Health hazard evaluation report HETA 93-0448-2407, Thatcher Tubes, Division of Courtaulds US, Muscatine, Iowa

Technical Report · Tue Mar 01 04:00:00 EST 1994

OSTI ID:7145617

Parker, M G; Buchta, T M

In response to a request from the International Chemical Worker Union, an investigation was begun of exposure in the press area of the plastic tube department at Thatcher Tubes, Muscatine, Iowa, a division of Courtaulds US. The request has been prompted by worker complaints of skin and respiratory sensitization to emissions from the plastic tube printing and curing operations. The company manufactured plastic squeeze tubes, employing about 300 workers over three shifts. Ultraviolet (UV) cured inks were used in the press area. Levels of methyl-ethyl-ketone (MEK) were well below recommended limits, ranging from 7.2 to 18.5 parts per million (ppm). Levels of methyl isobutyl ketone (MIBK), ethanol, isopropanol, and tolune were also below the suggested limits. Ozone and trimethylolpropane triacrylate (TMPTA) were not detected. The authors conclude that no specific exposure in the UV coating process clearly accounted for reported symptoms.

• Research Organization: National Inst. for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, OH (United States)
• OSTI ID: 7145617
• Report Number(s): PB-94-187234/XAB; HETA--93-0448-2407
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
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63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
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