[The toxicological hygienic evaluation of the manufacture of epoxy resins based on complex glycidyl ethers].

The workers engaged in the processing of the UP-671, UP-671D, UP-677, UP-680 and UP-682 epoxide resins are influenced by both initial and intermediate industrial products, as well as the resins' volatile components in MAC threshold concentrations. The workers engaged in major professions displayed upper respiratory allergic diseases, contact and allergic dermatitis, sensibilization to epichlorhydrine, staphylococci and kidney allergen. Euthyroid goiter was diagnosed in most workers, along with thriiodothyronine decrease in blood serum and a higher rate of chromosomal aberrations in lymphocytes. The experimental studies performed revealed moderate-degree toxicity in the resins, their cumulation properties, as well as allergenic, irritating, mutagenic and embryotoxic characteristics. Basing on the results of the study, the USSR Health Ministry adopted the working zone air MAC for the resins at the level of 0.5 mg/m3, vapours, 2nd degree of hazardousness.