1,3-Butadiene (vinyl ethylene): Health effects
Description
Exposure to the gas can irritate the eyes, nose and throat. Breathing very high levels of 1,3-Butadiene for a short time can cause central nervous system damage, blurred vision, nausea, fatigue, headache, decreased pulse rate and pressure and unconsciousness. Long term exposures at lower levels have shown increases in heart and lung damage.
The International Agency for Research on Cancer classifies 1,3-Butadiene as a 'probable human carcinogen'. Worksafe Australia categorises 1,3-Butadiene a 'probable human carcinogen'.
Entering the body
1,3-Butadiene will enter the body if we breathe in contaminated air.
Exposure
Workers in the industries that use or produce 1,3-Butadiene are at risk of exposure. The dominant exposure for smokers is likely to be tobacco smoke. For non-smokers, the dominant exposure is likely to occur when using consumer products containing 1,3-butadiene, especially if ventilation is poor. The next most significant route of exposure to 1,3-Butadiene for most members of the general public is through breathing air in and around heavy traffic areas. People may also be exposed to 1,3-Butadiene by exposure to air from production and processing facilities using 1,3-Butadiene.
Health guidelines
Worksafe Australia :
Eight hour time weighted average (TWA) exposure limit: 10 parts per million of 1,3-Butadiene in air. Worksafe Australia has determined that 1,3-Butadiene is a probable carcinogen.
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