Health-hazard evaluation report HETA 88-236-2090, Boston Globe, Boston, Massachusetts

Technical Report · Sat Dec 01 04:00:00 EST 1990

OSTI ID:5396617

Seitz, T A

In response to a request from a joint management/union committee at the Boston Globe (SIC-2711), a health hazard evaluation was conducted at both printing facilities of the company located in Dorchester and Billerica, Massachusetts concerning exposures to solvents and inks, and the occurrence of hematuria, bladder cancer, and respiratory, skin and neuropsychological complaints. Worker exposures to particulate material were quite low for pressmen and other press room employees working on the first deck. The areas by the folder where paper was cut had the highest particulate concentrations. Particulate samples appeared to consist primarily of paper dust, rather than ink mist. Concentrations of total naphthas were higher in air samples obtained during the make ready shift. The lack of glove use by some workers as well as the use of improper glove materials were deemed important factors in dermal exposures. The author concludes that there was a potential for significant dermal exposure to organic solvents, particularly glycol ethers. The author recommends the use of proper gloves, better techniques for cleaning equipment, institution of a formal respiratory protection program, better attention to personal hygiene and eating habits at the work site, vacuuming to remove dust from the cutters, improvements in the ceiling mounted exhaust system, repairing of some of the available safety equipment, and installation of local exhaust ventilation.

• Research Organization: National Inst. for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, OH (United States)
• OSTI ID: 5396617
• Report Number(s): PB-91-197467/XAB; HETA--88-236-2090
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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