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Industrywide studies report of an in-depth industrial hygiene survey, Micro-Biotrol, Griffith Laboratories, Chicago, Illinois.

Authors
Elliott LJ; Greife A; Morawetz JS; Ringenburg V; Stayner L
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 67-28, 1986 Jul; :1-43
Link
NIOSHTIC No.
00163308
Abstract
An in depth industrial hygiene survey was conducted at the Micro- Biotrol Company (SIC-2099), Chicago, Illinois, to assess the extent of ethylene-oxide (75218) (EtO) exposure for workers. Micro-Biotrol is engaged in the contract treatment of spices and mixtures, including sterilization with EtO. Average EtO exposure levels ranged from less than 0.11 parts per million (ppm) to 4.03ppm during September, and increased to 12.13ppm during January with vessel operators experiencing the highest exposures. Short term exposure monitoring also depicted the potential for extremely high peak exposures of 6.9ppm to 444.8ppm. These exposure levels are all above OSHA and NIOSH standards. Although vessel operators wore air purifying respirators during some procedures, other personnel in the general area were not protected. No respirators were provided at this facility prior to 1984. The authors recommend that the company conduct personal exposure monitoring for EtO to assure exposure levels are below the standards. A comprehensive respirator fit testing, training, and maintenance program should be instituted if respirators are to be used in the future. The authors conclude that this company meets the requirements for the industrywide mortality and industrial hygiene study of workers potentially exposed to EtO in industrial sterilization processes.
Keywords
NIOSH-Author; NIOSH-Survey; Field-Study; IWS-67-28; Region-5; Ethylenes; Oxides; Carcinogens; Epidemiology; Solvents
CAS No.
75-21-8
Publication Date
19860701
Document Type
Field Studies; Industry Wide
Fiscal Year
1986
NTIS Accession No.
PB86-236114
NTIS Price
A04
Identifying No.
IWS-67-28
NIOSH Division
DSHEFS
SIC Code
2099
Source Name
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
State
IL; OH
Page last reviewed: May 11, 2023
Content source: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Education and Information Division