Health-hazard evaluation report HETA 80-035-1635, Bofors-Nobel/Lakeway Corporation, Muskegon, Michigan

Technical Report · Fri Nov 01 04:00:00 EST 1985

OSTI ID:5432579

Handke, J L; Lee, S A; Patnode, R; Singal, M

Environmental and breathing-zone samples were analyzed for dichlorobenzidine, oryzalin, and dinitrochlorobenzene at Bofors/Nobel/Lakeway Corporation, Muskegon, Michigan in November, 1980, February, 1981, and August, 1982. The evaluation was requested by the union local to investigate dermatitis, possible reproductive effects, and reported bladder cancer cases among the employees. Thirty-six workers were interviewed by questionnaire. Medical records were reviewed. Urine samples were obtained before and after cleanup operations and analyzed for dichlorobenzidine. Breathing zone oryzalin and dichlorobenzidine concentrations averaged 28 and 0.9 microg/m/sup 3/ respectively. Full-shift skin exposures to dichlorobenzidine averaged 6.3 micrograms per 25 cm/sup 2/. Dichlorobenzidine surface contamination was found in the pack/out locker room; no dinitrochlorobenzene was detected. No adverse reproductive effects were reported. Fifty-three percent of workers with potential dinitrochlorobenzene exposure and 31% without exposure reported skin problems. Ten cases of bladder cancer, with a mean latency of 13.3 years, were documented. Before cleanup operations began, 68% of the exposed workers had detectable urinary dichlorobenzidine, after cleanup, this was reduced to 28%. The authors conclude that there is a hazard from dichlorobenzidine. Recommendations include improving housekeeping procedures and possibly modifying production procedures to reduce dinitrochlorobenzene exposure.

• Research Organization: National Inst. for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, OH (USA)
• OSTI ID: 5432579
• Report Number(s): PB-86-205739/XAB; HETA-80-035-1635
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

500200* -- Environment
Atmospheric-- Chemicals Monitoring & Transport-- (-1989)
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
552000 -- Public Health
99 GENERAL AND MISCELLANEOUS
AIR POLLUTION
CHEMICAL INDUSTRY
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
INDOOR AIR POLLUTION
INDUSTRIAL MEDICINE
INDUSTRY
INSPECTION
MATERIALS
MEDICINE
OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY
POLLUTION
SAFETY
TOXICITY