CHAPTER 5
CONCLUSIONS
5.1
Conclusions
The following conclusions can be drawn from the study:

Drilling operations such as additive mixing with mixing hopper, setting of pipe at
the drill floor, manual handling of sack at the sack room and other related issues
can create the potential for exposure to drilling fluids.

The major health hazard associated with drilling fluids exposure is mainly through
inhalation, skin contact and oral exposure.

Good hygienic practices are necessary in controlling any residual risk to drilling
operators.

Monitoring and risk management processes are significant methods of minimizing
exposure to drilling fluid hazardous substances.
64
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70
GLOSSARY
Aerosol: Is a suspension of fine solid particles or liquid droplets in a gas.
Acute (Exposure): Exposure to a chemical for a duration of 14 days or less, as specified
in the Toxicological Profiles.
Acute nonlymphocytic leukemia (ANLL): Is a fast-moving cancer that affects the
myeloid white blood cells rather than the lymphoid white blood cells.
Anesthetic: A substance that causes lack of feeling or awareness
Barite: A dense mineral comprising barium sulfate [BaSO4]. Commonly used as a
weighting agent for all types of drilling fluids,
Carcinogen: A substance capable of causing cancer.
Carcinogenicity:The ability or tendency to produce cancer.
Chronic Exposure: Exposure to a chemical for 365 days or more, as specified in the
Toxicological Profiles.
Dermis: Is a layer of skin between the epidermis and subcutaneous tissues and is
composed of two layers, the papillary and reticular dermis.
Dermatitis: Inflammation of the skin, either due to direct contact with an irritating
substance, or to an allergic reaction.
Epidemiology: Refers to the investigation of factors that determine the frequency and
distribution of disease or other health related conditions within a defined human
population during a specified period.
Gait :The manner or way a person walks. Any disruption of the normal, rhythmic manner
of walking can be called a gait disturbance.
Hematology: Studies the red and white blood cells, their relative proportions and general
71
cell health, and the diseases that are caused by imbalances between them, notably
leukemia and anemia.
Haematopoiesis or hematopoiesis: Is the formation of blood cellular components.
Hepatic: This relates to the liver.
Hyperplasia (or "hypergenesis"): Is a general term referring to the proliferation of cells
within an organ or tissue beyond that which is ordinarily seen (e.g. constantly dividing
cells.
Immunological Effects: Are functional changes in the immune response.
Intermediate Exposure: Exposure to a chemical for a duration of 15-364 days, as
specified in the Toxicological Profiles.
Immunologic Toxicity:The occurrence of adverse effects on the immune system that may
result from exposure to environmental agents such as chemicals.
Incidence: The ratio of individuals in a population who develop a specified condition to
the total number of individuals in that population who could have developed that condition
in a specified time period.
Isobutyraldehyde: is both a naturally occuring chemical and is manufactured by man. In
pure form it is a colourless, flammable liquid which easily evaporates and has a very
strong odour.
Leukemia (British English: leukaemia): Is a cancer of the blood or bone marrow and is
characterized by an abnormal proliferation (production by multiplication) of blood cells,
usually white blood cells (leukocytes).
Lowest-Observed-Adverse-Effect Level (LOAEL):The lowest exposure level of
chemical in a study, or group of studies, that produces statistically or biologically
significant increases in frequency or severity of adverse effects between the exposed
72
population and its appropriate control.
Mist: Water or other liquid finely suspended in air; A layer of fine droplets or particles.
Minimal Risk Level (MRL): An estimate of daily human exposure to a hazardous
substance that is likely to be without an appreciable risk of adverse non-cancer health
effects over a specified route and duration of exposure.
Mud Additive: A material added to a drilling fluid to perform one or more specific
functions, such as a weighting agent, viscosifier or lubricant.
Neoplasm is an abnormal mass of tissue as a result of neoplasia.
Neoplasia (new growth in Greek): Is the abnormal proliferation of cells.
Neoplasm: it can be benign, potentially malignant (pre-caner), or malignant (cancer).
Neurotoxicity: The occurrence of adverse effects on the nervous system following
exposure to a chemical.
Narcosis: Depressed mental state, anywhere from confusion or drowsiness to coma.
Oedema: Swelling from excessive accumulation of watery fluid in cells, tissues, or serous
cavities
Ototoxicity is damage of the ear (oto), specifically the cochlea or auditory nerve and
sometimes the vestibulum, by a toxin (often medication)
Pulmonary: Having to do with the lungs.
Pneumonitis: Inflammation of the lungs; caused by a virus or an allergic reaction.
Renal: This refers to the kidney
Sentinel Event : As any unanticipated event in a healthcare setting resulting in death or
serious physical
73