Short-Term Intermittent Exposure to Hydrogen Chloride (Gas and Mist)

摘要

This report presents an analysis and synthesis of the available literature concerned with possible health and performance effects of exposures to hydrogen chloride (HC1) gas and mist. The U.S. Army's concern is with short-term intermittent exposures that may exceed the present Threshold Limit Value of the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (5 ppm or 7 mg/cu m). Data on human exposures were limited to estimates of threshold responses from uncontrolled observations. Animal data were the primary source of information on reversible and irreversible effects of HCl under different exposure conditions. The organs initially affected by exposure to HCl are the respiratory tract, skin, and eyes. The irritant effects are immediate, with onset as soon as exposure begins. Levels of HCl below the lethal range are primarily concentration-dependent. Studies in mice indicated that 10-minute exposures to HCl concentrations of 17 ppm or greater produced dose-related damage to respiratory tract tissues. These effects were probably reversible up to concentrations of approximately 300 ppm. Concentrations of 100 to 300 ppm will probably significantly affect the performance of military and produce escape responses under the most intolerable conditions. Concentrations of 5 to 30 ppm will produce some degree of mucous membrane irritation in most subjects. The available literature indicates that expected effects of HCl in military personnel under most operational conditions will be immediate, reversible, and may affect performance to some degree.