Implementation of DOP Replacement with Selected Materials in Mask and Filter Testing Penetrometer Machines.

摘要

In April 1986, the U.S. Army's Office of the Surgeon General (OTSG) took the position that dioctyl phthalate (DOP) is a suspected carcinogen. The U.S. Army had used DOP for many decades for nondestructive serviceability testing of respirator canisters and protective filters and in a variety of aerosol penetration studies including mask leakage and face fit. The present program to find a safe material was initiated in September 1987, under sponsorship by the Product Assurance Directorate (PAD). A synthetic lubricant, Emery 3004, from the class of compounds called poly-alpha olefins has been selected from the 36 promising materials, which have inherently low toxicities, that were studied. It was approved by the OTSG on January 8, 1992 for use Army-wide as a safe replacement for DOP in hot smoke and cold smoke testing in a variety of machines after successfully passing three tiers of mutagenic testing. It performs at least as well as DOP in hot smoke machines that generate near-monodispersed test aerosols. It can replace DOP directly in existing penetrometer and other machines without machine modification. It is inexpensive, readily available, readily specifiable, noncorrosive, free of natural impurities, and thermally and chemically stable. It is recommended that Emery 3004 be implemented to replace DOP in Army-wide testing as soon as it is practicable. DOP, DOP replacement, Emery 3004, Oleic acid, Poly-alpha olefins, isostearic acid, Synthetic hydrocarbons.