Air Purifiers for Xylene and Formalin Exposure

Chronic exposure to xylene and formalin is well-documented as a significant health hazard, yet these compounds are still routinely used for processing and staining in histology laboratories.

Despite the implementation of traditional laboratory filtration technologies such as fume hoods and incorporated air filters, histotechnologists are still suffering the effects of chemical exposure.

A New Approach to Air Filtration for Xylene and Formalin

Electrocorp air purifiers for Xylene and Formalin are stand-alone air scrubbers that offer enhanced protection from airborne chemicals. Fitted with the deepest, most extensive carbon beds in the industry, our air purifiers for laboratories are designed to target compounds with high molecular weights such as xylene.

Our carbon can also be impregnated with potassium permanganate for lower molecular weight compounds such as formaldehyde. These deep-bed carbon filters physically bind the chemical contaminants and while a medical-grade HEPA filter captures contaminated airborne dust and other particulate.


Allerair’s Recommended Air Purifiers for Xylene and Formalin Exposure:



Rap 204



5000 DX Vocarb

For more information on our Air Purifiers for Xylene and Formalin, contact our laboratory air quality expert Gershon Katz at 1-866-667-0297.

CHRONIC OCCUPATIONAL XYLENE EXPOSURE

“Xylene vapour is absorbed rapidly from the lungs and xylene liquid and vapour are absorbed slowly through the skin (Riihimaki and Pfaffli, 1978). Chronic occupational exposure has been associated with neuropsychological and neurophysiological dysfunction, anaemia, thrombocytopaenia, leukopaenia, chest pain with ECG abnormalities, dyspnoea and cyanosis (Langman, 1994).”

_-Biological Monitoring of Low Level Occupational Xylene Exposure and the Role of Recent Exposure; G. A. JACOBSON and S. McLEAN ; Ann Occup Hyg (2003) 47 (4): 331-336.

XYLENE CONFIRMED AS A REPRODUCTIVE HAZARD

A reproductive study of workers exposed to workplace solvents has confirmed what safety experts have long suspected: the fetus is at risk (Khattak et al.,1999). This research is the first to combine prospective and retrospective approaches. The surprising facet of this study is the magnitude of the risk to the unborn child. While many health studies demonstrate significant differences only through statistical comparisons, these findings are so unequivocal that anyone can see clearly just how serious the threat is to human health.

-The Innovator, Volume 4, Number 1, Winter 2001

Update: Read more about xylene and the health effects associated with xylene exposure in this blog post: Occupational safety and health: Xylene exposure