Human Responses to Controlled Exposures of Methylene Chloride Vapor

摘要

The behavioral and health effects of exposure to methylene-chloride (75092) (CH2C12) vapor were studied. Eleven male subjects were exposed to 500 parts per million (ppm) of CH2C12 for 7.5 hours per day for 2 days or to concentrations of up to 250ppm for 5 days. Subjects were given a comprehensive medical examination prior to and following exposure. Blood counts and urinalyses were conducted. Alveolar breath samples were taken at various intervals. No deleterious health or behavioral effects were seen at any exposure dose. Carboxyhemoglobin (CoHb) concentrations were consistently increased and averaged over 5 percent at CH2C12 exposures of 250ppm for 7.5 hours. The authors conclude that exposure to methylene-chloride increases CoHb concentrations. They note that this measurement is not a good indicator of CH2C12 exposure because of the unknown presence of carbon-monoxide in industrial environments.