Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
and atmospheric photochemistry. Acrolein levels, like other aldehydes, peak
at midday (on sunny days). Acrolein is present in wood smoke in significant
quantities and, as a consequence, exposures may result from leaking wood-
burning appliances and from cooking fires in developing countries.
Acrolein is a potent eye irritant causing lacrimation (tearing) at relatively
low exposure concentrations. It is widely believed that acrolein exposures
are the primary cause of eye irritation associated with tobacco smoke. It may
also be the major cause of eye irritation associated with wood smoke. Though
acrolein has been reported to be both geno- and cytotoxic, it has not been
shown to be carcinogenic in animal studies, nor has there been any epide-
miological link between acrolein exposure and human cancer.
E.
Glutaraldehyde
Glutaraldehyde is a five-carbon dialdehyde. It is a liquid with a sharp, fruity
odor. Compared to the aldehydes described above, it has a low vapor pres-
sure (0.20 mm Hg at 20°C) and thus volatilizes slowly.
Glutaraldehyde is the active ingredient in disinfectant formulations
widely used in medical and dental practice. Significant or incidental expo-
sures have been reported among hospital, medical service, dental, veterinary,
and funeral service staff. Exposure concentrations in hospital environments
have been reported to range from 0.001 to 0.49 ppmv. It has also been
reported to occur in some carbonless copy papers and is used as a biocide
in duct-cleaning services.
Potential human health effects associated with glutaraldehyde exposures
have been reported (case reports, field investigations, limited epidemiolog-
ical studies, challenge, and animal studies). These have included irritant
symptoms of the nose and throat and other symptoms such as nausea and
headache. They have also included pulmonary symptoms such as chest
tightening and asthma. Other exposure concerns include reproductive effects
and cancer. Limited studies suggest that exposure to glutaraldehyde
increases the risk of spontaneous abortion among pregnant females. Cancer
risks have been inferred from chemical reactivities and mutagenic activity
of similar compounds. However, there is no direct evidence that glutaralde-
hyde is either an animal or human carcinogen.
II. VOCs/SVOCs
A number of studies have been conducted to both identify and quantify VOCs
in indoor environments. Despite inherent difficulties in sampling and identi-
fying VOCs present in mixtures at low concentrations, available evidence indi-
cates that a large and variable number of VOCs are present in indoor air. VOC
compounds vary widely from building to building, depending on sources
present as well as human activities. Studies conducted to date have reported
the presence of many different aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons and hydro-
carbon derivatives such as oxygenated and halogenated hydrocarbons.
