toxicity. Chronic exposure at levels >260 mg/m 3 ranging from 1 to 8 h/day, up to 5 days/week for up to 3 years has been reported to cause symptoms of headache, dizziness, lightheadedness, blurred vision, and nausea and upset stomach (Frederick, Schulte, & Apol, 1984). Chronic exposures may result in irreversible optic damage (Kavet & Nauss, 1990).…”

Estimations of the lethal and exposure doses for representative methanol symptoms in humans

“…Amblyopia from vapor inhalation in occupational exposure to methanol (visually impaired) and approximately 100 deaths were reported until 1912 [ 1 , 33 ]. Most patients had been exposed to methanol vapor (300 mg/L) [ 34 , 35 ]. Wood heel manufacturing industry workers were exposed to a concentration of methanol vapor ranging from 160 to 780 mg/L.…”

Health effects of oxygenated fuels.

“…There is some evidence from epidemiological studies of workers exposed to methanol from duplicating machines that repeated sublethal doses (less than 0.3 g/kg body weight and above the TLV of 200 ppm) may cause headache, dizziness, nausea, and blurred vision, indicating that methanol exposure can result in CNS depression (52,53). The exposure duration in the latter study was reported to range from 1 hr/day for 1 day/week to 8 hr/day for 5 days/ week and had presumably been occurring for about 3 years.…”