[Nhcoll-l] hypersensitivity to denatured alcohol

[Jean-Marc Gagnon]

Dear Kareen,

This is a very interesting question you're asking. And I wish there was an easy answer but this is one of those challenges that has been poorly documented and for which most are still struggling to make the exact link with a cause. I am not responding here as an expert but as an individual with health challenges that would seem to have been triggered, or at least exacerbated by exposure to fumes from fixative and preservatives in our collections and labs.

Speaking from experience, it is fairly easy to point to an obvious source like large volumes of alcohol (and resulting fumes, plus other residuals like formaldehyde) in our workplace to explain physical symptoms that often gets described as allergies (in most cases, it should be described as chemical or environmental sensitivity). But to actually make such an assumption, one has to eliminate many other possibilities like sensitivity to dust, mold, and even fumes from other products such as construction materials.

As you can see, it can be a fairly complex situation and that is why very few people can actually prove that their work environment is the source of their health challenge. That being said, a few of us have a strong inkling that it is the source of our health issue, but even that has to take into consideration previous exposures to chemicals. I can only speak for myself here but I know that my sensitivities over the past few years are not just the result of recent exposure (especially since, as you said, modern facilities are equipment with much better fume extraction systems) but long-term exposure to these chemicals in previous, ill-ventilated facilities. Many people of my generation will have probably experienced working in university labs with these same chemicals without ventilation. I actually used to do identification contracts during my Ph.D. years in a little, enclosed corner of my basement, working directly with formaldehyde and with no ventilations at all.

Some of us (and specialists in the field of environmental sensitivities) also believe that our general exposure to a multitude of chemical volatile substances on a daily basis, such as perfumes, scented fabric softener and detergents, and even cigarette smoke, are contributing to the significant increase in number of "chemically" sensitive people in our society. The fact that everyone in my family smoked except me may contribute to my sensitivity. Whether these source of "scents" are actually a significant part of the cause or not, you'll probably find that sensitive people will often develop similar symptoms when exposed to these "general triggers".

I agree with Elizabeth that anyone experiencing health issues that appears to be work-related should consult a specialist. I would recommend an Allergist first because most general practitioner do not have the specific training or knowledge to properly assess this sort of health challenge. An Allergist will at least be able to eliminate other possibilities and may then be able to recommend someone specialized in environmental sensitivities. And of course, like anything else, some people may be more prone to develop such sensitivities than other; call that the genetic component of the problem just to keep thing complicated...

John also provides an important perspective, with a close look at what fumes might be in the lab and collection space.

I hope this helps.

Jean-Marc


Jean-Marc Gagnon, Ph.D.
Past President (2012-2014) of the Society for the Preservation of Natural History Collections (www.spnhc.org<http://www.spnhc.org/>)
Chair of the SPNHC Recognition & Grants Committee and SPNHC Bylaws Committee

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From: nhcoll-l-bounces at mailman.yale.edu [mailto:nhcoll-l-bounces at mailman.yale.edu] On Behalf Of Kareen Schnabel
Sent: February-18-13 5:35 PM
To: nhcoll-l at mailman.yale.edu
Subject: [Nhcoll-l] hypersensitivity to denatured alcohol

Dear listserv,
I would like to know whether anyone has experienced or knows someone who has developed a sensitivity to ethanol/ denatured ethanol/ methylated spirits? About 3 years ago we started to source Anhydrous Methylated Spirits of >98% ethanol and 0-2% of Methanol (we used to use HGAA ethanol).
For a year now I have increasingly struggled with an allergic response and I have the feeling it is work-related. We use personal protective gear and extraction around our collection but there are always residual fumes and contact. I thought this forum may provide a good source of experience.
Thanks for your help,
Kareen



Kareen Schnabel, Ph.D.
Collection Manager
Marine Biodiversity and Biosecurity
National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research Ltd.
Taihoro Nukurangi
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