Basics of General and Pharmaceutical Hygiene - Dykyy I.L. 2003

Hygiene of the Air Environment
Chemical composition of air. Methods for assessing indoor air pollution by harmful substances

The condition of the indoor air environment in manufacturing pharmacies and pharmaceutical enterprises is determined by technological processes accompanied by the release of various hazardous substances into the air in the form of gases, vapors, and dust. Entering the workers' bodies through various pathways, these substances may lead to The Development of occupational diseases.

The Study of the air environment in the production premises of pharmacy establishments and pharmaceutical enterprises is conducted:

— during sanitary control over compliance with maximum allowable concentrations (MAC) in the working area air;

— when assessing the efficiency of sanitary and technical measures (ventilation, equipment sealing, etc.);

— when establishing a correlation between air pollution and staff morbidity rates;

— when adjusting MAC values — refining the MAC levels established through animal experiments.

Objective: to understand the Methods for Assessing air pollution by hazardous substances, to master air sampling techniques, to determine the content of iodine, chlorine, and carbon dioxide in the air, and to be able to develop measures aimed at reducing pollution levels.

QUESTIONS FOR SELF-STUDY

1. Normal Chemical composition of atmospheric air, hygienic significance of its constituent components.

2. Physiological and hygienic significance of carbon dioxide.

3. Impact of oxygen and carbon dioxide on medicinal products during storage.

4. Main atmospheric air pollutants, their sources, and effects on the body.

5. Sanitary protection zone and its role in environmental protection.

6. Typical air pollutants in pharmacy establishments and pharmaceutical plants, along with their toxicological characteristics.

7. Long-term effects of chemical substances on the body.

8. Maximum allowable concentrations of hazardous substances in the air: types and hygienic significance.

9. Methods of air sampling for chemical analysis.

10. Principles of determining chlorine, iodine, and aniline in the air.

11. Rapid Methods for determining Carbon Monoxide and carbon dioxide in the air.

Task 1. Air sampling for the analysis of hazardous substance content

1. Study the design and operating principle of apparatus and devices used for air sampling.

2. Take air samples to analyze for hazardous substances using various methods (as assigned by the instructor).

3. Convert the volumes of the sampled air to standard conditions, i.e., volumes at standard Temperature and a barometric pressure of 760 mmHg, using the formulas provided below.

For the aspiration method:

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where V is the required volume of air under standard conditions, L;

V_t is the volume of air taken for analysis;

B is the barometric pressure, mmHg;

a is the coefficient of thermal expansion of air when heated by 1°C (0.003667);

t is the air temperature at the time of sampling.

Calculations using this formula are performed with a ready-made table providing numerical values for (1 +at) and B/760 (see Appendix, Table 3).

For the vacuum method:

where V_o is the required volume of air, L;

V_c is the volume of the vessel, L;

B is the barometric pressure, mmHg;

P is the residual pressure in the vessel, mmHg.

Task 2. Determination of chlorine in indoor air

Air sampling Location: the aseptic box of the Department of Microbiology following routine disinfection with chlorine-containing agents. Sampling method: aspiration.

The METHOD FOR DETERMINING chlorine in the air is nephelometric, based on the reduction of chlorine by arsenious acid, followed by its determination as silver chloride and comparison of the turbidity degree with a standard scale:

Procedure.

A 10 L air sample is drawn using an electric aspirator at a flow rate of 0.5 L/min through two serially connected porous-plate absorbers, each containing 10 mL of arsenious acid absorbing solution. Temperature and barometric pressure must be recorded during sampling.

Samples of 1 mL and 5 mL from the first absorber and 5 mL from the second are placed into colorimetric tubes. The volume of the solution from the 1 mL sample is brought up to 5 mL with the absorbing solution. 1 mL of a 1% silver nitrate solution is added to each of the three sample tubes, the contents are mixed, and after 5–10 minutes, the turbidity of the sample is compared against the standard scale on a black Background.

Table 1 Standard scale for chlorine determination in air

The chlorine concentration (mg/m³) is calculated using the formula

where a is The amount of chlorine detected in the analyzed air volume, mg;

b is the volume of the studied absorbing solution (in both absorbers), mL;

c is the volume of absorbing solution taken for analysis (in two tubes from the first absorber and in the tube from the second absorber), mL;

V_o is the volume of air sample reduced to normal conditions, L.

