HHE determination report no. HHE-81-028-1059, Consolidated Railroad Corporation, Incorporated, Reading, Pennsylvania.
Authors
Sepulveda-J; Piacitelli-L
Source
Morgantown, WV: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, Centers for Disease Control, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, HHE 81-028-1059, 1981 Nov; :1-9
Abstract
A health hazard evaluation and walk through survey of the Reading Car Shops, Consolidated Rail Corporation (SIC-4011), Reading, Pennsylvania was conducted in November, 1980 to evaluate deteriorated insulation on the hot water heating system and ceiling material, and to review three reported cases of malignant pleural mesothelioma in retired workers. The request was made by the International Association of Machinists. Bulk samples of the insulation and ceiling materials were analyzed. Clinical records, chest X-rays, and tissue specimens of the reported mesothelioma cases were examined. Asbestos (1332214) was found in the insulation of the power house boilers, headers, and benders, and in the heating mains of the freight car, passenger car, and wheel shops. The NIOSH standard for asbestos exposure is 0.1 fibers per cubic centimeter. Analysis of ceiling samples from the freight car shop showed the presence of hydrated calcium-sulfate (10124364). Review of the clinical records, chest X-rays, and tissue specimens confirmed all three cases of malignant pleural mesothelioma. These workers had a history of 36 years of employment at the facility. Recommendations include removal of insulation from the heating system. Employees with work experience prior to 1953 should be identified and screened by NIOSH for asbestos related pulmonary diseases.
Keywords
NIOSH-Author; NIOSH-Health-Hazard-Evaluation; Hazards-Confirmed; Railroad-industry; Region-3; Workers; Workplace-studies; Environmental-exposure; HHE-81-028-1059;
Author Keywords: insulation; gypsum; asbestos; pipe insulation
CAS No.
1332-21-4; 10124-36-4
Document Type
Field Studies; Health Hazard Evaluation
NTIS Accession No.
PB84-243047
Identifying No.
HHE-81-028-1059
Source Name
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
