Acute effects of exposure to 360 ppm isopropanol on healthy men*

Axel Muttray1, Detlev Jung1, Dirk-Matthias Rose1, Gerhard Hommel2 and Johannes Konietzko1

1 Institute of Occupational, Social, and Environmental Medicine, University of Mainz, Germany
2 Institute of Medical Statistics and Documentation, University of Mainz, Germany
 
Correspondending author: Dr. Axel Muttray
Institute of Occupational, Social, and Environmental Medicine, University of Mainz
Obere Zahlbacher Straße 67
D-55131 Mainz, Germany
Tel: (+49) 6131 173 233
Fax: (+49) 6131 176 680

CEJOEM 1998; 4(3):288-293

* The study was supported by grant of the Stiftung für Innovation Rheinland-Pfalz, 836-386261/89.
Keywords:
Isopropanol, acute exposure, human

Abbreviations:
EEG = electroencephalogram
MAK-value = Maximale Arbeitsplatzkonzentration, e.g. German threshold limit value, defined as time weighted average exposure
SPES = Swedish Performance Evaluation System
SAS = is a registered trademark of SAS Institute, Inc., Cary, NC, USA

Abstract:
There are few data available of the acute effects of isopropanol vapours on humans. Therefore, we exposed 24 healthy men to 20 and 360 ppm isopropanol in an exposure chamber in a cross-over design. Symptoms related to discomfort, tiredness, irritation, and difficulties in breathing were assessed with a questionnaire of the Swedish Performance Evaluation System (SPES). After 2 and 4 hours of exposure, the smell of 360 ppm isopropanol was judged significantly more unpleasant. No other effects occurred. Thus, we conclude, that the meanwhile lowered German MAK-value of 200 ppm isopropanol prevents from acute, adverse symptoms.

Received: 12 June 1998
Accepted: 01 July 1998

Posted 19 November 1998
| Back |