The MAC of chlorine in the working area air is 1 mg/m³.

Task 3. Determination of iodine vapor concentration in air

Air sampling location — the packaging department of a pharmaceutical enterprise.

Sampling method — vacuum method using a dry calibrated bottle (data on residual pressure and barometric pressure at the time of sampling are indicated on the bottle).

The method for determining the concentration of iodine vapor in the air is colorimetric, based on dissolving iodine in chloroform and subsequently comparing the resulting purple color with a standard color scale.

Procedure.

After opening the bottle stopper, quickly add 10 mL of chloroform (measured with a cylinder). Close the bottle and thoroughly rinse its walls. For analysis, take 1 and 5 mL of the sample into colorimetric tubes, adjust the volume to 10 mL with chloroform, and then compare the color intensity of the sample with the standard scale.

Table 2 Standard scale for iodine determination

The concentration of iodine vapor in the air (mg/m³) is calculated using the formula

where a is the amount of iodine found in the analyzed volume (mg);

b is the total volume of the studied absorbing solution, mL;

c is the volume of absorbing solution taken for analysis, mL;

V_o is the volume of air sample reduced to normal conditions, L.

The MAC of iodine in the air is 1 mg/m³.

Task 4. Rapid method for determining carbon dioxide in air

The method is based on the decolorization of a phenolphthalein-tinted sodium carbonate (Na₂CO₃) solution upon interaction with atmospheric carbon dioxide at the moment when all sodium carbonate is converted into sodium hydrogen carbonate:

Procedure.

Prepare a 0.005% sodium carbonate solution by dissolving 1 g of chemically pure anhydrous sodium carbonate in 200 mL of freshly prepared distilled Water, followed by The addition of 0.5 mL of a 1% phenolphthalein solution. To prepare the working solution, place 1 mL of the 0.005% Na₂CO₃ solution into a 100 mL volumetric flask, bring the volume to the mark with distilled water, and mix thoroughly.

To determine carbon dioxide in indoor air, draw 20 mL of the working Na₂CO₃ solution into a 100 mL medical syringe, then pull the plunger back to the 100 mL mark to aspirate the test air, and shake for 1 min. If the solution does not decolorize, take a new portion of air after expelling the previous one while keeping the same volume of Na₂CO₃ in the syringe, and shake for 1 min. As a rule, this operation is repeated 3–4 times until the solution is completely decolorized by the carbon dioxide in the air. Its volume is reduced to 40–20–10 mL, shaking the syringe for 1 min each time. The carbon dioxide content in the air is determined from the volume of test air required to decolorize the sodium carbonate solution (see Appendix, Table 4). The permissible CO₂ content in indoor air is 0.1%.

PROTOCOL LAYOUT

Topic of the session.

1. Determination of chlorine concentration in the air.

Sampling location ... .

Sampling conditions ... .

Sampling method ... .

Air temperature ... .

Barometric pressure ... .

Volume of the collected sample ... .

Principle of the method for determining chlorine concentration in the air ... .

Calculation of concentration (formula) ... .

Maximum allowable concentration (MAC, mg/m³).

Conclusion. Based on the Sanitary and hygienic studies conducted in ..., it was established that the concentration of ... in the indoor air is ... mg/m³, which (does not) exceed the MAC.

Recommendations.

2. Determination of iodine vapor concentration in the air.

Sampling location ... .

Sampling conditions:

Sampling method ... .

Barometric pressure ... mmHg.

Residual pressure in the vessel ... mmHg.

Principle of the method for determining iodine in the air ... .

Calculation of concentration ... .

Maximum allowable concentration (MAC, mg/m³).

Conclusion. Based on the sanitary and hygienic studies conducted in ..., it was established that the concentration of ... in the workplace air is ... mg/m³, which (does not) exceed the MAC.

Recommendations.

3. Determination of carbon dioxide in the air using a rapid method.

Air sampling location ... .

Principle of the method ... .

Volume of the working sodium carbonate solution ... .

