Exposure to Mixtures of Nitroglycerin and Ethylene Glycol Dinitrate

Abstract

Abstract Combined measurements of air and skin exposures and medical examination of workers were undertaken in an explosives manufacturing plant. Evidence is presented that ethylene glycol dinitrate and nitroglycerin are not only respiratory, but also skin hazards which can be measured environmentally and by medical methods. The suggestion is made for study of skin exposures by standardized use of lining gloves with or without plastic disposable gloves. The authors urge that methods be undertaken to standardize skin exposure measurements. The importance of the hazard through skin exposure is emphasized relative to setting and interpreting threshold limit values.