Health hazard evaluation report: HETA-81-409-1290, The Donaldson Company, Incorporated, Dixon, Illinois.
Authors
Moody-PL; Kramkowski-R; Keyserling-M
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 81-409-1290, 1983 Apr; :1-25
Abstract
Reports of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) and possible polyneuropathy among employees at Donaldson Company, Incorporated (SIC-3714), Dixon, Illinois were evaluated in August, 1981 and January and February, 1982. Evaluation was requested by Teamsters Local 455. A detailed ergonomic evaluation was conducted followed by air sampling for perchloroethylene (127184) (PCE), vinyl-chloride (75014) (VC), and freons. Company medical records of CTS cases over a 5 year period were reviewed. A medical survey of current employees was also conducted. A VC concentration of 0.29 parts per million (ppm) was found in an area sample which was lower than the NIOSH recommended ceiling. Air concentrations of individual freons ranged from 4.2 to 7.4ppm which were considerably below OSHA standards. Three hour time weighted average air concentrations ranged from 12.6 to 76.2ppm; 15 minute ceiling concentrations were 14.2 to 103.1ppm. Eighteen cases of CTS were diagnosed during the 5 year medical record review. The medical survey suggested CTS symptoms in 92 of 96 current employees; 6 reported numbness or tingling in the feet. Work practices in several departments which might induce or exacerbate CTS were identified. The investigators conclude that a potential health hazard from exposure to airborne PCE exists and recommend changes in work practices and tool design.
Keywords
NIOSH-Author; NIOSH-Health-Hazard-Evaluation; NIOSH-Technical-Assistance-Report; Hazards-Confirmed; Region-5; Air-sampling; Case-studies; Worker-health; Industrial-hygiene; HETA-81-409-1290;
Author Keywords: Motor Vehicle Parts and Accessories Manufacturing; Carpal Tunnel Syndrome; Ergonomics; Sensory Neuropathy; N-Hexane; Perchloroethylene; Vinyl Chloride; Freon
Document Type
Field Studies; Hazard Evaluation and Technical Assistance
NTIS Accession No.
PB84-209758
Identifying No.
HETA-81-409-1290
Source Name
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
