OH-93-1 'DRAFT' Di-Octyl Pthalate
                                   DRAFT
                             OFFICE OF HEALTH
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                            HEALTH HAZARD ALERT
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          Assistant Secretary for Environment, Safety and Health
U.S. Department of Energy                             Washington, DC 20585
Issue 93-1                                                


Di-Octyl Phthalate

Although a one-time exposure to a large amount of the oil Di-Octyl
Phthalate (DOP) is not hazardous to humans, (not a high acute toxicity
hazard), DOP has been linked with the development of cancer.  For this
reason, the Department of Energy (DOE) is evaluating to what extent the
current use of DOP poses a health hazard within the DOE complex.  This
Health Hazard Alert contains basic information about DOP and
recommendations for reducing workplace exposure to DOP.

DOP is a thick oil with a high molecular weight, a low vapor pressure, a
high boiling point, and little or no odor.  DOP is used as a vacuum pump
oil.  It is also used as a substance in chemical reactions in certain
plastic manufacturing operations, and as a material from which aerosols of
standard-sized particles can be produced.  DOP is widely used to evaluate
high-efficiency particulate aerosol (HEPA) filters.  DOP is also used to
test in-place HEPA filters on exhaust ventilation and air pollution
control systems.  In the past, DOP was used to fit test respirators on
individual workers.

In 1982, the International Agency for Research on Cancer designated DOP as
a class 2B carcinogen, which meant that DOP produced cancer in laboratory
animals.  Based on this designation, DOP is regulated as a "select"
cancer-causing substance, (also known as a carcinogen), under Occupational
Safety and Health (OSHA) Standard, Occupational Exposure to Chemicals in
Laboratories ("Laboratory standard", 29 CFR 1910.1450).  OSHA's Hazard
Communication standard ("Hazcom", 29 CFR 1910.1200) also requires that
suppliers of DOP provide a cancer warning on product Material Safety Data
Sheet.

HEPA filter systems should be located on the negative pressure side of the
fan blower to reduce occupational exposures to DOP during HEPA filter
testing.  However, filter test technicians can still be exposed to DOP by
inhaling DOP particles or by skin contact with DOP.  Little information is
available on the health risks of frequently inhaling DOP over a long
period of time.  Also, employers know little about the extent of exposure
workers receive during routine HEPA filter testing.  Consequently, DOE is
reviewing the health hazards of DOP, and investigating several other
chemicals that may be used as substitutes for DOP.

Based on our current knowledge of DOP, employers should limit employee
exposure to this oil.  Whenever DOP is used, exposure should be controlled
by establishing good work procedures and practices. Controlling DOP
exposure can begin with:

   An assessment of the personnel, locations, and operations that involve
DOP; and Written work procedures with periodic revision as needed.

Workplace procedures and practices should include:

   Leak testing of the aerosol generation and delivery systems;

   Liquid DOP should be handled only with protective equipment such as
gloves (made of butyl rubber, viton, or nitrile membrane), coveralls or
laboratory coat, goggles or a faceshield; 

   Liquid DOP spills or leaks should be promptly cleaned up and the
remainder packaged and labeled "hazardous waste" for disposal;

   Personal sampling (i.e., National Institute for Occupational Safety and
Health Method 5020) should be performed to keep track of personal exposure
levels; and

   Where exposure to DOP cannot be controlled, respirators should be used.

For more information on DOP, contact Jacqueline D. Rogers, Industrial
Hygiene Programs Division, EH-412, (301) 903-5684.