HHE Report No. HETA-82-289-1496, Schlegel Corporation, Rochester, New York.

Reed-LD; Lipscomb-J

NIOSH 1984 Apr:17 pages

00153398

Environmental and breathing zone samples were analyzed for stainless steel fibers and carbon (7440440) particulates at Schlegal Corporation (SIC-2299), Rochester, New York in October, 1982 and November, 1983. The survey was requested by a union representative to evaluate dermatitis and possible respiratory effects resulting from exposures during production of electrostatic brushes. Medical interviews were conducted with 22 employees in 1982 and 20 employees during the 1983 survey. Total airborne steel fiber concentrations ranged from 0.04 to 0.56 milligram per cubic meter (mg/m3) in the personal and 0.02 to 0.05mg/m3 in the environmental samples. Fiber counts were 0.01 to 0.04 fiber per cubic centimeter (cm3). Airborne carbon particles ranged from 0.14 to 0.31mg/m3 in the personal and less than 0.02 fiber/cm3. There are no federal standards for steel or carbon fibers. Eye, skin, and throat irritation and skin rash were the most frequently reported symptoms; the incidence of the symptoms increased in 1983. The authors conclude that inhaling carbon or stainless steel fibers probably does not pose a health risk. Recommendations include using personal protective equipment and properly maintaining the ventilation systems to reduce the incidence of eye and skin irritation.

NIOSH-Author; NIOSH-Health-Hazard-Evaluation; NIOSH-Technical-Assistance-Report; Hazards-Unconfirmed; Region-2; Textiles-industry; Workers; Fibrogenicity; Exposure-levels; Skin-sensitivity; HETA-82-289-1496;

7440-44-0;

19840401

Hazard Evaluation and Technical Assistance;

1984

PB86-141231

A03

HETA-82-289-1496

DSHEFS;

2299;

Hazard Evaluations and Technical Assistance Branch, NIOSH, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Cincinnati, Ohio, Report No. HETA-82-289-1496, 17 pages, 9 references

NY; OH;