Health hazard evaluation report: HETA-82-143-1165, Rocky Mountain News, Denver, Colorado.
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, HETA 82-143-1165, 1982 Aug; :1-9
Abstract
Potential health hazards from worker exposure to a polymer used in the platemaking department at the Rocky Mountain News (SIC-2711), Denver, Colorado, were investigated. The study was requested by the union and was performed on June 22, 1982. About 15 workers were employed in the platemaking department. Workers were interviewed and personal and area air samples were collected. All concentrations of methyl-methacrylate (80626), methylene-bisphenyl- isocyanate (101688), and toluene-2,4-diisocyanate (584849) were below detection limits. The distinct offensive odor of methyl- methacrylate, obvious even in small quantities, was not present. Two of 15 workers who worked in the vicinity where the polymer was used had symptoms that could be attributed to methyl-methacrylate exposure, namely dermatitis and hives. A small number of additional complaints consisted of tiredness, excessive sweating, and lightheadedness. The author concludes that a health hazard did not exist from exposure to the polymer. However, it was apparent that the workplace could become very hot and uncomfortable. Recommendations are made to install additional comfort ventilation.
Keywords
NIOSH-Author; NIOSH-Health-Hazard-Evaluation; NIOSH-Technical-Assistance-Report; Hazards-Unconfirmed; Newspapers; Printing-industry; Polymer-fumes; Air-sampling; HETA-82-143-1165; Region-8;
Author Keywords: Newspapers: Publishing, Publishing and Printing; Methylene Bisphenyl Isocyanate; MDI; Methyl Methacrylate; Phenol; Toluene-2,4-Diisocyanate; TDI; Newspaper Publishing
CAS No.
80-62-6; 101-68-8; 584-84-9
Document Type
Field Studies; Hazard Evaluation and Technical Assistance
NTIS Accession No.
PB84-149244
Identifying No.
HETA-82-143-1165
Source Name
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
