Special Occupational Hazard Review. Alternatives to DI-2-Ethylhexyl Phthalate ('DOP') Respirator Quantitative Fit Testing

摘要

Di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP; commonly known as 'DOP') is examined for occupational carcinogenic potential and overall toxicity in respirator quantitative fit testing (QNFT). A DEHP aerosol is used in QNFT to measure faceseal leakage for the individual respirator wearer. Under present technology, the direct measurement of facial fit in QNFT is critical because only a limited number of respirator sizes and styles are marketed to accommodate an infinite array of human facial sizes and characteristics. NIOSH initiated this review of QNFT when the National Toxicology Program (NTP) reported that DEHP was carcinogenic in two rodent species under experimental conditions of the standard bioassay protocol. After evaluating all the information, NIOSH has concluded that a prudent course must now be followed in QNFT. Specific NIOSH recommendations for maintaining the important workplace practice of fitting respirators by QNFT are described in this report.