AIHA Guideline Foundation Seeks Comments on Three Proposed ERPGs

The Emergency Response Planning Committee of the AIHA Guideline Foundation seeks public comments on three proposed Emergency Response Planning Guidelines (ERPGs), which are air concentration guidelines for single exposures to agents. The committee is proposing ERPGs for monoethanolamine, methyl bromide, and butyl isocyanate. The NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards describes monoethanolamine as a “colorless, viscous liquid or solid (below 51°F) with an unpleasant, ammonia-like odor.” According to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, methyl bromide is a gas primarily used to make other chemicals. Another use of methyl bromide—known also as bromomethane—is as a fumigant to control pests in agriculture and shipping. The compound butyl isocyanate is used as a reagent in organic synthesis and as an intermediate in the production of insecticides and fungicides, as explained in the chemistry database PubChem.

The proposed ERPGs can be viewed as PDFs on AIHA’s website: monoethanolamine, methyl bromide, and butyl isocyanate. In addition to comments, the committee encourages individuals to share additional references or resources for consideration. Feedback will be accepted until 11:59 p.m. ET on April 22.

More information can be found on the AIHA Guideline Foundation webpage.