edited by MALCOLM M. RENFREW
chemical laboratory
University of Idaho MOSCOW, Idaho 83843
Carcinogen Control in the Chemical Laboratory James S. Johnson' Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, University of California, Livermore, CA 94550
Recently OSHA announced guidelines, effective April 21,1980, to identify, classify, and regulate potential occupational carcinogens (refer to the Appendix).Vhemicals will he classified according to a general priority system that will take into account the following information: The number of workers exposed. The estimated levels of workers' exposure. The reported levels of exposure causing increased incidence of neoplasms in humans and animals. The extent to which regulatory activity can reduce cancer risk and other occupational and envimmental hazards.
The extent to which the substance has s molecular structure similar to another substance that meets thedefinition of a potential occupational carcinogen. Whether substitutes exist that would pose lower risks. Whether there is other evidence that the social and economic costs of regulation would be small. The relationship of the substance to regulatory activities of other agencies.
Chemicals Regulated by OSHA as Cancer Susnect Aaents in 1972. PCC ~ol~tio control n concentration (wt% or "01%)
ChemicalsD
classified as potential occupational earcinogens will he industrial solvents, industrial feedstocks, and large volume chemical products. Many chemicals used in the research, teaching, or industrial laboratory will not he considered for classificationin the near
chemical safety program to classify and control carcinogens and toxic chemicals used in our chemical laboratories. The primary goal of this ongoing program is to identify chemicals that are, or may he, toxic or careinoeenie and use oroDer handline ~rocedures to minimize the risk to employees working in our chemical laboratories.
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James s.Johnson received his MSH in Air Pollution and Industrial Hygiene fromme Universiiy of Pinsburgh Graduate School of Public Hygiene and his PhD in Inorganic Chemistry from Duquesne Universiiy in 1972.Since then he has been a field industrial hygienist at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. In this capacity he has suppotled all the major programs at the laboratory, i.e., Lasers, Biomedical Research, Radiochemlsby, General Chmisby, Weapons, and Experimental Physics. Dr. Johnson is certified by the American Board of Industrial Hygiene in comprehensive practice and is a member of the American Chemical Society, the Air Pollution Control Association, and the American Industrial Hygiene Association.
presumptive ones. I n these guidelines asuhstance is considered a carcinogen if it produces a tumor by the respiratory route a t doses a t or helow 1000 mg/mVfo the mouse and 2000 me/mVfor the rat:. bv, the dermal r ~ matt d l w s nr ur h~lc,\ri>thi mg kd t o r IIII, m u u w and .I0011 rng kg fur the r i t ; ur ihy rhr
".
Chemical Carcinogen Control Program at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory Classificationof Chemical Carcinogens The chemicals controlled in this program are classified as carcinogens, presumptive carcinogens, and toxic. The Department of Energy (DOE) requires that a t LLNL all Federal regulations for handling chemical carcinogens he followed. Chemical earcinogens are materials designated by OSHA as w e e r suspect agents (see table). In addition, LLNL classified as carcinogens any chemicak known t o produce or that tend to produce tumors in mammals when inhaled, ingested, or absorbed throueh " the skin a t reasonable doses. Guidelines on ceiling doses established by the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists3 are followed in identifying the chemical carcinogens and the
Volume 58
4-Nitrobiphenyl a-Naphthylamine 4.4'-Methylene bis(2chloroaniline) Methyl chloramethyl ether 3.3'-Dichlor~benzidine(and its salts) bis-Chloromethyl ether &Naphthylamine Benzidine 4-Aminodiphenyl Ethyieneimine &Propiolactone 2-Acelylaminofl~orene 4-Dimethyiaminoazobenzene N-Nitrosodimethylamine
0.1 1.0 1.0 01 1.0 01 0.1 0.1 0.1 1.0 1.0 10 1.0 1.0
awnts rim individualstandards and years of promulgation .re aroertor nml, r n , cnloroe 1974 role men em~~so ,1976. n ~ Hewenc 11978 1 2 - D U l O m h 3 - C h D rr~)rqxxe(1978. aoyulnnr 0,1978 mdmmganc a W . c ,1978,
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misuax was m m e d undsrwhempicesof(heu.s. Depanment of ~nergyby ~awrence~ivermore ~abwamry undet m c t NO. W- 7405Ing 8. ~eimerw unmxf states Mx (he U n M States o4lamnemof Energy MT my of (heir employees. nor any of their contractor^, subconmctors. mthelremployees,rmkessnywarranry,expresa implied a assumes any legal liabiliar re~ponslbili~ for the accursol, compietenes or usefulness of any information, spprmtus,product or procersdirdosed,or rspresentsthat Its use WOUd l not infrinae riahts." . ~rivatelv-owned . 2 Occupational Safety and Heam Administration. Fed
G o v e r n m i IndmvialWgimirir, Washington, D.C., 1979. p. 42.
