TOXICOLOGICAL JUSTIFICATION OF THE MEDICAL AND SANITARY STANDARDS ON THE ALLOWABLE CONTENT OF 1,1'-BIPHENYL IN THE AIR OF THE WORKING AREA

Abstract

1,1'-Biphenyl occurs naturally in coal tar, crude oil and natural gas and is used as an intermediate product of chemical synthesis, a component of heat transfer fluids, coolant in nuclear reactors, and an antiseptic in leather production. Under conditions of use in various technological processes, 1,1'-biphenyl in the form of vapors and aerosols enters the air of industrial premises and can negatively affect workers, which necessitates the development of a health standard in the air of the working area The aim of the study was to experimentally determine the toxicity parameters of 1,1'-biphenyl to define the nature of its biological effect on the body of warm-blooded animals and to substantiate the maximum permissible concentration in the air of the work area. 1,1'-biphenyl was studied in acute, subacute and chronic experiments. The work was carried out on laboratory animals (male white rats, male white mice, ants and rabbits). The conducted experimental studies and the analysis of literature data established that 1,1'-biphenyl according to the parameters of acute toxicity with a single intragastric injection and a single inhalation exposure belongs to moderately dangerous substances (hazard class 3), with a single application to the skin – to low-hazardous substances (4 hazard class), has resorptive toxic effect in case of skin application and moderately expressed cumulative properties, has moderately expressed irritating effect in case of contact with mucous membranes, may cause sensitization of the body. 1,1'-biphenyl does not have any specific effect on reproduction and growth processes, does not have mutagenic effect, and there is probable evidence of carcinogenic potential. The maximum permissible concentration in the air of the working area is justified at the level of 1,0 mg/m3, vapor + aerosol, hazard class 2, mark “+” – requires special skin protection. Conclusions. The parameters of toxicity, the nature of biological action on the organism of laboratory animals have been determined and the maximum permissible concentration of 1,1'-biphenyl in the air of the working area has been substantiated.