Chapter 3 Routes of Entry and Environmental Effects

Overview Explain how hazardous chemicals can enter the human body. Discuss the dose response relationship. Describe key elements of environmental awareness training. Identify the primary reasons for air pollution control. Explain the importance of water pollution control. Describe solid waste control. Explain how the toxic substances control standard protects chemical technicians. Describe the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). Explain the purpose of the Toxic Substances Control Act. Contrast the clean up of chemical waste and the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA) or Superfund Law. Describe the role and responsibilities of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Figure 3-1 Routes of Entry

1. Inhalation – Airborne chemicals enter the body through the mouth or nose. It is the most common route of entry in the workplace. 2. Absorption – Can cause primary irritation, sensitization, and enter the blood. 3. Ingestion – A hazardous chemical is transmitted to food, liquid, or cigarettes and then swallowed. 4. Injection – A toxic or hazardous material is injected into the body by a needle or sharp object, or through cuts in the skin.

Dose-Response Relationship Dose is defined as the amount of chemical entering or being administered to a subject. Response is defined as the toxic effect the dose has upon the subject.

Air Pollution Acid rain Smog Unburned hydrocarbons Carbon monoxide Nitrogen dioxide Mercury and small particles

Air Permitting Permits must be obtained for any projects that have the possibility of producing air pollutants. Permits can take 3-8 months to complete. Penalties range from $25,000 a day to $250,000 and 2 to 15 years in jail.

Figure 3-3 Environmental Awareness

Water Pollution Control The Clean Water Act regulates wastewater. Wastewater standards are applied to the following: Process wastewater Rainwater Cooling water.

Community Right –to-Know Increases community awareness of the chemicals manufactured or used by local chemical plants and businesses, involves communities in emergency response plans, improves local emergency response planning, and identifies potential hazards.

CERCLA holds generators and disposers of hazardous waste liable for past practices, and established the Superfund of $1.6 billon to pay for cleanup operations of abandoned hazardous waste sites.

Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) The NRC oversees: Reactor security Reactor safety Reactor license renewal Radioactive material safety Spent fuel management, recycling, disposal and storage

Pipelines Pipelines in the U.S. are regulated by U.S. Department of Transportation. Lines of pipe that convey liquids, gases, or finely divided solids. Oil pipelines are made from plastic or steel with inner diameters ranging from 4 to 48 inches. Typically buried under the ground, 3’ to 6’ deep.

EPA- Roles and Responsibilities