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Health-hazard evaluation report HETA 84-117-1696, Martin Marietta Michoud Operations, New Orleans, Louisiana. [Diphenylmethane-diisocyanate and solvents]

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:6907704

Workers at the Martin Marietta Michoud Operations Facility, New Orleans, Louisiana requested an evaluation of asthma and liver function test abnormalities among workers in the Thermal Protection System (TPS) insulation areas with potential exposures to diphenylmethane-diisocyanate (MDI) and solvents. Three cases of probable MDI-induced asthma were identified. There was no detectable group decline in one second forced expiratory volume associated with MDI exposure. In general, environmental levels of MDI in company records were below 25ppm. Respiratory protection was worn by operators and sprayers where MDI was present. In the final assembly area, 9 of 103 workers had abnormal serum liver enzyme concentrations. The authors conclude that it is probable that some employees developed asthma as a result of exposure to MDI. Recommendations were given.

Research Organization:
National Inst. for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, OH (USA)
OSTI ID:
6907704
Report Number(s):
PB-87-105557/XAB; HETA-84-117-1696
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English