Health-hazard evaluation report HETA 89-198-2133, Thombert, Inc. , Newton and Malcom, Iowa
In response to a request from the United Auto Workers Local 997, an investigation was made of possible hazardous working conditions at Thombert, Inc. (SIC-3089), in Newton and Malcom, Iowa. At the Newton facility, 41 production workers and 24 administrative and clerical workers were involved in receiving and machining cast metal wheels to specification with hand grinders and lathes. Urethane (51796) and phenolic resin boards were also machined at this facility. At the Malcom, facility the main operation was the manufacture of polyurethane plastic wheels and tires using 4,4'-diphenylmethane-diisocyanate (101688) (MDI). Pulmonary function tests were performed, and an exposure assessment was performed; medical records and OSHA logs were reviewed; and a phone survey of selected workers was conducted. The authors conclude that there was a health hazard from exposure of the worker at the Dynasolve/mold cleaning tank to 2-methoxyethanol (109864). A potential hazard existed from MDI exposure to workers filling the molds and from hot molds exiting the oven. Medical findings further confirmed that an isocyanate related occupational asthma hazard existed at the Newton facility between 1987 and 1988 and that some workers continue to be affected. A serious upper extremely cumulative trauma disorder was also noted at the Newton facility since 1985.
- Research Organization:
- National Inst. for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, OH (United States)
- OSTI ID:
- 5606697
- Report Number(s):
- PB-92-131663/XAB; HETA--89-198-2133
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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540120* -- Environment
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560300 -- Chemicals Metabolism & Toxicology
63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
AIR POLLUTION
ASTHMA
DISEASES
EPIDEMIOLOGY
HAZARDS
HEALTH HAZARDS
INDOOR AIR POLLUTION
INDUSTRIAL MEDICINE
ISOCYANATES
MATERIALS
MEDICINE
OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
ORGANIC POLYMERS
PERSONNEL
PETROCHEMICALS
PETROLEUM PRODUCTS
PLASTICS
POLLUTION
POLYAMIDES
POLYMERS
POLYURETHANES
RESPIRATORY SYSTEM DISEASES
SYNTHETIC MATERIALS
WORKING CONDITIONS