Nitroglycol and nitroglycerine exposure in a dynamite industry 1958-1978

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health
• Industrial Hygiene
• Toxicology

Background:

• Recent reports indicate excess mortality from chronic cardio-cerebrovascular diseases in Swedish dynamite workers.
• This study focuses on exposure levels of nitrate esters in one explosives factory over two decades.

Purpose of the Study:

• To summarize the exposure situation regarding nitroglycol and nitroglycerine.
• To provide exposure data for epidemiological studies on chronic effects.

Main Methods:

• Described the manufacturing process, sampling, and analytical procedures.
• Calculated mean 8-hour TWA concentrations of nitrate esters from 1958-1978 using extensive short-time samples.
• Assessed the representativeness of short-time samples against personal air sampling.

Main Results:

• Estimated exposure concentrations for nitrate esters ranged from 0.2 - 1.1 mg/m3.
• Highest exposure levels were observed for cartridge fillers and mix house workers.
• Short-time samples demonstrated good representativeness for 8.5-hour personal air sampling.

Conclusions:

• The calculated exposure data can facilitate international comparisons.
• Findings support further dose-response discussions in epidemiological studies.
• Highlights potential chronic health risks associated with nitrate ester exposure in industrial settings.