Identifying Occupational Exposure Risks to Methyl Alcohol and Other Industrial Chemicals

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) describes methyl alcohol, also known as methanol, as a colorless liquid with a strong odor that is used in many industries. For instance, methyl alcohol is used in solvents, deicers, and in the manufacturing of plastics, polyesters, and other chemicals.

Methyl alcohol is a poisonous substance that can be absorbed through the eyes, skin, lungs, and digestive system. Overexposure can cause death. As such, workers in industries that use methyl alcohol may be harmed by exposure with the level of harm depending upon the dose, duration and work being done.

Some examples of workers at risk of being exposed to methyl alcohol according to NIOSH include:

• Factory workers in plants that manufacture plastics
• Transportation workers exposed to the deicing of vehicles
• Workers in alternative fuel industries
• Workers exposed to certain solvents or cleaning agents

 
“A physical danger of methyl alcohol shared by NIOSH includes its vapors may be heavier than air and can spread along the ground and collect in poorly-ventilated, low-lying or confined areas allowing for hazardous concentrations to develop quickly,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “To protect workers, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has set a Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) for methyl alcohol and NIOSH has a Recommended Exposure Limit (REL). To help in these efforts, EMSL’s industrial hygiene laboratories offer testing services and sampling supplies to identify it and countless other industrial chemicals.”

EMSL also recently sponsored an educational video about methyl alcohol and potential occupational exposure risks that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/CEigVx218Sg

To learn more about this or other industrial hygiene, air quality, environmental, health and safety services, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800)220-3675 or email  info@EMSL.com .

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical is one of the leading testing laboratories throughout the United States and Canada. EMSL is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider specializing in fast laboratory results for mold, bacteria, Legionella, USP 797, pathogens, asbestos, lead, soot, char & ash from fires, VOC’s, odors, radon, formaldehyde, indoor air quality, microbiology, environmental, industrial hygiene, radiological, food, beverage & consumer products, and material testing services for the identification of unknown substances. EMSL services both professionals and the general public. EMSL maintains an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies including, but not limited to A2LA, AIHA-LAP, LLC (AIHA-LAP, LLC EMLAP, AIHA-LAP, LLC IHLAP, AIHA-LAP, LLC ELLAP), NVLAP, CDC ELITE, CPSC, CA ELAP, NY ELAP, TX DOH, NJDEP, and multiple other state accrediting agencies. Please visit our website at www.EMSL.com for a complete listing of accreditations. In addition, EMSL carries a wide range of Sampling Equipment and Investigative Products for environmental professionals.

Contact Information

Joseph Frasca

Senior Vice President of Marketing

EMSL Analytical, Inc.

(1) 856-303-2503

Contact via E-mail