(Continued on page A258) Number 9
September 1981
A257
gastrointestinal route a t doses a t below 500 mg/kg/d for a lifetime, the equivalent of about 100 g total dose for the rat and 10 g total dose for the mouse. However, some carcinogenic industrial chemicals, i.e., asbestos, benzene, inorganic arsenic, and vinyl chloride, are controlled by specific Federal regulations that differ from the general guidelines followed in our program. The Industrial Hygiene and Toxicology Group of the LLNL Hazards Control Department provide guidance on an individual basis for use of this latter group of substances. Presumptive chemical carcinogens are materials suspected of being tumorigenic if inhaled, ingested, or absorhed through the skin a t reasonable doses." Their presumptive status is based an chemical structure or hecause of questionahle research. Toxic chemicals are materials expected to have a noncarcinoeenic. adverse effect on oersons exposed lowdoses.
6
CARCINOGEN C O ~ R O L I N THE CHEMICAL LABOW~TORY Johnson
Controls
Initia" To classify the chemical(s) in question, the experimenter or user can eanauk "The Registry of Toxic Effects of Chemical Substances"' in the LLNL main
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"., .."/
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..^lr**~*Lw' -
1
Figure 1. LLNL purchase-order form with hazard category-block enlarged. The requester checks block 5 (Toxic. Corrosive or Flammable Mat.1) and then writes the name of the classification of the material in the keyword blocks below,
able to aid in identifying any chemical that may he questionable. A controlled chemical must be cleared for use through the Hazards Control Department by an Operation Safety Procedure (OSP). An OSP contains written instructians describing the controls needed to reduce the risks associated with using a chemical to an acceptable level. Each OSP is prepared in the most appropriate form for the specific use of the chemical, but it must inelude the following:
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Statements defining the operation and descrihing the anticipated potentially hazardous conditions. The name of the individual who will be responsible for assuring compliancewith the OSP. Information on the hazardous material involved in the operation. Directives for personnel actions and equipment use toprevent accidents resulting from the defined potentially hazardous conditions. Procedures to he followed if an emergencyoccura Information to clarify necessary relationships with other LLNL organizations, e.g., Hazards Control, Security, Material Management, Business Services, etc.
Purchasing and Receiuing. It is the responsibility of the requester to identify the material to be purchased as a toxic chemical, chemical carcinogen, or presumptive ehemieal carcinogen directly on the purchase requisition form (Fig. 1). The requester must " T h e Registry of Toxic Enects of Chemical Sub stancer,'' National Institute of Occupational Safety and nsalm, Washingon, D.C., latent date.
A258
Journal of Chemical Education
cheek the appropriate block (5. Toxic, Corrosive or Flammable Mat'l) and write the classification in the keyword blocks below. Purchase requisitions are reviewed by the Industrial Hygiene and Toxicology Group on a regular basis to identify employees purchasing these materials. The purchase order leaving LLNL must note that Materials Management will handle the initial distribution, and the unopened package will be sent directly to them when i t arrives on site. The shipping package will be opened in a ventilated enclosure. After determining that the contents are not broken or leaking, it will be placed in a secondary package and properly labeled with a tag identifying i t as h a z ~ ardous and controlled (Fig. 1).The material will then be transferred to the Health and Safety Technician in the requester's work area. The Health and Safetv Technician coordinates all distribution of the material within LLNL. General Guidelines. The following practices are rigidly followed whenever controlled chemicals are handled a t LLNL:
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.
Entrance is restricted to personnel directly involved in the experiment or required services. Local ventilation in the form of fume hoods and close capture systems are available for any experiment that produces significant amounts of airborne gas, vapor, or particulate. These systems are of the "once through" type; no recirculation of exhaust air is permitted. Eatine. or eum ehew...drinkine.~ .tobacco . " ing, food storage, smoking, and application of cosmetics are prohibited in the laboratory work area. Mechanical aids are used for all pipetting procedures. When handling controlled materials, minimum protective clothing consiste of a laboratory coat and safety glasses. Gloves are worn when hand protection is required. Properly labeled solid and liquid wastes are collected separately in nonpermeable containers and are disposed of by the Health and Safety Technician assigned to the building. Separate receptacles for noncontaminated broken glass are provided in all laboratory work areas. Hypodermic syringes are cut with a Destruclip5 cutting device and disposed of in appropriately labeled carcinogen waste containers. Laboratory floor and bench top surfaces are made of or covered with a nonpermeable material, like stainless steel or polyethylene, to facilitate cleaning up any spilled materials. Storage or use of flammable liquids complies with NFPA #30, "Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code" and NFPA #45 "Laboratories Using Chemicals, 1915." Both are available from National Fire Protection Assoeiation, 407 Atlantic Avenue, Boston, MA 02210. Safety shower and eye wash facilities are located within or in close proximity t o the laboratary. All containers are clearly marked if they contain hazardous or controlled ehemicals. Each chemical laboratory has emergency action plans on file in the controlling OSP.
