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1000
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Abstract/Summary
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The German Commission for the Investigation of Health Hazards of Chemical Compounds in the Work Area has re‐evaluated the maximum concentration at the workplace (MAK value) of hydrotreated light distillates (petroleum) [64742‐47‐8] of 20 ml/m3, considering all toxicological endpoints. Available publications and unpublished study reports are described in detail. The critical effect of hydrotreated light distillates (petroleum) (C9–C16) vapours is presumably CNS‐depression as is the case with other hydrocarbon mixtures like White Spirit. For the aerosol phase lung toxicity is assumed to be the critical effect. The Commission increased the MAK value for the vapour phase to 50 ml/m3 in analogy to hydrotreated heavy naphtha (petroleum) (C6–C13) for which behavioural studies with White Spirit (C9–C12) in volunteers were used to derive the MAK value. White Spirit can be viewed as representative for hydrotreated light distillates (petroleum) because their C13–C16 components have low vapour pressure and do not contribute much to the concentration in the vapour phase. On the other hand, the aerosol phase comprises mostly these components and they are expected to be deposited as aerosol in the lung. A MAK value of 5 mg/m3 for the respirable fraction in analogy to White Oil is set. As systemic effects are critical, the assignment to Peak Limitation Category II is retained. The excursion factor of 2 for the vapour is confirmed and an excursion factor of 4 for the aerosol is set in analogy to White Oil. The assignment to Pregnancy Risk Group C is confirmed, as there is no reason to fear damage to the embryo or foetus when the MAK value is observed. Hydrotreated light distillates are not genotoxic. After chronic epicutaneous application of high doses of kerosenes malign skin tumours developed in mice. However, since the relevance of these tumours for humans in this model is not clear, the assignment to Carcinogen Category 3B is retained. Skin contact does not contribute to systemic toxicity and sensitization is not expected.
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