US EPA

63013 

Journal Article 

Further studies on sensory response to certain industrial solvent vapors 

Silverman, L; Schulte, HF; First, MW 

1946 

Yes 

Journal of Industrial Hygiene and Toxicology
ISSN: 0095-9030 

NIOSH/00132693 

28 

6 

262-266 

Sensory response limits for 18 industrial solvents were determined. An average of 12 persons were used for each solvent test. The cohort was exposed to solvent vapors for 15 minutes. Air vapor concentrations producing irritation to ears, eyes, nose, or throat were determined. The solvents tested included ketones, alcohols, esters, ethers, and several miscellaneous solvent. Seven of the solvents had previously suggested maximum allowable limits. In each case, new lower sensory limits were observed. Methyl-isobutyl-ketone (108101) was found to have a sensory limit of 100 parts per million (ppm), one half the previously suggested limit. Acetaldehyde (75070) in concentrations of 50ppm produced eye irritation in a majority of the cohort. A limit of 200ppm was formerly thought appropriate. Diisobutylcarbinol (108827) produced eye irritation at less than 5ppm. No limit had been determined previously. Other solvents whose limits were determined to be lower than those previously suggested were isophorone (78591), mesityl-oxide (141797), isopropyl-acetate (108214), isopropyl-ether (108203), and dioxane (123911). Over 50 percent of the solvents tested had no previous maximum limits associated with them. The authors suggest that this new data be used as guidelines for new maximum allowable limits. 

DCN-120551; Exposure levels; Irritants; Toxicology; Case studies; Chemical properties; Industrial hygiene; Physiological response; Toxic effects; Sensory perceptual processes