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Title: Health hazard evaluation report HETA 84-058-1700, Hilton-Davis Chemical Company, Cincinnati, Ohio. [3-3'-dichlorobenzidine exposure]

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:6959360

The International Chemical Workers Union requested an evaluation of occupational exposures to suspect bladder carcinogens at Hilton Davis Chemical Company, Cincinnati, Ohio. Of about 30 workers in the Pigments Department, four were involved in handling 3,3'-dichlorobenzidine (DCB). Personal breathing-zone air samples, area air samples, forearm gauze-patch samples, and wipe samples from various surfaces were gathered. All four personal breathing-zone air samples and three of four area air samples contained low but detectable quantities of DCB. Seven of eight skin-gauze samples contained 0.2 to 3.7 micrograms/25 cm/sup 2/ and 19 of 26 wipe samples showed 0.4 to 2800 micrograms/100 cm/sup 2/. Low, but measurable, concentrations of DCB were present in the urine of workers who performed the DCB charging operation. The authors conclude that a potential health hazard existed due to exposure to DCB. The authors recommend that appropriate ventilation should be used in the charge room.

Research Organization:
National Inst. for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, OH (USA)
OSTI ID:
6959360
Report Number(s):
PB-87-105565/XAB; HETA-84-058-1700
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English