Cobalt is considered to be the chief component in the tungsten carbide mixture responsible for hard-metal disease. An animal inhalation study was undertaken simulating conditions under which these workers in the tungsten carbide industry are exposed to cobalt. In this semichronic study, miniature swine were exposed to an inhalation of pure cobalt metal powder at concentrations of 0.1% mg/m3 (present TLV) and 1.0 m/m3. At peroidic intervals, the following studies were performed: pulmonary function tests, electrocardiograms, x-ray examinations, blood and urine tests, electron microscopy, and light microscopic pathology. Early detection of pulmonary disease is apparent from the pulmonary function tests showing a mark decrease in lung compliance, and from electron microscopy showing an increase in the amount of septal collagen. This study demonstrates that the present TLV of 0.1 mg/3 for cobalt seems to be too high, even at this relatively brief duration of exposure.

Formaldehyde is a toxic gas and classed as an upper respiratory irritant. The gas possesses distinctive physiological properties causing symptoms familiar to many formaldehyde workers, such as: burning of the eyes, lacrimation, and general irritation of the upper respiratory passages. To demonstrate this toxic action of formaldehyde a study was conducted in embalming rooms of funeral homes to determine the concentration and its effect on the embalmers at this level. The control measures in these establishments were also evaluated and found to be inadequate in some respects. Paraformaldehyde powders were sized and found to contain a respirable fraction. The results of the study show that these workers verified the fact that formaldehyde is an irritant at levels that are below the present Threshold Limit Value.

Companies have achieved competitive advantage by expanding the boundaries of their concern beyond the product life‐cycle stage that they directly control. By using product stewardship and life‐cycle information, coupled with business analysis, companies can successfully outperform their competitors by improving their product or product system by reducing costs, increasing revenue, reducing liabilities, and enhancing their image. Life‐cycle information and its use within a product stewardship management framework goes beyond traditional life‐cycle applications. Used wisely, it can help companies establish a sustainable framework for long‐term success.

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A corporate-wide procedure is described which has been established to capture the necessary information under Subsection 8(e) of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) in a standard fashion and to assure that it is evaluated and processed within the designated limited time frame.