Industrial Hygiene Testing Laboratory

Cinnaminson, NJ, July 13^th, 2020

 

1,3-Butadiene, produced by the processing of petroleum, is a colorless gas with a mild odor that can be condensed into a liquid. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), it is mainly used in the production of synthetic rubber, but is also found in smaller amounts in plastics and fuel.

Exposure to 1,3-Butadiene mainly occurs in the workplace reports OSHA, including the following industries: synthetic elastomer (rubber and latex) production, petroleum refining, secondary lead smelting, water treatment, agricultural fungicides, production of raw material for nylon, and the use of fossil fuels. Exposure can also occur from automobile exhaust; polluted air and water near chemical, plastic or rubber facilities; cigarette smoke; and the ingestion of foods that are contaminated from plastic or rubber containers.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has classified 1,3-Butadiene as a known human carcinogen. OSHA states that the health effects caused by exposure to 1,3-Butadiene can be split into two categories: acute and chronic. Acute exposures can further be split into low and high doses. Acute low exposures may cause irritation to the eyes, throat, nose and lungs. Frostbite may also occur with skin exposure. Acute high exposures may cause damage to the central nervous system or cause symptoms such as distorted blurred vision, vertigo, general tiredness, decreased blood pressure, headache, nausea, decreased pulse rate and fainting. Chronic effects caused by exposure to 1,3-Butadiene are more controversial according to OSHA. Several human epidemiological studies have shown an increase in cardiovascular diseases and cancer.

“There are ways to reduce worker exposure to 1.3-Butadiene through ventilation, process modification and personal protective equipment,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President, Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “Industrial hygiene testing is also essential to identify workers that may be at risk. To help in these efforts, EMSL provides comprehensive testing services and all of the sampling supplies needed to test for this and many other chemical hazards that may be present on the job."

EMSL Analytical, Inc. also recently sponsored an educational video about 1,3-Butadiene and potential occupational exposure that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/QDqBN5yYfrw.

To learn more about 1,3-Butadiene or other industrial hygiene, air quality, environmental, health and safety testing services, please visit www.EMSL.com, email info@EMSL.com or call (800) 220-3675.

 

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.

EMSL Analytical is one of the leading testing laboratories with 45 locations throughout the United States and Canada. EMSL is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider specializing in fast laboratory results for mold, bacteria, Legionella, USP <797>, pathogens, asbestos, lead, soot, char & ash from fires, VOC’s, odors, radon, formaldehyde, indoor air quality, microbiology, environmental, industrial hygiene, radiological, food, beverage & consumer products and material testing services for the identification of unknown substances. EMSL services both professionals and the general public. EMSL maintains an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies including, but not limited to A2LA, AIHA-LAP, LLC (AIHA-LAP, LLC EMLAP, AIHA-LAP, LLC IHLAP, AIHA-LAP, LLC ELLAP), NVLAP, CDC ELITE, CPSC, CA ELAP, NY ELAP, TX DOH, NJDEP and multiple other state accrediting agencies. Please visit our website at www.EMSL.com for a complete listing of accreditations. In addition, EMSL carries a wide range of Sampling Equipment and Investigative Products for environmental professionals.