Occupational hazard assessment: coal liquefaction. Volume I - summary

Technical Report · Sun Mar 01 04:00:00 EST 1981

OSTI ID:5488647

The coal liquefaction process converts coal into hydrocarbon products. In doing so, it both uses and produces toxicants potentially hazardous to worker health. The toxicants are varied, ranging from simple chemicals to complex mixtures or organic carcinogens. The possible health effects are also varied. Animal studies have demonstrated that some of the process chemicals have produced tumors at the site of application. Some workers may be exposed by inhalation of gases, vapors, or airborne particles, skin contact with airborne material, contact with contaminated surfaces, or accidental ingestion. Some of these same chemicals have caused severe long-term effects such as skin and lung cancer in workers in similar industries. Other potential adverse health effects may include fatal poisoning from inhalation, severe respiratory irritation, and chemical burns. Fires and explosions can also occur. This document is designed to provide information that can be used to guard against these potential adverse health effects. Measures such as engineering controls, specific work practices, personal protective equipment, medical surveillance and exposure monitoring, recordkeeping, and emergency plans and procedures are recommended.

• Research Organization: National Inst. for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, OH (USA)
• OSTI ID: 5488647
• Report Number(s): PB-81-242877
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

01 COAL, LIGNITE, AND PEAT
010405 -- Coal
Lignite
& Peat-- Hydrogenation & Liquefaction
016000* -- Coal
Lignite
& Peat-- Health & Safety
AIR POLLUTION
CARCINOGENS
CLOTHING
COAL LIQUEFACTION
CONTROL
FLUIDS
GASES
HAZARDS
HEALTH HAZARDS
INDUSTRIAL MEDICINE
LIQUEFACTION
MATERIALS
MEDICINE
POLLUTION
PROTECTIVE CLOTHING
SURVEILLANCE
THERMOCHEMICAL PROCESSES
TOXIC MATERIALS
VAPORS