----- Original Message -----

From: Linke_Noelle

To: Morken, Tim ; histonet@pathology.swmed.edu

Sent: Wednesday, June 26, 2002 11:42 AM

Subject: RE: xylene substitutes revisited

• Acute (short-term) inhalation exposure to mixed xylenes in humans results in irritation of the nose and throat, gastrointestinal effects such as nausea, vomiting, and gastric irritation, mild transient eye irritation, and neurological effects.
• Chronic (long-term) inhalation exposure of humans to mixed xylenes results primarily in central nervous system (CNS) effects, such as headache, dizziness, fatigue, tremors and incoordination. Other effects noted include labored breathing and impaired pulmonary function, increased heart palpitation, severe chest pain and an abnormal EKG, and possible effects on the blood and kidney.
• The Reference Concentration (RfC) for mixed xylenes, m-, o-, and p-xylenes is under review by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
• The Reference Dose (RfD) for mixed xylenes is 2 mg/kg/d.^a The provisional RfD for m- and o-xylenes is also 2 mg/kg/d. EPA estimates that consumption of this dose or less, over a lifetime, would not likely result in the occurrence of chronic noncancer effects.^b
• Insufficient data are available on the developmental or reproductive effects of mixed xylenes in humans. Animal studies have reported developmental effects, such as an increased incidence of skeletal variations in fetuses, and fetal resorptions via inhalation.
• No information is available on the carcinogenic effects of mixed xylenes in humans, and animal studies have reported negative results from exposure via gavage (experimentally placing the chemical in the stomach). EPA has classified mixed xylenes as a Group D, not classifiable as to human carcinogenicity.

THIS is why some of us don't want xylenes in our labs.  If you've ever felt dizzy while coverslipping(and don't have the $$ for an automatic coverslipper) or have gone home with headache after headache...  Personally, I have no desire to even come CLOSE to chronic exposure limits, especially when there are multiple options!!!

 

once again stepping down from soapbox....

Noelle Linke

-----Original Message-----
From: Morken, Tim [mailto:tim9@cdc.gov]
Sent: Wednesday, June 26, 2002 7:53 AM
To: histonet@pathology.swmed.edu
Subject: RE: xylene substitutes revisited

Well, I worked for many years in a lab that used Histo-clear (citrus-based) exclusively and we had no problems with anything, including immunos. So I can't help you in "heading them off at the pass."

 

On the other hand, I can't see using xylene as a bad thing as long as proper safety precautions are taken. One good one is to use an automated coverslipper so that xylene exposure to skin is greatly limited. Since the critical exposure levels to xylene vapors are quite high, that is not usually a problem. Is there some reason xylene is being phased out?

 

Of course finding a xylene substitute that is acceptable to everyone in the lab is very tough. It seems there is a problem with all of them in some way, either some can't stand the odor of one or another, or there are sensitivity issues that rival xylene. Good luck!

 

Tim Morken

Atlanta

-----Original Message-----
From: Noreen Gilman [mailto:Ngilman@nbhd.org]
Sent: Wednesday, June 26, 2002 10:25 AM
To: histonet@pathology.swmed.edu
Subject: xylene substitutes revisited

Good morning everyone. Our safety committee is all set to switch us to a xylene substitute. In order to head them off at the pass, I'd like any info you kind people can provide concerning the impact xylene sub's would have on IPX as well as on routine tissue preparation; processing, staining, special stains, well you know, the whole nine yards!

Thanks so much for taking the time to read this email....

Gratefully,

Noreen

 

Noreen Gilman, B.S., H.T.(ASCP) CLS
Histopathology Supervisor
Broward General Medical Center
Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316
954.355.5592 Phone
954.355.4139 Fax
954-387-0213 Pager