THE CHEMICALS

The ingredients listed as hazardous in the product’s Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)—which was handed out to seventh floor employees nine days after the incident occured—are a a linear olefinic hydrocarbon mixture, diethylene glycol monobutyl ether (glycol ether, a solvent), and a surfactant mixture. According to chemist Dr. Bob Ginsburg, Director of the Center on Work and Community Development, “A mix between (an olefinic hydrocarbon) and glycol ether would function like acetone. What this is, is it cleans things that are oil based. Glycol ethers are used in lots and lots of commercial products.”

Glycol ethers are commonly found in industrial solvents and according to the California Department of Health Services (DHS), “A product may contain glycol ether without listing it on the label or in the ingredients” (www.dhs.ca.gov/ohb/HESIS/).

Some health risks associated with glycol ethers include “anemia (a shortage of red blood cells), intoxication similar to the effects of alcohol, and irritation of the eyes, nose, or skin. In laboratory animals, low-level exposure to certain glycol ethers can cause birth defects and can damage a male’s sperm and testicles. There is some evidence that work place exposure can reduce human sperm counts,” according to a fact sheet published by the California DHS.

According to the manufacturer’s MSDS, Attack! 2000 is “an eye and skin irritant. Excessive vapor inhalation causes irritation of the respiratory tract, experienced as nasal discomfort and discharge, with chest pain and coughing. Headache, nausea, vomiting and drowsiness may occur. Ingestion may cause headaches, dizziness, incoordination, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and general weakness. Routes of entry for exposure to this chemical include inhalation, skin, and ingestion.”

Although respirators are not necessary when the chemical is used properly, according to the MSDS, “If vapor concentration becomes high, use NIOSH/MSHA approved respirators.” Other recommended control measures include “oil resistant gloves, chemical goggles and aprons, and an eye wash and safety shower.” The chemical is also listed as a “combustible liquid” in the MSDS Fire and Explosion Hazard Data.

May 2006