Natural gas odorants and miscarriage
WorkSafeBC Evidence-Based Practice Group, Martin CW
Record ID 32018014858
English
Authors' objectives:
To investigate potential (causal) association between natural gas odorants and miscarriages.
Authors' results and conclusions:
In total, three published studies were identified. When the title and abstracts were reviewed, none of these three publications were specifically on the effects of natural gas odors on miscarriages. As of October 21, 2024, we did not locate any articles, specifically those on any causal association between natural gas odorants and miscarriages, through our medical literature search. The human health effects of natural gas odorants discussed in the literature included respiratory, cardiovascular, nervous, gastrointestinal, dermatological, hematological, renal, and hepatobiliary system signs and symptoms. These effects depended on the type of the chemical odorant used, the route, concentration, and duration of exposure, the person’s protective equipment, susceptibility to the odorant compound, general health status, and the odor detection threshold. There is a lack of standardized assessment tools (e.g., threshold limit values (TLVs), recommended exposure limits (RELs), permissible exposure limits (PELs), occupational exposure limits (OELs), short-term and long-term effects screening levels (ESLs)) for natural gas odorant compounds, potentially affecting the related regulatory discourse. 6 Natural Gas Odorants and Miscarriage October 2024 Prevention of toxic exposure at the workplace, where the mixing of natural gas and the chemical odorant compound occurs is important. Routine exposure surveillance and medical assessments are suggested for the related work personnel. Also, routine monitoring of the natural gas pipe systems after the mixing point, and inspections of the appliances using natural gas would help to spot and prevent low-dose, chronic community exposure. Those with asthma, pregnant women, and children who might potentially be more susceptible to adverse effects from these odorant compounds should be protected more rigorously.
Authors' methods:
After a number of scoping reviews through Pubmed employing different search strategies, a comprehensive and systematic literature search was done on October 21, 2024. The search was conducted using commercial medical literature databases using a combination of key words.
Details
Project Status:
Completed
URL for project:
https://www.worksafebc.com/en/about-us/research-services/evidence-based-medicine-and-systematic-reviews
Year Published:
2024
English language abstract:
An English language summary is available
Publication Type:
Mini HTA
Country:
Canada
MeSH Terms
- Abortion, Spontaneous
- Occupational Diseases
- Occupational Exposure
- Odorants
- Natural Gas
Keywords
- Organosulfur compound
- natural gas additive
- odorant
- isopropyl mercaptan
- abortion
- miscarriage
Contact
Organisation Name:
WorkSafeBC
Contact Address:
6591 Westminster Highway, Richmond, BC, V7C 1C6 Canada. Tel: 604-231-8417; Fax: 604-279-7698
Contact Name:
ebpg@worksafebc.com
Contact Email:
ebpg@worksafebc.com
Copyright:
WorkSafe BC
This is a bibliographic record of a published health technology assessment from a member of INAHTA or other HTA producer. No evaluation of the quality of this assessment has been made for the HTA database.