Authors
Methner MM; Page EH
Source
Cincinnati, OH: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, HHE 2015-0076-3282, 2017 Jun; :1-23
Abstract
The Health Hazard Evaluation Program received a union request about employees' exposures to silica during tank finishing operations, welding fume during tank fabrication, and methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI) during tank insulation using a spray foam application. We measured exposure to airborne crystalline silica, welding fume, and MDI, held medical interviews, administered medical questionnaires, and collected blood for biomarkers of isocyanate exposure and sensitization. We found overexposure to crystalline silica during brushing, tank and flue spraying, and mill room operations. Methylene diphenyl diisocyanate and welding emissions were below occupational exposure limits. Employees reported symptoms consistent with work-related asthma. Two employees had MDI-specific IgE, consistent with MDI asthma, in their blood. Five employees had MDI-specific IgG in their blood, indicating recent exposure to MDI despite the use of engineering controls and personal protective equipment. Some employees in foam booths cut slits in their Tyvek suit to aid in cooling, creating a potential for skin exposure to MDI. Some ventilation controls were either not working or were ineffective in containing airborne contaminants. Improvements in ventilation system design, use, and maintenance are needed. The employer should also begin a medical surveillance program for employees exposed to MDI and silica and provide training on the hazards of working with both.
Keywords
Region-5; Health effects; Manufacturing; Welders; Welding; Welding fumes; 4,4-Methylene diphenyl diisocyanate; Industrial processes; Spraying operations; Exposure assessment; Silica; Crystalline silica; Insulation materials; Medical surveys; Questionnaires; Isocyanates; Air sampling; Blood sampling; Biomarkers; Exposure levels; Occupational asthma; Respiratory sensitizers; Respiratory system disorders; Immunoglobulins; Antibodies; Air contaminants; Ventilation systems; Industrial design; Equipment maintenance; Equipment reliability; Medical monitoring; Training; Surveillance; Iron oxide dust and fume; Iron oxides; Manganese; Manganese compounds and fume; Metal dusts; Metal fumes; Metals; Asthma;
Author Keywords: Other Major Household Appliance Manufacturing; Crystalline silica; Welding Fume; Fume; Manganese; Iron Oxide; MDI; Methylene Bisphenyl Diisocyanate
CAS No.
7631-86-9; 14808-60-7; 101-68-8; 1309-37-1; 7439-96-5
Document Type
Field Studies; Health Hazard Evaluation
NTIS Accession No.
PB2017-102640
Identifying No.
HHE-2015-0076-3282
Source Name
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
