Vinyl
Chloride Exposure
Vinyl
chloride exposure usually takes place
when a person inhales the chemical
or drinks water contaminated with
it. Those who work in industries where
vinyl
chloride is used are the most
likely to reach dangerous levels of
exposure. Most people who develop
vinyl
chloride-related health problems
are exposed to the chemical while
at work. People can also be exposed
to vinyl chloride if they live near
a landfill or near a manufacturing
facility that uses vinyl chloride
or other hazardous materials.
Workers
Most Likely to Be Exposed
The
people most likely to be exposed to
potentially harmful levels of vinyl
chloride are those involved in industries
that use it. High-risk employees include
those who work in the following industries:
- Automobile
- Furniture
- Construction
- PVC (polyvinyl chloride) manufacturing
- Plastics manufacturing
- Resins manufacturing
- Rubber manufacturing
Since 1974 the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has regulated workplace vinyl chloride exposure levels. The permissible level is one part vinyl chloride per million parts of air during an eight-hour workday. Because cancers that result from vinyl chloride exposure usually do not show up for over 20 years, many who were exposed to vinyl chloride in the 1970s may still be at risk of developing cancer. The following types of workers were exposed to particularly high levels of vinyl chloride before 1974:
PVC Fabrication Workers - Workers involved in the production of polyvinyl chloride products such as flooring and piping were regularly exposed to dangerous fumes but were, in many cases, not given the protective gear necessary to work with the material.
Beauticians and Barbers - Before 1974 vinyl chloride was used as a propellant in aerosol cans of hairspray. It is estimated that air in the work areas of beauticians and barbers often contained between 250 and 1,400 parts per million (ppm) of vinyl chloride.
Loading and Transportation Workers - Those involved in loading and transporting vinyl chloride monomer are regularly exposed to vinyl chloride fumes. Before 1974, necessary safety precautions were, in many cases, not taken to protect workers. Risks
of Exposure
Contact
with vinyl chloride can have serious
health consequences. Their severity
depends upon both the level and the
length of exposure. Short-term exposure
to moderate levels of vinyl
chloride in the air can result
in headache, vertigo, loss of consciousness,
and fatigue. Nervous system damage
is also possible. Exposure to an excessive
amount of vinyl chloride can be deadly.
Physical contact with vinyl chloride
can cause blistering, irritation,
and loss of sensation in the skin.
Long-term
exposure to vinyl chloride can have
a number of harmful effects. Following
is a list of serious diseases and
health problems associated with long-term
exposure to vinyl chloride:
- Liver
damage, including liver cancer
and angiosarcoma
- Lung damage, including lung cancer
- Brain cancer
- Stomach or intestinal cancer
- Damage to the nervous system
- Damage to the circulatory system
- Damage to the reproductive system
- Impaired circulation in the fingers
and toes (Raynaud's syndrome)
- Skin hardening (scleroderma)
- Problems with bones in the fingers
(acroosteolysis)
If you have suffered health problems
as a result of vinyl chloride exposure,
you may want to consult with a qualified
vinyl
chloride attorney. |
