Measuring exposures to glycol ethers.

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health
• Toxicology
• Reproductive Health

Background:

• Limited data existed on glycol ether (GE) health effects, prompting NIOSH investigation.
• Animal studies indicated significant reproductive toxicity associated with GE exposure.
• NIOSH initiated research to assess human health risks from occupational GE exposure.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate potential reproductive health effects from glycol ether exposure.
• To measure occupational exposure levels in various industries.
• To evaluate the adequacy of current exposure assessment methods.

Main Methods:

• NIOSH conducted walk-through surveys and preliminary exposure measurements in diverse industries (1981-1982).
• Airborne concentrations of glycol ethers were measured in occupational settings.
• Blood samples were collected for biological monitoring at one site.

Main Results:

• Most measured airborne glycol ether concentrations were below 1 part per million (ppm).
• A few exposure values approached 10 ppm.
• Glycol ether concentrations in blood samples were below the limit of detection.
• Reliable sampling of low concentrations of airborne GE presented challenges.
• Air monitoring alone was insufficient to adequately assess GE exposure.

Conclusions:

• Occupational exposure to glycol ethers in the studied industries generally yielded low airborne concentrations.
• Current air monitoring methods are inadequate for fully assessing glycol ether exposure.
• Further research is needed, including improved methods for biological monitoring and identification of exposed worker groups.