Monohydric Alcohols: C₁to C₆

Abstract

The present chapter summarizes monohydric aliphatic C1 to C6 alcohols. These alcohols exist as volatile liquids at ambient temperatures, and exposure can occur in both industrial and nonindustrial environments. Generally, few or minor problems have been reported with the use of these alcohols in the workplace where the major routes of exposure are dermal or inhalation. Methanol, ethanol, propanols and butanols are known to cause adverse effects when ingested; however, ingestion is not a major route of occupational exposure. A common property of some of the alcohols is to produce local irritation to the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract. Although central nervous system (CNS) depressants, few alcohols produce neuropathic effects in humans. Abuse of products containing methanol and ethanol has produced some indications of neurotoxicity in humans, but nothing has been reported in an occupational environment. 2‐Hexanol produces neurotoxicity by the oral and intraperitoneal routes in animals, but there is no evidence of such an effect having occurred in the workplace. There is no clear evidence that occupational exposures to alcohols represent a carcinogenic risk to humans. Some of these alcohols such as ethanol and isopropanol can enhance the toxic effects of various chemicals, particularly hepatotoxins. This effect is likely due to an inductive effect of the alcohol on microsomal enzymes, particularly the cytochrome P450 system, which may allow a greater metabolic conversion of the hepatotoxin to its toxic metabolite.