2-Ethylhexan-1-ol. Documentation of proposed values of occupational exposure limits (OELs)
Journal Title: Podstawy i Metody Oceny Środowiska Pracy - Year 2015, Vol 31, Issue 4
Abstract
2-Ethylhexan-1-ol is a colorless liquid with sweet taste and light, floral, rose-like odour. This aliphatic alcohol is an important intermediate for synthesis of low-volatile esters, e.g., di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), used as plasticizers mainly as PVC softeners. 2-Ethylhexan-1-ol is also used as a solvent, an additive to diesel fuels and lubricating oils, in laundries for dry cleaning, in the production of nitrocellulose, paper and rubber, in the textile and food industry. 2-Ethylhexan-1-ol is emitted to the environment from plastics, mainly from building materials and floor coverings, but also from other equipment, e.g., computer cases. This substance is considered as one of so-called sick building syndrome (SBS) causes.In the working environment, 2-ethylhexan-1-ol is absorbed into the body mainly by inhalation. Animal studies indicate also the possibility of dermal absorption but to a much less extent than by inhalation. There are no reports on acute human poisoning due to low acute toxicity of this substance.According to results of human acute studies on chemosensory effects after inhalation exposure, sensory irritation occurs at much lower concentrations than it was considered on the basis of animal studies. “Moderate” (LMS scale) irritation of eyes and nose was detected in human volunteers after 4-h inhalation of 2-ethylhexanol at the constant concentration of 57.6 mg/m3. Exposure to sinusoidally variable concentrations over 4 h (mean concentration was also 57.6 mg/m3) caused the increase of concentration of the substance P, which is a neuropeptide indicating nasal chemosensory irritation, in nasal lavage, decrease of nasal flow and increase of eye blinks. All of the mentioned parameters indicate the irritation properties of 2-ethylhexan-1-ol.Clinical effects of acute exposure of animals are apathy, incoordination, ataxia, depression of central nervous system and breathing difficulties. In mice, decrease of respiratory rate of 50% was observed at concentration 238 mg/m3 of 2-ethylhexanol (RD50). Critical organs in subacute or long-term exposure are liver and kidney. 2-Ethylhexan-1-ol is rapidly eliminated from the body as metabolites, mainly in the urine. There were no carcinogenicity, mutagenicity and reprotoxicity observed in animals.The result of inhalation experiment with human volunteers showed that the critical effect of 2-ethylhexanol is irritation. The Scientific Committee on Occupational Exposure Limits (SCOEL) proposed much smaller occupational exposure limit (OEL) than occupational exposure limits in particular countries. SCOEL established concentration of 8.1 mg/m3 (1.5 ppm) for NOAEC and 5.42 mg/m3 (1 ppm) for OEL.On the based of 4-h inhalation experiment on human volunteers the 2-ethylhexanol concentration of 57.6 mg/m3 was established as LOAEC. On the basis of this LOAEC value, after taking into account uncertainty factors, the MAC (TWA) value of 4.8 mg/m3 was established. The value of 5.4 mg/m3 proposed by SCOEL was recommended as MAC (TWA). To protect workers from peak exposure to 2-ethylhexane-1-ol, STEL value of 10.8 mg/m3 (2 x MAC) was recommended. Due to irritation properties of 2-ethyhexan-1-ol it was recommended to label the substance with symbol “I”.
Authors and Affiliations
KATARZYNA KONIECZKO, SŁAWOMIR CZERCZAK
Keywords
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