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Med. Pr. 2007;58(2):143-153

IS DICHLOROMETHANE AN OCCUPATIONAL CARCINOGENś

CZY DICHLOROMETAN JEST KANCEROGENEM ZAWODOWYMś

Renata Soćko, Małgorzata Kupczewska-Dobecka

Abstract

Dichloromethane (DCM) has been widely used in Poland and worldwide as a pesticide fumigant to preserve seed and fruit, in the manufacture of polyurethane, in the cosmetic, pharmaceutical and food-processing industry. It isalso used as an ingredient of fire extinguishing formulations and as a cooling agent in refrigerators. Because of dichloromethaneśs widespread use, its multisystemic toxic activity and a significant number of the exposed people, it is important to assess occupational risk for dichloromethane. In Poland, the maximum admissible concentration of dichloromethane based on its carcinogenic effect is MAC TWA 20 mg/m3 and MAC STEL 50 mg/m3. However, according to experimental and epidemiological data, occupational risk associated with DCM useis attributable to its effect on central nervous system rather than to its carcinogenic activity. Med Pr 2007;58(2):143ś153

Key words

dichloromethane, cancer, MAC value, STEL value