13 - Industrial Exposure

Abstract

With so many chemicals in use, an extremely large number of mixtures is possible. The workplace provides an excellent setting in which to study toxic mixture effects. This chapter presents examples of the toxic effects of chemical mixtures on workers to demonstrate toxic impacts on those exposed on the job. In order to properly recognize mixture effects, one must have good information on the chemicals to which the individuals are exposed. One must also examine the toxicities of the individual chemicals to ascertain that the impacts on workers are due to mixture effects and not simply those of single chemicals. In the workplace, large numbers of individuals with varying genetic backgrounds and life styles are exposed to identical mixtures. This chapter presents studies that represent only a fraction of those demonstrating the known effects of toxic mixture exposure. They are meant to illustrate the scope of hazards faced when humans are exposed to toxic chemical mixtures. In almost all of the studies presented the chemical mixtures that produced unanticipated toxic effects contained at least one lipophile (Kow > 2.00) and one hydrophile (Kow < 2.00). The studies referenced point out the need to consider mixture exposures when people present with symptoms, rather than dismiss their complaints as being of psychological origin.