US oil shale industry: a health perspective

Journal Article · Fri Jun 01 04:00:00 EDT 1979 · Am. Ind. Hyg. Assoc. J.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1080/15298667991429831· OSTI ID:5467793

Weaver, N K; Gibson, R L

If the US oil shale resource is to have a role in meeting future energy needs, it must be developed in accordance with the nation's health and environmental objectives. Previous oil shale operations in Scotland and Estonia are reviewed, along with the limited US experience. A possible carcinogenesis hazard is suggested, based upon occurrence of skin cancers in Scottish workers. The API supported toxicologic studies to define potential health hazards related to oil shale. Analysis of crude retort oils revealed the presence of carcinogens in the polyaromatic hydrocarbon fraction. Bacterial screening test for mutagenic activity were positive following enzymatic activation, and cancers were produced by painting the oils on the skin of mice. Tests for acute toxicity showed an oral LD50 of 8 to 10 g/kg, and a dermal LD50 of 20 g/kg for the crude retort oils which produced liver damage. Further processing of the retort oils by hydrogenation reduces these toxic effects. Controls to prevent inhalation of raw and spent shale dusts (which contain SiO/sub 2/) and contact with retort oils are indicated.

• OSTI ID: 5467793
• Journal Information: Am. Ind. Hyg. Assoc. J.; (United States), Journal Name: Am. Ind. Hyg. Assoc. J.; (United States) Vol. 40:6; ISSN AIHAA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

04 OIL SHALES AND TAR SANDS
040700* -- Oil Shales & Tar Sands-- Health & Safety
560300 -- Chemicals Metabolism & Toxicology
63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
AIR POLLUTION CONTROL
BITUMINOUS MATERIALS
CARBONACEOUS MATERIALS
CARCINOGENS
CONTROL
DISEASES
DUSTS
ENERGY SOURCES
FOSSIL FUELS
FUELS
HAZARDS
HEALTH HAZARDS
MATERIALS
MINERAL OILS
MUTAGEN SCREENING
OIL SHALES
OILS
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
OTHER ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
POLLUTION CONTROL
SCREENING
SHALE OIL
SHALE OIL FRACTIONS
SKIN DISEASES
SPENT SHALES
TOXICITY