(4)
Particle size.
(5)
Density.
b. Physical conditions of the workers themselves can have an effect on the
toxicity of agents. These factors include the worker's age, his general state of health,
and his prior history of sensitivity.
c. The toxicity of chemical agents can also be affected by environmental factors
such as:
(1)
Concentration
(2)
Control measures in effect.
(3)
Duration of exposure
(4)
SECTION II. ATMOSPHERIC HAZARDS
2-7.
GENERAL
The atmosphere includes toxic chemicals that are released into the air as by
products of industrial activity. Examples include: carbon monoxide from tuning and
testing combustion engines, welding fumes, solvent vapors from spray painting,
degreasing operations, and the like.
2-8.
CARBON MONOXIDE
a. Source of Exposure. Carbon monoxide is produced whenever fossil fuels
are burned in the presence of insufficient oxygen to transform all the hydrocarbons
present to carbon dioxide and water. Carbon monoxide is produced in the incomplete
combustion of coal, gasoline, natural gas, and other carbon containing substances. It is
produced in the explosion of dynamite and nitroglycerine and in the operation of blast
percent or more carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide occurs in small traces in natural
gas, but incomplete burning of natural gas can produce greater amounts. Since
gasoline, oil, coal, and gas are used in virtually all jobs and homes, the potential for
exposure to carbon monoxide is widespread. Carbon monoxide is an insidious hazard,
in that it is odorless, colorless, tasteless, and nonirritating, and its presence may
therefore go undetected.
MD0165
2-7