HHE Report No. HETA-83-248-1515, ARCO Philadelphia Refinery, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Lewis-FA; Parrish-G

NIOSH 1984 Oct:8 pages

00144834

A bulk sample of fractionator residue was analyzed for polynuclear aromatic (PNA) compounds at the catalytic cracking unit of ARCO Philadelphia Refinery (SIC-2911), Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in May, 1983. The study was requested by the Atlantic Independent Union to determine if skin rashes and skin irritation occurring among refinery workers were caused by PNA in the fractionators. Twenty four workers were interviewed and skin examinations on 10 workers were performed. Seventeen PNA were identified in the bulk sample. Eight workers reported having skin rashes at some time during their employment at the cracking unit. Four workers had rashes that resembled contact dermatitis. The authors conclude that a health hazard from exposure to chemicals at the cracking unit may exist. No specific chemical agent can be identified. Dust from the catalyst and oily residues that could contaminate workers' shoes and clothing may have contributed to some of the dermatitis cases. Recommendations include laundering workers' coveralls by dry cleaning to insure the removal of oily residues, providing workers with oil resistant or oil proof work boots, and repairing the ventilator in the sample preparation room adjacent to the block house.

NIOSH-Author; NIOSH-Health-Hazard-Evaluation; NIOSH-Technical-Assistance-Report; Hazards-Confirmed; Petroleum-industry; Region-3; Polynuclear-aromatic-hydrocarbons; Petroleum; Skin-disorders; Dermatitis; HETA-83-248-1515;

19841001

Hazard Evaluation and Technical Assistance;

1985

PB85-208320

A02

HETA-83-248-1515

DSHEFS;

Dermatitis

2911;

Hazard Evaluations and Technical Assistance Branch, NIOSH, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Cincinnati, Ohio, Report No. HETA-83-248-1515, 8 pages, 15 references

PA; OH;