V

Vanadium

CASRN 7440-62-2

Physical Properties

Vanadium is an element widely distributed in the earth’s crust at an average concentration of 100 mg/kg. Depending on its form, vanadium can be a gray-white metal or light gray or white lustrous powder. Pure vanadium is a bright white, soft, and ductile metal. Vanadium is found in about 65 different minerals. Vanadium compounds have no odor, and most have no taste; so, it is difficult to tell if vanadium is present in food, water, or air.

Uses

Vanadium is used in producing rust-resistant, spring, and high-speed tool steels. It is an important carbide stabilizer in making steels. It’s use as an alloying agent for iron and steel accounts for approximately 95% of domestic consumption of vanadium. Vanadium pentoxide is used as a yellow pigment in ceramics.

Source of Exposure in Iowa

Most foods contain small amounts of vanadium. In addition vanadium also may be found in various commercial nutrient supplements. The most important man-made sources of vanadium include the combustion of fossil fuels, particularly residual fuel oils, which constitute the single largest overall release of vanadium to the atmosphere. People living in close proximity to power plants may be exposure to higher levels of vanadium. Individuals exposed to cigarette smoke may also be exposed to higher-than-background levels of vanadium.

Health Effects from Large Acute Exposures

Adverse respiratory impacts (such as coughing, wheezing, sore throat) can result from exposure to larger amounts of vanadium or vanadium compounds in the air. Symptoms of gastrointestinal irritation (diarrhea, cramps, nausea) have been observed in humans ingesting larger amounts vanadium and vanadium compounds.

Health Effects from Smaller Chronic Exposures

Very little information is available on the long-term chronic exposure to smaller amounts of vanadium. There is not enough evidence to classify vanadium as a human carcinogen.

Protection from Exposure

All individuals working in steel making and foundry operations should be consider respiratory protection to protect themselves from fumes containing metals such as vanadium. Eliminating exposure to tobacco smoke will limit exposure to vanadium and other potentially toxic chemicals.

Vinyl Acetate

CASRN 108-05-4

Physical Properties

Vinyl acetate is also known as acetic acid, ethenyl ester; or ethenyl acetate. At room temperature it is a clear, colorless liquid. It has a sweet, pleasant, fruity smell, but the odor may be sharp and irritating to some people. Vinyl acetate readily evaporates into the air and easily dissolved in water. Vinyl acetate is a manufactured substance that does not occur naturally. People can smell vinyl acetate at a level of 0.5 parts vinyl acetate per million parts (ppm) of air. This level is lower than concentrations that have been observed to cause adverse health effects in humans.

Uses

Vinyl acetate is used to make other industrial chemicals (such as polyvinyl acetate polymers and ethylenevinyl acetate copolymers). These other industrial chemicals are used mostly to make glues for the packaging and building industries. They are also used in the manufacturing of paints, textiles, and paper. Vinyl acetate is also used as part of a coating in plastic film for food packaging and as a modifier of food starch.

Sources of Exposure in Iowa

People most likely to be exposed to vinyl acetate work in industries using vinyl acetate in the production of organic chemicals. People living near industries using vinyl acetate may also be subject to exposure to higher levels of vinyl acetate. Dermal exposure to glues and paints that contain vinyl acetate is also a possibility. Tobacco smoke contains very small amounts of vinyl acetate.

Health Effects from Large Acute Exposures

Breathing in large amounts of vinyl acetate will cause irritation of the eyes, nose, throat, and lungs. Large exposures may also adversely impact the immune system and nervous system.

Health Effects from Smaller, Chronic Exposures

Very little information is available on the long-term chronic exposure to smaller amounts of vinyl acetate. Long-term exposure to vinyl acetate may cause inflammation of the nasal passages. There is not enough evidence to classify vinyl acetate as a human carcinogen.

Protection from Exposure

A person who may be exposed to vinyl chloride at the work place should use a respirator.

Vinyl Chloride

CASRN 75-01-4

Physical Properties

Vinyl chloride is also known as chloroethene, chloroethylene, ethylene monochloride, and monochloroethylene. At room temperature, it is a colorless gas that burns easily; it is not stable at high temperatures. Vinyl chloride is a manufactured substance that does not occur naturally. It can be formed in the environment from other manufactured substances, such as trichloroethylene, trichloroethane, and tetrachloroethylene, and broken down by certain microorganisms. Vinyl chloride exists in liquid form under pressure or at low temperatures. It has a mild, sweet odor, which may become noticeable at 3,000 parts vinyl chloride per million parts (ppm) of air. This level is higher than concentrations that may cause adverse health effects. Most people begin to taste vinyl chloride in water at 3 to 4 ppm.

Uses

Most of the vinyl chloride produced in the United States is used to make a polymer called polyvinyl chloride (PVC), which consists of long, repeating units of vinyl chloride. PVC is used to make a variety of plastic products including pipes, wire and cable coatings, and packaging materials. Other uses include furniture and automobile upholstery, wall coverings, housewares, and automotive parts.

Sources of Exposure in Iowa

People most likely to be exposed to vinyl chloride work in industries using vinyl chloride in the manufacture of PVC plastics. Because vinyl chloride is usually a gas, breathing is the most likely exposure method. Tobacco smoke contains very small amounts of vinyl chloride. Drinking water that flows through PVC pipes may contain very small amounts of vinyl chloride. Breakdown of solvents such as trichloroethylene, tetrachloroethylene, and 1,1,1-trichloroethane, spills or releases may lead to environmental exposure.

Health Effects from Large Acute Exposures

Breathing in large amounts of vinyl chloride makes a person dizzy or sleepy. Large exposures may cause liver or nerve damage, and an immune reaction.

Health Effects from Smaller, Chronic Exposures

The liver is likely to be most affected by long-term exposure to low levels of vinyl chloride. Liver cell damage has been observed in individuals chronically exposed to vinyl chloride. Vinyl chloride is a known human carcinogen. The development of hepatic angiosarcoma, a rare liver cancer, has been observed in individuals exposed to vinyl chloride over long periods.

Protection from Exposure

A person exposed to vinyl chloride at work should use a respirator.