Tolyltriazole: Environmental Impact and Health Hazards

General Description

Tolyltriazole is a corrosion inhibitor used in various industries, particularly in cooling fluids and aviation products. While it effectively protects metals from corrosion, its environmental impact is concerning due to its persistence and resistance to biodegradation, leading to accumulation in water systems, especially near airports. Research shows its concentrations in U.S. streams and treated wastewaters can be significant. Additionally, tolyltriazole exposure poses health risks, including occupational rhinitis, as illustrated by case studies of affected workers. Given these implications, it's crucial to enhance wastewater treatment methods and implement safety measures to protect both the environment and worker health.

Figure 1. Tolyltriazole

Overview

Tolyltriazole is an essential complexing agent primarily known for its effectiveness as an anticorrosive additive in various applications. This compound comprises a mixture of two isomers, 4-methyl and 5-methyl, both of which have a methyl group attached to the benzene ring. Tolyltriazole has gained widespread utilization in industries such as cooling and hydraulic fluids, dishwasher detergents, and aviation deicer products. Its significance lies in its compatibility with multiple formulations, providing protection against corrosion for metals like silver and ensuring the operational integrity of equipment in harsh environments. The chemical is characterized by considerable water solubility, with a solubility level of about 7 g/L, which enhances its accessibility in aqueous applications. ¹

Environmental Impact

Environmental Implications

Despite its benefits in industrial applications, the environmental fate of tolyltriazole is a growing concern. Its persistent nature means that when discharged into municipal wastewaters, tolyltriazole is often not adequately removed during wastewater treatment processes. Studies highlight that this compound is resistant to biodegradation, leading to its accumulation in raw and treated wastewaters and eventual entry into surface waters. Research indicates significant concentrations of tolyltriazole near airports, often a result of deicer and antifreeze usage, raising alarms about potential ecological impacts. For example, concentrations reaching 198 mg/L have been recorded in subsurface waters close to airports, showing the need for monitoring and regulating the levels of tolyltriazole in aquatic ecosystems. ¹

Monitoring and Research on Tolyltriazole

Research initiatives aimed at understanding tolyltriazole's prevalence in the environment have become crucial in recent years. Studies have successfully detected the compound in U.S. streams with findings indicating median concentrations of 0.39 µg/L and higher levels in untreated sewage. The persistence of tolyltriazole in effluents from wastewater treatment plants reveals a concerning trend, as the removal efficiency is relatively low due to tolyltriazole's high polarity and water solubility. Investigations in regions such as Switzerland further illustrate the widespread occurrence of tolyltriazole in water bodies, with concentrations ranging from 0.64 to 3.7 µg/L in river grab samples. These findings highlight the importance of comprehensive assessments and improvements in wastewater treatment methodologies to mitigate the release of tolyltriazole and protect aquatic environments from potential toxicity and ecological risks. ¹

Health Hazards

Introduction to Tolyltriazole and Its Effects on Human Health

Tolyltriazole is a corrosion inhibitor commonly used in various industrial applications, particularly within metalworking fluids. Recent studies have highlighted that exposure to tolyltriazole can lead to occupational rhinitis, a condition characterized by inflammation of the nasal mucous membranes. In a notable case, a worker developed symptoms such as rhinitis and headaches after coming into contact with metalworking fluids containing tolyltriazole. The symptoms manifested approximately eight hours post-exposure and persisted for an additional 24 hours, indicating a delayed reaction to the substance. With increasing use of tolyltriazole in various industrial settings, understanding its effects on human health is crucial for occupational safety. 2

Implications of Tolyltriazole Exposure in the Workplace

The implications of tolyltriazole exposure extend beyond immediate discomfort; they raise concerns about the long-term health effects on workers who handle such substances regularly. As demonstrated in the case study, occupational exposure to tolyltriazole resulted in significant symptoms that could hinder daily activities and affect overall quality of life. This raises important questions regarding safe usage limits and the necessity for protective measures in workplaces where tolyltriazole is present. Furthermore, as awareness of these adverse effects grows, it is essential for employers to implement monitoring and preventive strategies to minimize exposure to tolyltriazole, thereby safeguarding employees from potential health risks associated with chronic exposure to this chemical. ²

Reference

1. Giger W, Schaffner C, Kohler HP. Benzotriazole and tolyltriazole as aquatic contaminants. 1. Input and occurrence in rivers and lakes. Environ Sci Technol. 2006 Dec 1; 40(23): 7186-7192.

2. Graff P, Elmsjö L, Björkander J, Flodin U. Occupational rhinitis caused by tolyltriazole in metalworking fluids. Scand J Work Environ Health. 2008 Oct; 34(5):403-404.

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