World Health Organization

International Program on Chemical Safety

J. Sekizawa

M. M. Greenberg

A concise assessment of the risks to human health and the environment posed by exposure to diphenylmethane diisocyanate (MDI), a product used in industrial settings in the production of polyurethane elastomers (rollers, packing rubber, vibration insulators, synthetic leather, etc.) spandex fibers, and rubber shoe soles. Polymeric MDI (PMDI), the primary commercial form of MDI, is used to make rigid and flexible foam, foundry resin, sand binders, and heat insulating material.

Diphenylmethane Diisocyanate (MDI)

G. K. Montizaan

Evaluates risks to human health and the environment posed by exposure to phenol a constituent of coal tar formed during the natural decomposition of organic materials. Phenol is the basic feedstock from which a number of commercially important materials are made including resins bisphenol A caprolactam alkyl phenols and chlorophenols. The most important environmental emissions result from the use of phenolic resins. The presence of phenol in liquid manure and its formation following the atmospheric degradation of benzene may contribute significantly to atmospheric levels. The most extensive section summarizes toxicity data from studies in laboratory animals and in vitro test systems including special studies of neurotoxicity myelotoxicity immunotoxicology and biochemical effects. Neurotoxicity liver and kidney damage respiratory effects and growth retardation were identified as the main effects of short-term exposure. An evaluation of effects on human health draws upon case reports following accidental or intentional ingestion outbreaks of poisoning following the accidental contamination of drinking-water and studies in occupationally exposed workers. While available data do not suggest a strong potential for cumulative health effects following chronic exposure the report concludes that accidental high exposure can cause a number of local and systemic effects. Evidence of genotoxicity and inadequate studies of carcinogenic potential remain areas of concern. Concerning risks to the environment the report cites evidence of toxicity to freshwater and marine organisms. While phenol is judged unlikely to persist or bioaccumulate in the environment the report warns that aquatic organisms may be at risk in any surface or sea water contaminated with this compound.

Phenol

The use of structured frameworks in chemical risk assessment promotes transparent, harmonized approaches. This publication presents two IPCS frameworks originally published in Critical reviews in toxicology. The frameworks provide a means of ensuring a transparent evaluation of the data, identification of key data gaps and of information that would be of value in the further risk assessment of the chemical in question.--Publisher's description.

IPCS Mode of Action Framework

Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development

A joint project of IPCS/OECD. In two parts: Part 1: IPCS/OECD Key Generic Terms used in Chemical Hazard/Risk Assessment. Part 2: IPCS Glossary of Key Exposure Assessment Terminology. IPCS project on the Harmonization of Approaches to the Assessment of Risk from Exposure to Chemicals

IPCS Risk Assessment Terminology

C. Smallwood

This book evaluates the risks to human health and the environment posed by boron, a naturally occurring element widely distributed in the form of various inorganic borates in the oceans, sedimentary, rocks, coal, shale and some soils. Boron is also used in laundry bleach and in the manufacture of glass, glass products, fertilizers and herbicides, antiseptics, and pharmaceuticals. Since boron is widely detected in drinking-water and occurs naturally in fruits, nuts, and vegetables, the report gives particular attention to health risks associated with exposure of the general population through diet and drinking-water. A section on sources of human and environmental exposure cites evidence that boron enters the environment mainly through volatilization from seawater, volcanoes, geothermal steam, and natural weathering of clay-rich sedimentary rock. Although industrial uses account for much smaller releases, the report notes that all of the boron from the sodium perborate contained in detergents ultimately enters the wastewater system, and is not removed by standard water treatment procedures.

Boron

Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives. Meeting

The toxicological monograph's in this volume summarize the safety data on a number of food additives: Beeswax Candelilla wax Quillaia extract Type 1 and 2 Phospholipase from fusarium venenatum expressed in Aspergillus oryzae Calcium L-5 methyltetrahydrofolate (L-5_MTHF) and Pulllulan (Pullulan P1-20). Monograph's on seven groups of related flavouring agents evaluated by the Procedure for the Safety Evaluation of Flavouring Agents are also included.

Safety Evaluation of Certain Food Additives

Considerable scientific and political interest has been expressed, parallelling public concern about the effects of chemicals on the immune system and the implications of those effects for health. Coupled with speculation about the magnitude and extent of the problem is discussion of needs for predictive testing and regulatory control measures. The first international seminar on the immunological system as a target for toxic damage was held in Luxembourg in 1984. It was organized by the International Programme on Chemical Safety (United Nations Environment Programme-International Labour Office World Health Organization) and the Commission of the European Communities with the support of the US Environmental Protection Agency and the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (USA) and the participation of the International Society of Immunopharmacology. In view of the perceived importance of imrnunotoxicity, it was considered necessary to organize a follow-up meeting. Thus, an international workshop on the immunotoxicity of metals and immuno toxicology was held in Hanover, Federal Republic of Germany, on 6-10 November 1989.

International Program on Chemical Safety

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