Experimental Substantiation of Hygientic Regulatory Standards for a Mixture of С6-С10 Saturated Hydrocarbons in the Atmospheric Air of Residential Areas

Toxicity and hazard assessment of the mixture of saturated hydrocarbons C6-C10 (hexane, heptane, octane, nonane, decane)) at a single and chronic exposure was PERFORMED in animal experiments. It was shown that in terms of acute toxicity, the mixture is low hazard, exhibits moderate irritant effect on skin and eye mucous membrane and shows a slight dermal resorptive effect. The threshold limit concentration for a single inhalation exposure (Limac) as estimate4d by the resorptive effect is 5250±mg/m3 At a long 90 day continuous exposure, neuro-, hepato- and embryo toxicity was revealed at a concentration of 160mg/m3. The threshold limit concentration for chronic exposure (Limch) was estimated as 31.4 mg/ m3 and no effect concentration as 5.2 mg/m3. The threshold limit concentration of the mixtu re based on reflex action was estimated on a level of 280 mg/m3. Based on the investigations outcome, the mixture of saturated hydrocarbons C6-C10 is referred to hazard class 3. Maximum allowable concentrations (MACs) in the atmospheric air of residential areas were substantiated: MAC average daily based on resorptive effect equals to 5 mg/m3; MAC maximum single based on reflex action equals to 50 mg/m3.

saturated hydrocarbons, mixture, toxicity, hazard, inhalation, threshold limit concentration, atmospheric air