Analysis of exposure to styrene in the reinforced plastic boat-making industry
To evaluate patterns of occupational exposure to styrene monomer in the boat-building industry, the authors conducted industrial hygiene surveys in seven fiberglass-reinforced plastic boat-fabrication plants. A total of 397 personal breathing zone air samples were collected on workers in four key job categories: gel coating and hull, deck, and small-parts lamination. They found that exposure to styrene in 234 (59%) of the personal samples exceeded the NIOSH-recommended time-weighted average (TWA) standard of 50 parts per million (ppm), and 96 (24%) of these samples exceeded the OSHA eight-hour TWA permissible exposure limit of 100 ppm. Exposures in these jobs appear to be proportional to resin consumption. Statistical analyses indicated that the parameter that most affects exposure potential is job category. Within a job category, part size, configuration, and surface area are important determinants of exposure. The principal reason for high exposures was the absence of control technologies and, in particular, the absence of adequate ventilation.
- Research Organization:
- Centers for Disease Control, Cincinnati, OH
- OSTI ID:
- 6330454
- Journal Information:
- Am. J. Ind. Med.; (United States), Journal Name: Am. J. Ind. Med.; (United States) Vol. 3; ISSN AJIMD
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
ALKYLATED AROMATICS
AROMATICS
FABRICATION
FIBERGLASS
HAZARDS
HEALTH HAZARDS
HYDROCARBONS
MATERIALS
MAXIMUM PERMISSIBLE EXPOSURE
NATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
OCCUPATIONAL DISEASES
OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE
OCCUPATIONS
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
PERSONNEL
PETROCHEMICALS
PETROLEUM PRODUCTS
PLASTICS
SAFETY STANDARDS
SHIPS
STANDARDS
STYRENE
SYNTHETIC MATERIALS
US DOL
US ORGANIZATIONS
US OSHA
VENTILATION