Studies on the Inhalation Toxicity of Dyes Present in Colored Smoke Munitions: Aerosol Measurements in the Workplace at Pine Bluff, Arkansas.
Abstract
The Lovelace Inhalation Toxicology Research Institute has been conducting inhalation toxicity studies on the organic dyes used in colored smoke munitions to provide a health hazard assessment for the workers engaged in fabrication of these smoke munitions. This report summarizes the results of a field sampling effort at the United States Army's Pine Bluff Arsenal to measure the size distributions and aerosol concentrations to which workers might be exposed. Aerosol samples were taken in the workplace during routine operation of the colored smoke grenade fabrication facility. During this sampling period, the M18 yellow smoke grenade was being produced. Filter samples were used to determine the concentration of airborne dye-containing material and cascade impactors were used to determine the particle size distributions. Aerosol samples were analyzed for solvent yellow (SY) by reverse-phase, high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC). Dye-containing aerosol concentrations ranged from 0.1 to about 1.5 mg/m3 in the general vicinity of some of the workers. Chemical analyses showed that 40 percent of the total airborne particulate matter was SY dye. Impactor samples indicated that 50-70% of the aerosol was of a size that could be inhaled. Thus the range of air concentrations for worker exposures to the SY dye was <0.5 mg/cum. Inside protective acrylic curtains that are used to reduce personnel exposures, the concentration was about 10 fold higher with a maximum of 32 mg/cum at a fill and press station.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 1985
- Accession Number
- ADA166459
Entities
People
- Bean Chen
- George J. Newton
- Ray L. Hanson
- Rogene F. Henderson
- Yung-sung Cheng
Organizations
- Lovelace Foundation