Volume of air required to decolorize the sodium carbonate solution ... .

Carbon dioxide concentration ... .

Standard carbon dioxide content in indoor air ...%.

Conclusion. Based on the sanitary and hygienic studies carried out in ..., it was established that the carbon dioxide concentration in the air is ... %, which (does not) meet the standard.

Recommendations.

TASKS FOR INDEPENDENT WORK

1. Test control of knowledge.

2. Solution of situational problems.

TESTS

1. The chemical composition of atmospheric air affects The Human Body. Which gas causes a narcotic effect under excessive air pressure?

A. Oxygen.

Б. Ozone.

B. Argon.

Г. Nitrogen.

2. The hygienic indicator of the degree of indoor air pollution, including in pharmacies, is:

A. СО₂.

Б. О₃.

B. СО.

Г. О₂.

3. A number of measures are implemented to protect atmospheric air from pollution by industrial emissions, including those from pharmaceutical enterprises. Which of them are of primary importance?

A. Planning.

Б. Technological.

B. Sanitary and technical.

Г. Administrative.

4. Delayed effects of chemical substances on the human body exhibit A wide variety of manifestations. Genetic changes serve as an indicator of which type of effect?

А. Carcinogenic.

Б. Mutagenic.

В. Teratogenic.

Г. Allergenic.

5. The most widespread air pollutant in urban areas (industrial centers) is:

A. Sulfur dioxide.

Б. Ammonia.

B. Carbon dioxide.

Г. Chlorine.

6. Hygienic standardization of chemical pollution in the air of pharmacy production premises is carried out on The basis of the limiting hazard index. What is the name of the hygienic standard that characterizes the safety of a substance present in the air of the working zone?

A. Chemotherapeutic index.

Б. Equivalent dose.

B. Maximum allowable concentration.

Г. Maximum tolerable dose.

7. An air sample was taken in the pharmacy dispensary for chemical analysis using the dynamic method. Which instrument was used for this purpose?

A. Anemometer.

Б. Luxmeter.

B. Rheometer.

Г. Aspirator.

8. The volume of the air sample taken by the aspiration method for chemical analysis must be converted to standard conditions. Which air parameters must be taken into account?

A. Temperature.

Б. Pressure.

B. Ionization.

Г. Humidity.

9. The volume of an air sample taken by the vacuum method for chemical analysis must be converted to standard conditions. Which parameter is not taken into account?

A. Barometric pressure.

Б. Air temperature.

B. Residual pressure in the vessel.

Г. Volume of the vessel.

10. To determine the concentration of a hazardous chemical substance in the air, the nephelometric method is used, which is based on changes in:

A. Solution color.

Б. Solution turbidity.

B. Solution pH.

Г. Solution odor.

CASE STUDIES

Solve one of the case studies. Write a general conclusion and provide recommendations for improving working conditions in pharmacies and pharmaceutical enterprises.

Example of solving a case study

An air sample was taken in the pharmacy compounding room using an electric aspirator to determine the iodine content. The amount of iodine in the collected air sample was 0.05 mg. The volume of drawn air was 10 L, the temperature was 20 °C, and the atmospheric pressure was 754 mmHg.

The MPC of iodine in the air of industrial premises is 1 mg/m³ (hazard class 2).

Toxicological characteristics of iodine. Iodine vapors can enter the air of pharmacy premises during the preparation of medicines containing iodine and the packaging of alcohol-based iodine solutions. Iodine exerts a general resorptive effect on the body, manifested by Changes in the Central Nervous system (of the asthenovegetative syndrome type) as well as Blood alterations (formation of methemoglobin). Iodine has an irritating effect on mucous membranes, causes dermatitis, and chronic intoxication leads to lacrimation, rhinitis, cough, nausea, and vomiting.

Procedure for solving the problem.

1. Convert the volume of the collected air sample to standard conditions.

2. Calculate the iodine concentration in mg/m³.

3. Draw a conclusion (compare the result with the MPC).

4. Outline measures to improve working conditions.

1. We convert the volume of the collected air sample to standard conditions using the formula:

When calculating using this formula, refer to Table 3 (see Appendix):

2. Calculate the iodine concentration in mg/m³:

9.2 L — 0.05 mg

1000 L — x mg

x = 5.43 mg/m³ .

