Solvent containing processes and work practices: environmental observations

Journal Article · Wed Jan 01 00:00:00 EST 1986 · Prog. Clin. Biol. Res.; (United States)

OSTI ID:6774312

Kalliokoski, P

Even though there has been a shift toward water-based or fully solid systems, organic solvents still comprise a significant occupational health hazard. Fortunately, exposure levels can nowadays be effectively controlled by proper enclosures and ventilation in most remaining applications of organic solvents, and, generally taken, the development of occupational health conditions has been favorable on the workplaces using organic solvents. When as many as 24.2% of the 2639 solvent measurements carried out by the Institute of Occupational Health in Finland exceeded the occupational health standards between 1971 and 1976, such non-compliance levels were detected only in 3.0% of the 2823 samples taken between 1977 and 1980. The persons dealing with occupational health problems in workplaces should also be aware of the possible existence of solvent misuse. This may not develop into the level of solvent sniffing, but into a milder addiction. The workers adopt working habits that cause unnecessary exposure. Repeatedly found exceptionally high concentration levels in biological exposure tests are an indication of a possible abuse. 25 references.

• Research Organization: Univ. of Kuopio, Finland
• OSTI ID: 6774312
• Journal Information: Prog. Clin. Biol. Res.; (United States), Journal Name: Prog. Clin. Biol. Res.; (United States)
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
ORGANIC SOLVENTS
HEALTH HAZARDS
FINLAND
INDOOR AIR POLLUTION
OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE
PERSONNEL
AIR POLLUTION
EUROPE
HAZARDS
POLLUTION
SCANDINAVIA
SOLVENTS
WESTERN EUROPE
560300* - Chemicals Metabolism & Toxicology