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Industrywide studies report: a walk-through survey of Griffiths Laboratories USA Inc., Union, New Jersey, and Microbiotrol Inc., Bound Brook, New Jersey.

Authors
Stayner L; Morawetz JS
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, IWS 67-34, YYYY MMM; :1-39
Link
NIOSHTIC No.
00154845
Abstract
A walk through survey of Griffiths Laboratories USA, Incorporated (SIC-2099), Union, New Jersey, and Microbiotrol Incorporated, Bound Brook, New Jersey, was conducted in September, 1984. The purpose of the survey was to determine the feasibility of including the facilities in a NIOSH industrywide mortality/industrial hygiene study of ethylene-oxide (75218). Ethylene-oxide, propylene-oxide (75569), or a 12 to 88 percent ethylene-oxide/freon mixture were used for sterilization. Ethylene-oxide exposures were fairly well controlled at the Union facility; however, significant exposures still existed for the retort and grinder operators. Data for the Bound Brook facility was limited, but indicated that isolating the treatment and aeration operations reduced exposures. Significant exposures still occurred, however, for the process operators and assistants. A review of personnel records indicated that the two facilities together could contribute about 795 person/years to the NIOSH study. The authors conclude that the two facilities should be included in the NIOSH study. Specific recommendations include installing double valves on the ethylene-oxide supply lines and relocating the local exhaust vent at the Union facility and reducing exposures of the process operators and assistants at the Bound Brook installation.
Keywords
NIOSH-Author; NIOSH-Survey; Field-Study; Laboratories; Exposure-limits; Analytical-models; Respirators; Emission-sources; Pulmonary-function; IWS-67-34; Region-2
CAS No.
75-21-8; 75-56-9
Document Type
Field Studies; Industry Wide
Fiscal Year
1985
NTIS Accession No.
PB86-192606
NTIS Price
A04
Identifying No.
IWS-67-34
NIOSH Division
DSHEFS
Priority Area
Respirators
SIC Code
2099
Source Name
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
State
NJ; OH
Page last reviewed: May 11, 2023
Content source: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Education and Information Division