Conclusion. The concentration of iodine in the air exceeds the MAC by a factor of 5.43.

Preventive measures. Thorough sealing of equipment and containers used for storing iodine, ensuring the efficient operation of general and local mechanical ventilation, using personal protective equipment, and conducting regular medical examinations. If iodine contacts the Skin, the affected area must be washed with alcohol and a soda solution.

Problem 1.

An air sample was collected using an electro-aspirator in the packaging department of a pharmaceutical plant to determine its ammonia content. The amount of ammonia in the collected sample is 0.02 mg. The sampling duration was 5 min, the sampling rate was 10 L/min, the air temperature was 20 °C, and the atmospheric pressure was 754 mmHg. The MAC for ammonia is 20 mg/m³.

Problem 2.

An air sample was collected using the vacuum method in the ampoule department of a pharmaceutical plant to determine carbon monoxide content. The amount of carbon monoxide in the collected sample was 0.15 mg. The vessel volume was 6 L, the atmospheric pressure was 771 mmHg, and the residual pressure in the vessel was 65 mmHg. The MAC for carbon monoxide is 20 mg/m³.

Problem 3.

An air sample was collected using an electro-aspirator in the packaging department of a pharmaceutical plant to determine Hydrochloric acid content. The amount of hydrochloric acid in the collected air sample was 0.005 mg. The sampling duration was 5 min, the sampling rate was 10 L/min, the air temperature was 23 °C, and the atmospheric pressure was 751 mmHg. The MAC for hydrochloric acid is 5 mg/m³.

Problem 4.

An air sample was collected using the vacuum method in the dispensing room of a pharmacy to determine ethanol content during packaging. The amount of ethanol in the collected sample was 1.5 mg, the vessel volume was 2 L, the atmospheric pressure was 768 mmHg, and the residual pressure in the vessel was 64 mmHg. The MAC for ethanol is 1000 mg/m³.

Problem 5.

An air sample was collected using an electro-aspirator in the packaging workshop of a pharmaceutical plant to determine phenol content. The amount of phenol in the collected air sample was 0.01 mg, the volume of the collected sample was 100 L, the air temperature was 21 °C, and the atmospheric pressure was 756 mmHg. The MAC for phenol is 0.3 mg/m³.

Problem 6.

An air sample was collected using the vacuum method in the washing room of a pharmacy to determine carbon monoxide content. The vessel volume was 6.2 L, the atmospheric pressure was 771 mmHg, and the residual pressure in the vessel was 64 mmHg. The MAC for carbon monoxide is 20 mg/m³.

Problem 7.

An air sample was collected using an electro-aspirator in an antibiotic manufacturing workshop to determine dichloroethane content. Its amount in the collected sample was 1 mg. The volume of the collected air sample was 50 L, the air temperature was 24 °C, and the atmospheric pressure was 752 mmHg. The MAC for butyl alcohol is 10 mg/m³.

Problem 8.

An air sample was collected using an electro-aspirator in the compounding room of a pharmacy to determine mercury content. The amount of mercury in the collected air sample was 0.004 mg/m³, the volume of air drawn through was 10 L, the air temperature was 18 °C, and the atmospheric pressure was 758 mmHg. The MAC for mercury is 0.01 mg/m³.

Problem 9.

An air sample was taken in the pharmacy assistant room using an electro-aspirator to determine the concentration of diethyl ether. The amount of diethyl ether in the collected air sample was 8.4 mg/m³, the volume of the sample was 12 L, the air temperature was 23 °C, and the atmospheric pressure was 751 mm Hg. The maximum permissible concentration (MPC) of diethyl ether is 300 mg/m³.

Problem 10.

In one of the departments of a chemical-pharmaceutical enterprise, an air sample was collected using an electro-aspirator to determine the concentration of butyl alcohol. The amount of butyl alcohol in the sample was 0.9 mg/m³, the sample volume was 30 L, the air temperature was 26 °C, and the atmospheric pressure was 767 mm Hg. The maximum permissible concentration (MPC) of butyl alcohol is 10 mg/m³.