Health-hazard evaluation report HETA 87-392-2099, Loral Systems Group, Akron, Ohio

Technical Report · Fri Feb 01 00:00:00 EST 1991

OSTI ID:5227347

In response to a request from the International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America (UAW), an evaluation was undertaken of possible health hazards at the Loral Systems Group (SIC-3728) located in Akron, Ohio. Concern was voiced about possible asbestos (1332214) exposure. The company produces wheels and brakes for civilian and military aircraft and currently employs about 1560 persons at the Akron facility. At the time of the study there were about 2300 living retirees. The precise number who had worked in one of the four areas of particular interest was unkown. Of the 166 persons found eligible for inclusion in the health hazard evaluation (15 or more years of potential asbestos exposure in at least one of the four identified programs and still residing in Ohio), 129 participated in a medical evaluation consisting of a chest x-ray, pulmonary function test, and completion of a questionnaire to detail medical and prior work histories. Abnormal pulmonary function results were noted in 39 of these individuals of whom 30 demonstrated an obstructive pattern, three a restrictive pattern, and six both an obstructive and restrictive component. Nonsmoking participants were more likely to report chronic cough, chronic phlegm, and chronic bronchitis than comparisons.

• Research Organization: National Inst. for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, OH (United States)
• OSTI ID: 5227347
• Report Number(s): PB-91-212423/XAB; HETA-87-392-2099
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
ASBESTOS
HEALTH HAZARDS
INDUSTRIAL MEDICINE
INHALATION
OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE
OHIO
PERSONNEL
DEVELOPED COUNTRIES
FEDERAL REGION V
HAZARDS
INTAKE
MEDICINE
NORTH AMERICA
USA
560300* - Chemicals Metabolism & Toxicology