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Industrywide studies report of an indepth survey at Dow Chemical U.S.A., Freeport, Texas.

Authors
Krishnan ER; Fajen JM; Roberts D
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 147-15, 1986 Feb; :1-33
Link
NIOSHTIC No.
00157533
Abstract
Environmental and breathing zone samples were analyzed for 1,3- butadiene (106990) at Dow Chemical USA (SIC-2869), Freeport, Texas in May, 1985. Company monitoring data was reviewed. Engineering controls were evaluated. The time weighted average 1,3-butadiene exposure across all job categories was less than 1.2 parts per million (ppm). The OSHA standard for 1,3-butadiene is 1,000ppm. Process technicians had the highest average exposure, 1.16ppm. A process technician performing bomb sampling in the process area had the highest short term (20 minute) exposure, 10.44ppm. The analytical data generally agreed with company monitoring data. Engineering controls consisted of fitting all pumps in the storage and recovery areas with dual mechanical seals, using on/line gas chromatographic or closed loop manual sampling systems for obtaining quality control samples, using local exhaust ventilation in the laboratories, and monitoring loading of 1,3-butadiene into rail tank cars with magnetic and slip tube gauges. The company required all employees to wear appropriate personal protective equipment. The authors conclude that 1,3-butadiene exposures at the facility are maintained below 2ppm. The NIOSH data agrees with company historical exposure data. They recommend modifying process values on the pumps and equipping all rail tank cars with magnetic gauges for monitoring filling operations.
Keywords
NIOSH-Author; NIOSH-Survey; Field-Study; Chemical-manufacturing-industry; Environmental-factors; Monitoring-systems; Exposure-levels; Sampling-methods; Chemical-properties; Region-6
CAS No.
106-99-0
Publication Date
19860227
Document Type
Field Studies; Industry Wide
Fiscal Year
1986
NTIS Accession No.
PB86-203502
NTIS Price
A04
Identifying No.
IWS-147-15
NIOSH Division
DSHEFS
SIC Code
2869
Source Name
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
State
TX; OH
Page last reviewed: September 2, 2020
Content source: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Education and Information Division