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Title: Industrial hygiene walk-through survey report of the B. F. Goodrich Company, Louisville Facility, Louisville, Kentucky

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:5101408

A walk-through survey was conducted at the BF Goodrich Company, Louisville, Kentucky in August, 1985. The purpose of the survey was to obtain information on the nitrile rubber production process and evaluate the potential for exposure to 1,3-butadiene. Bulk samples of nitrile rubbers were analyzed for 1,3-butadiene. Company air-monitoring data was reviewed. Nitrile rubber was produced by a batch emulsion polymerization process utilizing acrylonitrile and 1,3-butadiene. The facility used single mechanical seals on pumps, dual mechanical seals on compressors, and magnetic gauges on tank cars to minimize exposure to 1,3-butadiene. Trace amounts, 0.04 to 0.2 nanograms per milligram, of 1,3-butadiene were found in the bulk samples. The geometric means of personal 1,3-butadiene exposures for all job categories over the preceding 6 years were below 2 parts per million. The company maintained personnel records on terminated, going back 30 years, as well as current employees. All employees received a pre-employment physical examination and each could obtain an annual physical. The authors conclude that the facility should be given an in-depth survey. The purpose of such a survey is to develop an exposure profile for all job categories associated with producing and distributing 1,3-butadiene-based products.

Research Organization:
National Inst. for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, OH (USA)
OSTI ID:
5101408
Report Number(s):
PB-86-223492/XAB; IWS-147.25
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English