Notices to Readers
NIOSH Current Intelligence Bulletins on Workplace Hazards
On July 13, 1989, CDC's National Institute for Occupational
Safety and Health (NIOSH) published Current Intelligence
Bulletins (CIBs) on propylene oxide (1) and on ethylene oxide
(2). These publications are two in a series that provide new or
updated information on chemical substances, physical agents, and
safety hazards in the workplace. These bulletins, which are
described below, are now available to the public.*
CIB 51: Carcinogenic Effects of Exposure to Propylene Oxide.
NIOSH recommends that propylene oxide be regarded as a potential
occupational carcinogen. This recommendation is based on the
results of animal studies confirming that the chemical is a
direct-acting carcinogen. Nasal tumors were induced in both rats
and mice exposed to propylene oxide by inhalation. Rats given the
chemical by gavage developed squamous cell carcinomas in the
forestomach. No epidemiologic data are available for the
estimated 200,000 workers exposed to propylene oxide.
U.S. production of propylene oxide in 1980 was approximately
1.8 billion pounds. Most propylene oxide is used as an
intermediate in the production of polyether polyols used to
manufacture polyurethane foam and in the production of propylene
glycol for unsaturated polyester resins. Minor quantities are
used for sterilizing medical equipment and for fumigating
foodstuffs.
The findings of cancer and other tumors in both rats and
mice treated with propylene oxide meet the criteria established
in the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
Cancer Policy (3) for regarding it as a potential occupational
carcinogen. As a result, NIOSH recommends reducing exposure to
the lowest feasible concentration.
CIB 52: Ethylene Oxide Sterilizers in Health-Care
Facilities: Engineering Controls and Work Practices. CIB 52
identifies potential sources of ethylene oxide (EtO) exposure
from gas sterilizers in health-care facilities and describes
control methods recommended by NIOSH. The 1981 NIOSH publication
CIB 35: Ethylene Oxide (EtO) indicated that EtO was carcinogenic
in animals and produced adverse reproductive effects in mammals
(4); subsequent animal studies support these findings.
In addition, NIOSH has conducted and reviewed recent
research on control methods and work practices designed to
protect workers employed near EtO sterilizers in health-care
facilities and has developed recommendations for the general and
specific control of these exposures. General control methods
include equipment maintenance, workplace monitoring, a good
respiratory protection program, and labeling and posting of
hazards. The specific methods include using engineering controls,
good work practices, and personal protective equipment.
These recommendations will assist employers in complying
with OSHA's current regulations. OSHA has lowered the permissible
exposure limit for EtO and recently added an excursion limit.
Reported by: Div of Standards Development and Technology
Transfer, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health,
CDC.
References
NIOSH. Carcinogenic effects of exposure to propylene oxide.
Cincinnati, Ohio: US Department of Health and Human Services,
Public Health Service, CDC, 1989; DHHS publication no.
(NIOSH)89-111. (Current intelligence bulletin no. 51).
NIOSH. Ethylene oxide sterilizers in health care facilities:
engineering controls and work practices. Cincinnati, Ohio: US
Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service,
CDC, 1989; DHHS publication no. (NIOSH)89-115. (Current
intelligence bulletin no. 52).
Office of the Federal Register. Code of federal regulations:
labor. Part 1990: identification, classification, and regulation
of potential occupational carcinogens--the OSHA Cancer Policy.
Washington, DC: Office of the Federal Register, National Archives
and Records Administration, 1988. (29 CFR Section 1990-112).
NIOSH. Ethylene oxide (EtO). Cincinnati, Ohio: US Department
of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, CDC, 1981;
DHHS publication no. (NIOSH)81-130. (Current intelligence
bulletin no. 35).
*Single copies of the bulletins are available without charge from
the Publications Dissemination Section, DSDTT, National Institute
for Occupational Safety and Health, CDC, 4676 Columbia Parkway,
Cincinnati, Ohio 45226; telephone (513) 533-8287.
Disclaimer
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