Authors
Zey-JN; Schloemer-JR; Singal-M
Source
NIOSH 1983 Nov:19 pages
Abstract
Worker exposures to hexane (110543) were investigated on November 24 to 26, 1980 at the Ralston Purina Company (SIC-2075), Soybean Division, in Bloomington, Illinois. The evaluation was requested by an unspecified individual on behalf of an unreported number of extraction operators and maintenance personnel concerned with hexane exposure during soybean processing. Air samples for hexane were collected in worker breathing zones and around the extraction equipment. Grab samples were also taken. Symptom questionnaires were administered to 27 workers. Personal air samples contained 4.4 to 13.2 parts per million (ppm) hexane, and area air samples contained 13.2 to 26.9ppm hexane. In the grab samples, hexane concentrations ranged from 100 to more than 3000ppm. The highest concentrations were found above a waste water tank. The operators and maintenance personnel frequently reported symptoms such as dizziness, giddiness, lightheadedness, sleepiness, nose and eye irritation, and headache. The operators also reported dry or irritated skin. The authors conclude that no hexane hazard existed at the time of this survey; however, the symptoms reported by the workers are consistent with acute hexane exposure. They recommend improvement of the respiratory protection program, evaluation of the confined space entry program, and inspection and repair of work equipment.
Keywords
NIOSH-Author; NIOSH-Health-Hazard-Evaluation; NIOSH-Technical-Assistance-Report; Hazards-Unconfirmed; Food-processing-industry; Region-5; Toxic-vapors; Skin-irritants; Industrial-chemicals; HETA-80-256-1386;
Document Type
Field Studies; Hazard Evaluation and Technical Assistance
NTIS Accession No.
PB85-179331
Identifying No.
HETA-80-256-1386
Source Name
Hazard Evaluations and Technical Assistance Branch, NIOSH, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Cincinnati, Ohio, Report No. HETA-80-256-1386, 19 pages, 11 references