Hazard

Laboratory employee exposure to hazardous chemicals such as Toluene, Xylene or Acrylamide. Toluene and Xylene are solvents used to fix tissue specimens and rinse stains, and are primarily found in the histology, hematology, microbiology, and cytology laboratories. Acrylamide is usually found in research laboratories and is used to make polyacrylamide gels for separations of macromolecules (e.g., DNA, proteins).

Health Effects

Toluene exposure:

• Exposure routes: inhalation; ingestion; skin and/or eye contact; skin absorption.
• Symptoms: irritation of eyes, nose; weakness, exhaustion, confusion, euphoria, headache; dilated pupils, tearing; anxiety; muscle fatigue; insomnia; tingling, pricking, or numbness of skin; dermatitis; liver, kidney damage, impaired color vision and hearing.
• Target organs: eyes; ears, skin; respiratory system; central nervous system; liver; kidneys.

Xylene exposure:

• Exposure routes: inhalation; ingestion; skin and/or eye contact; skin absorption.
• Symptoms: irritation of eyes, skin, nose, throat; dizziness, excitement, drowsiness, incoherence, staggering gait; corneal vacuolization (cell debris); anorexia, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain; dermatitis.
• Target organs: eyes; skin; respiratory system; central nervous system; GI tract; blood; liver; kidneys.

Acrylamide exposure:

• Exposure routes: inhalation; ingestion; skin and/or eye contact; skin absorption.
• Symptoms: irritation of eyes, skin; ataxia (staggering gait), numb limbs, tingling, pricking, or numbness of skin; muscle weakness; absence of deep tendon reflex; hand sweating; tearing, drowsiness; reproductive effects; potential occupational carcinogen.
• Target organs: eyes; skin; central nervous system; peripheral nervous system; reproductive system.

Requirements

• The Laboratory Standard applies to all employers engaged in the "laboratory use of hazardous chemicals" as defined in the standard, where there is a potential for employee exposure. Under the standard, a "hazardous chemical" is any chemical which is classified as health hazard or simple asphyxiant in accordance with the Hazard Communication Standard (HCS). Toluene, Xylene, and Acrylamide are all classified as health hazards.
  • • The Laboratory Standard requires employers to develop and implement a written Chemical Hygiene Plan for hazardous chemicals used in the workplace. The Chemical Hygiene Plan must contain provisions for, among other things, worker training and access to Safety Data Sheets (SDSs).
    • For more information, see discussion of Laboratory Standard. [29 CFR 1910.1450]
  • There are numerous model chemical hygiene plans and resources available, including, but not limited to:
    • Appendix A, National Research Council Recommendations Concerning Chemical Hygiene in Laboratories (Non-Mandatory)
    • Appendix B, References (Non-Mandatory)

Additional Information

• Laboratory Safety Guidance. OSHA Publication 3404, (2011).
• Toluene. OSHA Safety and Health Topics Page.
• Toluene. National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Workplace Safety and Health Topic.
• Xylene. National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Workplace Safety and Health Topic.
• Acrylamide. National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Workplace Safety and Health Topic.
• Occupational Health Guidelines for Chemical Hazard. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Publication No. 81-123, (January 1981). Provides a table of contents of guidelines for many hazardous chemicals. The files provide technical chemical information, including chemical and physical properties, health effects, exposure limits, and recommendations for medical monitoring, personal protective equipment (PPE), and control procedures.