Dust entry

Paraffin wax fume

Airborne fume associated with heated or otherwise thermally processed paraffin wax.

Airborne form

fume

The form describes what is suspended in air at the point of exposure. A material can produce more than one form, such as dust during handling and fume during heating.

Health effects

eye irritationskin irritationrespiratory-system irritationdiscomfortnausea

Evidence

The NIOSH Pocket Guide identifies paraffin wax fume as a distinct fume form, gives a 2 mg/m³ time-weighted-average REL, and reports eye, skin, and respiratory irritation with discomfort and nausea.

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Exposure Limits; Exposure Routes; Symptoms; Target Organs · 1

NIOSH REL TWA 2 mg/m³. Exposure Routes inhalation, skin and/or eye contact. Symptoms irritation eyes, skin, respiratory system; discomfort, nausea. Target Organs Eyes, skin, respiratory system.

Controls

enclose wax-heating processes
use local exhaust ventilation
exposure monitoring
protect skin and eyes
use appropriate respiratory protection where exposure assessment indicates it is needed