Health hazard evaluation determination report: HHE-77-32-459, Conalco, Hannibal, Ohio.
Source
Cincinnati, OH: U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, Public Health Service, Centers for Disease Control, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, HHE 77-32-459, 1978 Feb; :1-19
Abstract
Health hazards from exposure to aluminum (7429905), nickel (7440020), iron-oxide (1309371), freon (11126059), chlorine (7782505), oil mists, trichloroethylene (79016), tridecyl-alcohol (112709) (TDA), kerosene (8008206), welding fumes, formaldehyde (50000), and carbon-monoxide (630080) (CO) were investigated at Conalco (SIC-3356), Hannibal, Ohio in March, 1977. During a preliminary survey, CO, formaldehyde, and chlorine were measured. Dust samples were collected and data was gathered on workplace practices, materials, controls, and ventilation. During a follow up evaluation, personal breathing zone and environmental samples were taken in the cast house, rolling mill, and finishing and maintenance departments. Employee interviews were conducted and air flow measurements were made. Four of five welders examined during working hours showed concentrations of nickel in their breathing zone which exceeded the recommended standard of 0.015 milligrams per cubic meter with the highest being more than 5 times that concentration. CO measurements in two working areas exceeded the 35 parts per million recommended standard by 15 to 30 percent. Values for all other substances were below all standard criteria. TDA exposure was judged to be below toxic concentrations, although no standard had been established for this substance. Responses during the interview of 43 employees indicated few job related complaints except occasional overexposure to irritant vapors (ten cases). Other intermittent symptoms included shortness of breath in two cases and one each of facial dermatitis, dizziness, dermatitis, chest pains, and headache. Air velocities from 600 to 1200 flow per minute were recorded in the furnace and rolling mill areas due to open doors and windows. The author concludes that environmental concentrations of most contaminants were below NIOSH evaluation criteria. Engineering modifications are recommended to cope with the ventilation of certain areas, especially during seasons when the doors and window must be kept closed.
