Health hazard evaluation report: HETA-80-242-1106, Sterling Organics, Rensselaer, New York.
Authors
Baker-D; Fannick-N; Hills-B
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 80-242-1106, 1984 Jan; :1-8
Abstract
The incidence of dermatitis due to p-nitrobenzyl-bromide (100118) (PNB) exposure was investigated on September 30, 1980 at Sterling Organics (SIC-0286), Rensselaer, New York. The evaluation was requested by the International Chemical Workers Union on behalf of about 15 PNB production workers. Work practices and processes were evaluated, and wipe samples collected from various work surfaces were analyzed for PNB, p-nitrobenzyl-amine (7409305) (PNA), and p- nitrobenzyl-alcohol (619738). Workers were examined for dermatitis and medical records were reviewed. The washing agents used for removal of PNB from the skin were compared to the 2 percent ammonia in water solution used at the facility. Only one sample contained a detectable amount of p-nitrobenzyl-alcohol. None of the samples contained detectable amounts of PNB or PNA. None of the workers had dermatitis at the time of the study, and no cases had been reported since the company began spraying potentially contaminated surfaces with the ammonia solution. The three alternate solutions were not as effective as the ammonia solution in removing PNB from the skin. The authors conclude that PNB is an intense primary irritant and sensitizer; however, current engineering controls and work practices appear to provide adequate protection.
Keywords
NIOSH-Author; NIOSH-Health-Hazard-Evaluation; NIOSH-Technical-Assistance-Report; Hazards-Unconfirmed; Region-2; Chemical-industry-workers; Brominated-hydrocarbons; Dermatitis; Amines; Respiratory-irritants; Aromatic-amines; Mutagens; HETA-80-242-1106;
Author Keywords: Industrial Organic Chemicals; para-nitrobenzyl bromide; para-nitrobenzyl amine; contact dermatitis; respiratory irritation; mugagen
CAS No.
100-11-8; 7409-30-5; 619-73-8
Document Type
Field Studies; Hazard Evaluation and Technical Assistance
NTIS Accession No.
PB85-179232
Identifying No.
HETA-80-242-1106
Source Name
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