The workplace is only exposed to the amount of materialneeded to complete the project. No quantity of material greater than that needed is usually purchased. Excess chemicals and unusable equipment are disposed of once the project is completed. Special Requirements for Working uith Presumptiue Chemical Carcinogens. In addition to the general guidelines, all persons handling presumtive chemical carcinogens must adhere to the following:
coats are worn when possible and changed weekly unless contaminated or damaged before that. Dispose of laboratory coats and gloves in special receptacles provided by Hazards Control. Laboratory protective clothing must not be worn outside the work area. Special Requirements for Working with Chemical Carcinogens. Central carcinogen storage and work areas will be planned for any new major LLNL programs in which carcinogens are used. Here, all storage and handline of undiluted eareinoeenie materials
control program and minimize duplication of expensive handling facilities. HPIYWa,ardrmi,the !ullmvin:: additi(m4l yuidtlin* drt tollowcd. Thew arc.
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The rrspcmsihlr department must mnmrnin a nrittcn r r r d 01 nll prwona entering and using the work area. Signs must be posted identifying the chemical carcinogen used. \ gluw I,ux ur rquivelcnl prulrctim mwt be wed The kind dpruttctiun i, dtlinrd 1111 a n individurl uaalr In Hnz ards Control. Air cleaning systems are to be used to clean exhaust air contaminated by chemical carcinogens. The system used will depend on the hazard involved, e.g., high-efficiency particulate air filters for particulates and charcoal adsorbers for gases and vapors. Vacuum systems used in conjunction with chemical carcinogens in the laboratory and for cleaning must he adequately filtered. All ventilated systems must he of the "once through" type with no recireulation of exhaust air permitted. Liquid waste-retention systems must be maintained. Changing rooms and shower facilities should he available far all persons using the lahoratnrv. Proper janitorial and maintenance practices and procedures must be observed, e.g., no dry mopping or sweeping, separate waste disposal, etc. All carcinogens stored on shelves or in refrigerators in the primary work or storage areashould be placed in properly labeled, unbreakable outer containers. ~
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5Rsteren~to a company or pmduct name does not imply approval or recommendation of the product by the University M California or the U S . oepanment of ~ n s r g y 10 the BxCIu~imOf Other9 that may bs suitable. (Continued on page A2601 Volume 58
Number 9
September 1981
A259
Chemical Carcinogen Log FXlllW
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,"PAC Chrn,C#, N m a
Chemical carcinogens can be treated as presumptive chemical carcinogens when they are diluted to those concentrations defined in the-DOE or LLNL specifications (see table).
Certain experiments using carcinogens can be performed in a normal chemical laboratory if all the requirements outlined above are met. During this time the laboratory can be used only for the authorized carcinogen eaperiment. However, after the laboratory has been decontaminated and the carinogenb) properly stored elsewhere, it can be returned to normal use.
Inventory Requirements Health and Safety Technician Log. The Health and Safety Technician assigned to each work area keeps a log of carcinogens containing the fallowing information:
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Purchaser. Chemical name of carcinogen according to the American Chemial Society Chemical Abstract Service, "8th Collective Index of Chemical Abstracts" or later. Quantity of carcinogen and date received. Storage location. Length of time needed to complete project or shelf life restrictions, whichever is shorter. Date and approximate quantity of carcinogen received for disposal.
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A260
Journal of Chemical Education
Figure 2. Form on which the experimenter lags work and storage information periaining to chemical carcinogens.
Experimenter Log. When the Health and Safety Technician receives carcinogenic material from Material Management, he makes appropriate log entries and notifies the experimenter that the carcinogen has arrived. When the carcinogen is delivered to the experimenter, the experimenter is responsible for completing and maintaining thelog. The experimenter's work and storage log is kept on sheets similar to those seen in Figure 2. All log sheets are kept indefinitely hy the responsible department.
Decontamination and Disposal DANGER PRESUMPTIVE CHEMICAL CARCINOGEN Date Compound surface swipes if they seem warranted. All solid and liquid wastes contaminated with carcinogens or toxic chemicals, collected in the proper containers, are disposed of by the Health and Safety Technician or the Hazards Control Waste Disposal Group. (If waste disposal services are not available in your organization, a contract with a waste disposal firm that can handle the chemicals is advisable.)
Signs and Labels Entrances to primary carcinogen work and storage areas are posted with signs (Fig. 3a.L These signs are merely cautionary. Signs nosted in areas where oresum~tivechemical CAUTION TOXIC CHEMICAL CAUTION CHEMICAL CARCINOGEN
Date Compound Solvent/concentration
(b)
Medical Surveillance for Employees Working with Controlled Chemicals
CAUTION WORK AREA
Animals Exposed to Controlled Chemicals The care and handling of animals in the laboratory is based on the recommendations set forth in the U S . Department of Health, Education, and Welfare Publication 74-23. Additional information is available from the Director of Animal Facilities, LLNL Biomedical Division.
WORK AREA
CHEMICAL HAZARD
Processes used t o decontaminate surfaces that come in contact with chemical or presumptive chemical carcinogens or nonroutine toxic ehemieals must be evaluated by the area Industrial Hygienist from the Hazards Cantrol Department. Care must be taken to choose a decontamination moeess that en-
Figure 4. Labels for secondary containers of carcinogenic, presumptive carcinogenic, and toxic m% terials. These labels are red with black letters. (a) For carcinogenic materials. (b) For presumptive carcinogenic materials. ( c )For toxic chemicals.
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