Health hazard evaluation report HETA 85-308-1829, Kardon Industries, St. Paris, Ohio

Technical Report · Tue Sep 01 00:00:00 EDT 1987

OSTI ID:5413305

Zey, J N; Todd, W F

In response to a request by the factory manager and United Paperworkers Union local 1467 to investigate employee complaints of headaches and eye and throat irritation associated with operation of hand and automatic wax lines, an evaluation was made at Kardon Industries Composite Can and Tube Division, St. Paris, Ohio. The study focused on an amorphous polypropylene wax used on wax lines along with air samples for organic vapors, aldehydes, ketones, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide. Relatively low levels of several hydrocarbons were found, with n-hexane present in highest concentrations relative to occupational hygiene criteria, being measured at 28.7mg/m3. While no furfural was detected, all samples contained formaldehyde and acetaldehyde. Both aldehydes were also detected as decomposition products of the wax. The supplier of the wax stated that it gave off ketones, aldehydes, and eventually carboxylic acids when it was heated. Employees reported symptoms of headache, burning eyes, throat and nose irritation, dizziness, and an altered sense of taste and nausea. Aldehydes were considered to be the causative agents of these conditions.

• Research Organization: National Inst. for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, OH (USA)
• OSTI ID: 5413305
• Report Number(s): PB-88-162656/XAB; HETA-85-308-1829
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
99 GENERAL AND MISCELLANEOUS//MATHEMATICS, COMPUTING, AND INFORMATION SCIENCE
ALDEHYDES
INDOOR AIR POLLUTION
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE
PAPER INDUSTRY
POLYPROPYLENE
WAXES
COATINGS
INDUSTRIAL MEDICINE
INSPECTION
POLYMERS
TOXICITY
VENTILATION
AIR POLLUTION
INDUSTRY
MATERIALS
MEDICINE
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
ORGANIC POLYMERS
OTHER ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
POLLUTION
POLYOLEFINS
WOOD PRODUCTS INDUSTRY
500200* - Environment
Atmospheric- Chemicals Monitoring & Transport- (-1989)
552000 - Public Health