the Risks of Industrial Alcohol Exposure in Labs

Industrial alcohol inquiry?

Hello Doctor, I am currently interning and trying to understand the products, so I followed a lab technician to conduct experiments.
To clean the marker off the beaker, it is better to use 95% alcohol spray, as it washes off more easily.
Since I haven't dealt with chemistry since high school, I only remember that industrial alcohol contains ethanol mixed with methanol and other substances.
I found the smell quite unpleasant, and I felt a bit lightheaded and my head felt heavy, but I didn't experience nausea, dizziness, or increased heart rate.
I wonder if the alcohol is that concentrated.
At that time, I was washing it off while running water from the sink, and I wore rubber gloves for experiments, although I noticed others were not wearing any.
After finishing, I went outside for some fresh air and felt fine.
However, later on, I became a bit worried and researched online, finding that methanol can be toxic and even fatal.
I’m unsure why I felt a strange discomfort but when I don’t think about it, I don’t feel anything.
I would like to ask you, Doctor, if inhaling the vaporized alcohol while cleaning poses a risk of poisoning, or if I should not be overly concerned.
The internet generally mentions ingestion, but I’m not sure about the air concentration of 1880 mg/m³ and whether my brief exposure could lead to poisoning.
I would like to know what symptoms would warrant a visit to the doctor.
Thank you.
I wore gloves to prevent skin contact, so I believe I shouldn’t have inhaled it, and I also wore a regular surgical mask at that time.
I asked my brother, and he said that in their chemical engineering experiments, they often use it, and the smell is inherently unpleasant, which might be why I felt this way for the first time.
He mentioned that it shouldn’t lead to poisoning and suggested that I might have felt uncomfortable due to the hot weather and being nervous while wearing the mask.
I hope you can provide some clarity.
Thank you!

An, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/06/29

Dr. Hong Yuanbin reply Internal Medicine

Hello, these chemicals or compounds do indeed have a pungent odor, and many can cause dizziness when inhaled.
However, unless consumed in large quantities, they are unlikely to cause significant harm to the body.
It is recommended to drink plenty of water and rest; this should help eliminate them from your system quickly.
Thank you for your question.

Reply Date: 2022/06/29

More Info

When working in a laboratory setting, especially with industrial alcohols like 95% ethanol, it's essential to understand the potential risks associated with exposure. Ethanol is a common solvent used in laboratories, and while it is generally safe when handled properly, there are certain precautions and considerations to keep in mind.

Firstly, the concentration of 95% ethanol is indeed high, and its fumes can be irritating to the respiratory system. The unpleasant odor you experienced is typical of concentrated alcohols, and inhaling these vapors can lead to symptoms such as dizziness, lightheadedness, or a feeling of heaviness in the head, as you described. These symptoms can be exacerbated by factors such as poor ventilation, high temperatures, or anxiety, particularly if you were wearing a mask that made it harder to breathe comfortably.

Regarding your concerns about methanol contamination, it’s important to clarify that industrial alcohols often contain methanol, which is toxic and can cause serious health issues if ingested or absorbed in significant amounts. However, if you were using pure ethanol (or a product labeled as 95% ethanol without methanol), the risk of methanol poisoning would be minimal. The symptoms of methanol poisoning include headache, dizziness, nausea, and in severe cases, visual disturbances and metabolic acidosis. If you did not ingest any of the alcohol and only experienced mild symptoms while cleaning, it is unlikely that you were exposed to dangerous levels of methanol.

In terms of air quality, the reference to 1880 mg/m³ is a measure of the concentration of vapors in the air. For ethanol, the occupational exposure limit is typically around 1000 ppm (parts per million), which translates to approximately 1900 mg/m³. While brief exposure to high concentrations can cause discomfort, prolonged exposure or exposure in poorly ventilated areas can lead to more severe health effects. It’s good that you took breaks to get fresh air, as this can help mitigate any potential effects from inhalation.

As for the symptoms that would warrant medical attention, you should seek help if you experience any of the following: persistent dizziness, confusion, difficulty breathing, severe headache, or any other unusual symptoms that do not resolve after leaving the area. If you notice any signs of visual disturbances or gastrointestinal symptoms (nausea, vomiting), it would be prudent to consult a healthcare professional immediately.

In conclusion, while your experience with the alcohol was uncomfortable, it does not necessarily indicate a serious health risk, especially since you took precautions such as wearing gloves and a mask. However, always prioritize safety in the lab by ensuring good ventilation, using personal protective equipment (PPE), and being aware of the materials you are working with. If you continue to feel uneasy or have lingering symptoms, don’t hesitate to reach out to a healthcare provider for further evaluation.

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