Evaluates the risks to human health and the environment posed by 1,1,1-trichloroethane, a chlorinated hydrocarbon widely used in the cleaning and degreasing of metal and as a solvent in many industrial and consumer products. The abuse of this solvent has resulted in a large number of fatalities. A review of data on the environmental behaviour of 1,1,1-trichloroethane documents its ubiquitous presence in the atmosphere, its rapid transport to the troposphere, its long residence time, its depletion of ozone, and its contribution to global warming. Leaching into ground water and deep aquifers occurs and persistent contamination has been documented. While contamination of the atmosphere is judged to be the most important route of exposure for the general population, the report notes that indoor air may cause considerably higher exposures due to the use of numerous consumer products containing this solvent. Air is also noted to be the main source of exposure at the workplace. An evaluation of effects on humans draws upon studies of occupationally exposed workers and cases of fatal exposure following accidents and intentional abuse. Both acute and long-term inhalation exposures are noted to affect the central nervous system, with signs ranging from slight behavioural changes to unconsciousness. Exposure may also cause damage to the heart and liver. A review of accidents at the workplace underscores the especially dangerous conditions in poorly ventilated areas and confined spaces, such as tanks and vaults, caused by the compounds greater density than air. The final section evaluates effects on organisms in the field, concluding that environmental conamination is unlikely to pose a significant hazard for environmental organisms. Because of its many other hazards, including its ozone-depleting potential, the report recommends that the release of 1,1,1-trichloroethane be reduced to the greatest extent possible

Evaluates the risks to human health and the environment posed by the production, use and waste disposal of 1-propanol, a colourless, highly flammable liquid used primarily as a multi-purpose solvent in industry and in the home. The compound, which has antiseptic as well as solvent properties, is also used in drugs and cosmetics. Because 1-propanol is primarily used as a volatile solvent, much of the production volume is eventually released into the environment. Sections considering behaviour in the environment and in organisms conclude that 1-propanol rapidly degrades in the environment, has a residence time of less than 3 days, and is rapidly metabolized and eliminated from the bodies of exposed organisms. Available data indicate that 1-propanol, at concentrations normally encountered in the enviornment, is not toxic for aquatic organisms, insects, or plants. In view of several inadequacies in experimental studies of toxicity, the report was unable to determine the human health risks associated with long-term exposure. Other data support the conclusion that 1-propanol is unlikely to pose a serious threat to either the general population or the environment under normal conditions of use