2-furaldehyde

Exposure related observations in humans: other data

Administrative data

Endpoint:

exposure-related observations in humans: other data

Adequacy of study:

disregarded due to major methodological deficiencies

Reliability:

3 (not reliable)

Rationale for reliability incl. deficiencies:

other: Observations in small group. Exposure to other substances cannot be excluded.

Data source

Reference

Reference 1

Title:

No information

Author:

ACGIH (The American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists) (2001). Furfural: Documentation of the treshold limit values and biological exposure, 5th edition. Cincinnati: ACGIH.

Reference 2

Title:

No information

Author:

NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety and|Health) (1995). Health hazard evaluation report HETA 95-0147-2542- North American Refractories Company- Cincinnati.

Materials and methods

Type of study / information:

Type of experience: other: irritating properties in humans

Endpoint addressed:

eye irritation

respiratory irritation

Test material

Test material information

Constituent 1

Reference substance name:

2-furaldehyde

EC Number:

202-627-7

EC Name:

2-furaldehyde

Cas Number:

98-01-1

Molecular formula:

C5H4O2

IUPAC Name:

2-furaldehyde

Results and discussion

Results:

A study performed by the NIOSH in a grinding wheel plant reported a general higher incidence of eye and respiratory tract irritation which was attributed to furfural vapours which were detected at concentrations ranging from 20 -63 mg/m3. Eye irritation, manifested by itching, burning, tearing and/or redness, was reported by 11 of 15 workers. Ten workers noted frequent nasal irritation (stuffiness, dryness or soreness, and in one case, occasional bloody nasal discharge). Seven individuals reported dryness of the mouth or throat (ACGIH, 2001). NIOSH conducted a health hazard evaluation at a manufacturer of aluminium graphite tubes. Irritating effects on eyes, mouth, throat, and nose, and respiratory symptoms were reported. Eleven of the 15 (73%) time weighed average personal breathing zone furfural concentrations (range 0.3-4.2 ppm) exceeded the threshold limit value of 8 mg/m3 (2 ppm). However, the influence of other hazardous substances (respirable particles and phenol) and factors cannot be excluded, but are unknown (NIOSH, 1995). Therefore, the results are not useful for evaluation purposes of furfural.