Thallium (cont.)
Is there a medical test to show whether I've been exposed to thallium?
There are medical tests available to measure levels of thallium in urine and
hair. In addition, thallium can also be measured in blood; however, this is not
a good indicator of exposure since thallium only stays in blood a very short
time.
These tests require special equipment that is not usually available in most
doctor's offices. In addition, these tests cannot determine if adverse health
effects will occur from the exposure to thallium.
Has the federal government made recommendations to protect human health?
The EPA requires that discharges or accidental spills into the environment of
1,000 pounds or more of thallium be reported.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has set an exposure
limit of 0.1 milligrams per cubic meter (0.1 mg/m³) for thallium in workplace
air. The American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) has
established the same guidelines as OSHA for the workplace.
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has
recommended that 15 mg/m³ of thallium be considered immediately dangerous to
life and health. This is the exposure level of a chemical that is likely to
cause permanent health problems or death.
Glossary
Carcinogenicity: Ability to cause cancer.
Ingesting: Taking food or drink into your body.
Milligram (mg): One thousandth of a gram.
References: Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR). 1992.
Toxicological Profile for thallium. Atlanta, GA: U.S. Department of Health and
Human Services, Public Health Service.
Where can I get more information?
ATSDR can tell you where to find occupational and environmental health
clinics. Their specialists can recognize, evaluate, and treat illnesses
resulting from exposure to hazardous substances. You can also contact your
community or state health or environmental quality department if you have any
more questions or concerns.
For more information, contact:
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry
Division of Toxicology
1600 Clifton Road NE, Mailstop F-32
Atlanta, GA 30333
Phone: 1-888-42-ATSDR
(1-888-422-8737)
FAX: (770)-488-4178
Email: ATSDRIC@cdc.gov
SOURCE: Department of Human and Health Services, Agency for Toxic Substances & Disease Registry
Last Editorial Review: 1/31/2008
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