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Published on: February 23, 2020
Development of worker inhalation derived no effect levels for tungsten compounds
Mark Jackson1, Ranulfo Lemus-Olalde, Christina Inhof
1ARCADIS-U.S., Inc., Brighton, Michigan 48116, USA. mark.jackson@arcadis-us.com
Summary
New derived no-effect levels (DNELs) for worker inhalation of tungsten compounds under REACH were established. These occupational exposure limits are comparable to existing guidelines, ensuring controlled risk for soluble and sparingly soluble tungsten substances.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Occupational Health
- Chemical Safety
Background:
- The Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) framework aims to control human health risks from chemical substances.
- Worker exposure is a key consideration, with inhalation identified as the primary route for tungsten compounds.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop occupational long-term inhalation DNELs for soluble and sparingly soluble tungsten compounds in compliance with REACH requirements.
- To ensure worker safety by establishing exposure limits that mitigate potential health risks.
Main Methods:
- DNELs were derived for sodium tungstate (soluble) and tungsten blue oxide (sparingly soluble) following European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) guidance.
- Dose-response characterization was used to determine safe exposure levels for the worker population.
Main Results:
- The long-term inhalation DNEL for sodium tungstate is 3 mg/m³ (1.7 mg W/m³).
- The long-term inhalation DNEL for tungsten blue oxide is 7.3 mg/m³ (5.8 mg W/m³).
- These derived DNELs are comparable to current NIOSH REL and ACGIH TLV values.
Conclusions:
- The established occupational inhalation DNELs for tungsten compounds provide a basis for risk management under REACH.
- The findings support the controlled risk to workers exposed to soluble and sparingly soluble tungsten substances via inhalation.
