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Exposures while applying commercial disinfectants
1University of Iowa, Institute of Agricultural Medicine and Occupational Health, AMRF, Iowa City 52242, USA.
American Industrial Hygiene Association Journal
|November 1, 1995
Summary
Chemical disinfectant applicators primarily absorb exposure through skin contact, not inhalation. Standard work clothing significantly reduces dermal exposure, though detection limits pose challenges in measurement.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Environmental Science
- Toxicology
Background:
- Chemical disinfectants are widely used for surface sanitation.
- Understanding applicator exposure routes is crucial for safety protocols.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify dermal and inhalation exposure of chemical disinfectant applicators.
- To assess the effectiveness of work clothing in reducing exposure.
- To evaluate measurement challenges due to detection limits.
Main Methods:
- Air sampling for inhalation exposure assessment.
- Dermal gauze dosimeters placed inside and outside work clothing.
- Analysis of 40 applicators using various application methods (spraying, mopping, wiping).
Main Results:
- Airborne exposure was consistently low, often below detection limits.
- Dermal exposure was the primary route of exposure.
- Work clothing significantly reduced the amount of disinfectant reaching the skin.
- Many dosimeter results were below method detection limits, complicating analysis.
Conclusions:
- Skin contact is the dominant exposure pathway for chemical disinfectant applicators.
- Standard work attire provides a protective barrier against dermal exposure.
- Limitations in detection limits and short exposure durations impact the accuracy of exposure assessment studies.