Toxicology of coal liquefaction products: an overview

Chu, L; Villeneuve, DC; Rousseaux, CG

HERO ID

6611

Reference Type

Journal Article

Subtype

Review

Year

1994

Language

English

PMID

7963236

HERO ID 6611
Material Type Review
In Press No
Year 1994
Title Toxicology of coal liquefaction products: an overview
Authors Chu, L; Villeneuve, DC; Rousseaux, CG
Journal Journal of Applied Toxicology
Volume 14
Issue 4
Page Numbers 241-256
Abstract Repeated exposure to coal liquefaction products produces a broad range of systemic effects. Among these, growth suppression, anaemia, leucocytosis and other haematological disorders are most prominent. Bone marrow, liver and kidney are the target organs affected by treatment. The effects are more severe with heavy distillates and male rats are more sensitive than females. Other changes included increased serum transaminases, alkaline phosphatase and cholesterol. Depending on the route of administration, the skin or lung may also be affected. Inhalation exposure produces the most severe changes, and oral exposure the least. Distillates containing N-PAHs and sulphur-containing PAHs are also more biologically active. Teratological effects were only observed if animals were exposed to the heavy distillate. Similarly, heavy distillates have mutagenic or carcinogenic properties. Teratological effects, as well as mutagenicity and carcinogenicity, of the coal liquefaction distillates seem to be linked to their PAH content, especially the N-PAHs. From the data presented in this review, it should become evident that the potential effects of coal liquefaction products on human health could be severe, especially with long-term exposure. Limited information exists on the occupational effects to coal liquefaction materials because most of the work to date has been with pilot plants. Careful and good judgement is required in order to extrapolate data from pilot plants to commercial-scale production. Experience in health effects of workers in the petroleum industry and coke-oven operations can serve as a guide for the implementation of industrial hygiene programmes for coal liquefaction operations. These programmes include engineering controls, health education, personal monitoring and hygienic practices, medical surveillance and long-term epidemiology studies, and they should be implemented to make coal liquefaction a healthy and environmentally sustainable industry.
Doi 10.1002/jat.2550140402
Pmid 7963236
Wosid WOS:A1994PA65500001
Is Certified Translation No
Dupe Override No
Is Public Yes
Language Text English
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