Health-hazard evaluation report HETA 83-156-1622, Leon Plastics, Grand Rapids, Michigan

Technical Report · Sun Sep 01 04:00:00 EDT 1985

OSTI ID:6155233

Ahrenholz, S H; Anderson, K E

Environmental and breathing-zone samples were analyzed for azodicarbonamide, benzene, styrene, and toluene at Leon Plastics, Grand Rapid, Michigan in March and May 1983, and March 1984. The evaluation was requested to investigate occupational exposures to chemical agents, particularly in the injection molding department. Sixteen employees were interviewed. Azodicarbonamide concentrations ranged from undetectable to 280 micrograms per cubic meter (microg/m/sup 3/) in May 1983, and from undetectable to 752 microg/m/sup 3/ in March 1984. There is no federal standard for azodicarbonamide. The concentrations of the other substances were below their relevant standards. Ammonia, styrene, and triphenylphosphate were identified as pyrolysis products above the azodicarbonamide presses. Symptoms of eye, nose and throat irritation, coughing, and wheezing were reported. Pulmonary-function test results could not be linked to azodicarbonamide exposures. The authors conclude that exposure to azodicarbonamide is the probable cause of the reported symptoms. Recommendations include using engineering controls and appropriate work practices to minimize exposure to azodicarbonamide.

• Research Organization: National Inst. for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, OH (USA)
• OSTI ID: 6155233
• Report Number(s): PB-89-143200/XAB; HETA-83-156-1622
• 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
ALKYLATED AROMATICS
AROMATICS
BENZENE
CONTROL EQUIPMENT
EQUIPMENT
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
HYDROCARBONS
INDOOR AIR POLLUTION
INDUSTRIAL MEDICINE
INDUSTRY
INSPECTION
MATERIALS
MEDICINE
OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
ORGANIC NITROGEN COMPOUNDS
PLASTICS INDUSTRY
POLLUTION
STYRENE
TOLUENE
TOXICITY