The current OSHA 8-h PEL for thallium is 0.1 mg/m3.

Thallium is also
designated by OSHA as a skin hazard.23
Pesticide-Related Illnesses
The organophosphate and N-methyl carbamate insecticides cause the
accumulation of acetylcholine at nerve endings by poisoning the
acetylcho#linesterase enzyme. In carbamate poisoning, the inhibition of the enzyme
is rapidly reversible, and the workers are often improved by the time of
arrival at the clinic or emergency room. Organophosphates can irreversibly
bind to the enzyme so that normal enzyme activity can only be restored
after the cells synthesize new acetylcholinesterase. This process takes up
to 60 days. The primary route of occupational exposure is through the skin.
Some of the health effects associated with pesticides are diarrhea, urina#tion,
miosis, bradycardia, emesis, lacrimation and salivation, secretions,
and sweating. The primary route of occupational exposure is through
the skin.24
High-risk occupational exposures to pesticides are as follows:
• Application of organophosphates or work in fields after an
application,
• Work with toxic chemicals that could be spilled or released.
The current OSHA 8-h TWA PELs for pesticides are chemical specific and
are available on the MSDS or in 29 CFR 1910.1000 Table Z-l.
Key Information to Remember on Toxicology
1. Ames testing is a procedure to determine whether or not a chemical
is a mutagen.
2. Aluminum used in bauxite ore can cause lung cancer, emphysema,
and pneumoconiosis.
3. Asbestos used as insulation and numerous other products can cause
asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma.
4. Arsenic from abrasive blasting can cause lung cancer or
hemoglobinuria.
5. Benzene can cause granulocytic leukemia or myelogenous leukemia.
6. Beryllium from ore processing can cause CBD or berylliosis.
7. Cadmium from abrasive blasting can cause renal damage.
8. Creosote coal tar from wood preservatives causes lung cancer.
236 Safety Professional’s Reference and Study Guide
9. Chromium exposure can lead to the development of lung cancer.
10. Cobalt causes hard metal disease or lung cancer.
11. Nickel causes lung and nasopharynx cancer.
References
1. Plog, B. A., 2001. Fundamentals of Industrial Hygiene, 5th Edition, National
Safety
Council, Itasca, IL, p. 45.
2. www.shutterstock.com/image-vector/illustration-human-respiratory#system-
141162229.
3. National Institute of Health, 2010. Available at http://hazmap.nlm.nih.gov/
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19. National Institute of Health, 2010. Available at http://hazmap.nlm.nih.gov/
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Toxicology 237
20. National Institute of Health, 2010. Available at http://hazmap.nlm.nih.gov/
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21. National Institute of Health, 2010. Available at http://hazmap.nlm.nih.gov/
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