Mercury control technology assessment study, Cosan Chemical Corporation, Carlstadt, New Jersey.
Source
Cincinnati, OH: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, Centers for Disease Control, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, ECTB 109-19b, 1982 Sep; :1-29
Abstract
A survey was conducted to assess techniques used to control occupational exposure to mercury (7439976) (Hg) at the Cosan Chemical Corporation (SIC-2869), Carlstadt, New Jersey, in June 1982. Engineering controls which included an enclosed transfer system and scrubbers were generally effective in keeping Hg concentrations below the OSHA standard of 0.10 milligrams per cubic meter (mg/m3); however, Hg concentrations of 0.120 and 0.350mg/m3 were found in the reactor room where phenylmercuric-acetate (62384) (PMA) was manufactured. The reactor room used scrubbers which were apparently effective in reducing exposure from the filters and the mercuric-oxide (21908532) charging operation. The elevated Hg concentrations were evidently caused by emissions from undetected sources. The bagging room had PMA concentrations of approximately reducing PMA emissions, the bagging operation produced significant quantities of PMA. The author recommends that the reactor room be thoroughly cleaned and the sources of Hg vapor from the reactor and bagging operations be identified so that appropriate controls can be applied. Respirators should be used whenever the Hg vapor concentration approaches or exceeds the NIOSH limit of 0.05mg/m3.
Keywords
NIOSH-Author; NIOSH-Survey; NIOSH-Contract; Control-technology; Field-Study; Metal-industry-workers; Health-protection; Exposure-levels; Safety-measures; Employee-exposure; Industrial-chemicals; Heavy-metals; Region-2
CAS No.
7439-97-6; 62-38-4; 21908-53-2
Document Type
Field Studies; Control Technology
NTIS Accession No.
PB84-181676
Identifying No.
ECTB-109-19b; Contract-210-81-7107
Priority Area
Control-technology
Source Name
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
Performing Organization
Enviro Control Division, Dynamac Corporation, Rockville, Maryland
