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U.S. Department of Energy
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Health-hazard evaluation report HETA 87-350-2084, Trailmobile, Inc. , Charleston, Illinois

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:5230958

In response to a request from the Allied Industrial Workers of America, a health hazard evaluation was conducted at Trailmobile, Inc., (SIC-3715), Charleston, Illinois concerning exposure to chemicals used in the foaming areas and the spray painting areas of the facility. The firm was a large scale manufacturer of tractor trailers, including reefers. Time weighted average, personal breathing zone exposure monitoring was performed on workers in the foaming areas. Exposures to 4,4{prime}-diphenylmethane-diisocyanate (101688) (MDI) and MDI prepolymer were detected and although the exposure to MDI was below the NIOSH recommended exposure limit of 50 micrograms/cubic meter, symptoms compatible with isocyanate induced asthma and immunologic reactions were noted in some of the workers. Methylene-chloride (75092) exposures ranged from 1.3 to 5.1 parts per million. Workers in the painting area were exposed to low levels of hydrocarbons. Many of the painters had paint on their skin. The authors conclude that a health hazard did exist through exposure to MDI and MDI prepolymer in the foaming areas. The authors recommend protecting workers from exposures, preventing all skin contact with paint, and eliminating eating, drinking, and smoking in all work areas.

Research Organization:
National Inst. for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, OH (United States)
OSTI ID:
5230958
Report Number(s):
PB-91-197442/XAB; HETA--87-350-2084
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English