Health hazard evaluation report: HETA-83-248-1515, ARCO Philadelphia Refinery, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Authors
Lewis FA; Parrish G
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 83-248-1515, 1984 Oct; :1-8
Abstract
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.
Keywords
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;
Author Keywords: Petroleum Refining; Petroleum Refining; Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons; Dermatitis; Skin Rashes; Skin Irritation; Fluid Catalytic Cracking Unit
Document Type
Field Studies; Hazard Evaluation and Technical Assistance
NTIS Accession No.
PB85-208320
Identifying No.
HETA-83-248-1515
Source Name
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
