NIOSHTIC-2 Publications Search

Health hazard evaluation report: GHE-80-169-1300, Mylan Pharmaceuticals, Morgantown, West Virginia.

Hanke WE; Patnode R

Morgantown, WV: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, Centers for Disease Control, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, GHE 80-169-1300, 1983 Apr; :1-27

https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/hhe/reports/pdfs/80-169-1300.pdf

00178924

In response to a request from the Oil, Chemical and Atomic Workers International Union, an evaluation was made of working conditions at the Mylan Pharmaceutical Company (SIC-2833), Morgantown, West Virginia. The company employees 225 persons in the manufacturing of specialty generic prescription drugs. Employees were concerned about asthma like respiratory symptoms, skin rashes, excessive urination, dizziness, drowsiness and depression. Possible exposures to penicillin (1406059) dust were evaluated. Production workers who had direct contact with the powdered material experienced airborne dust exposures ranging from 2.48 to 12.47 milligrams per cubic meter (mg/m3). Exposure for nonproduction workers averaged 0.12 to prevalence of attacks of shortness of breath with wheezing. A dose/response relationship was not found between the asthma/like symptoms and exposure to penicillin dust. No significant differences among the exposure groups was noted on pulmonary function testing; this may be explained partly by the use of bronchodilators during the work shift. A higher prevalence of dry, cracked skin was noted in the penicillin group than in the nonpenicillin group. The authors recommend that dust control measures be added to those already in place at the facility. Respirators should be worn by those involved in manual scooping of powders. Workers should undergo medical evaluations including a preplacement evaluation, annual checkups, and shift spirometry. Workers with decrements showing on the pulmonary function tests should be transferred to another division where dust exposure does not occur.

NIOSH-Author; NIOSH-Health-Hazard-Evaluation; NIOSH-Technical-Assistance-Report; GHE-80-169-1300; Region-3; Hazard-Confirmed; Pharmaceutical-industry; Dust-exposure; Airborne-particles; Skin-exposure; Pulmonary-system-disorders; Bronchial-asthma; Author Keywords: Drug Grading, Grinding and Milling; Penicillin; dermatitis; respiratory

1406-05-9

19830401

Field Studies; Health Hazard Evaluation

1983

PB84-210962

A03

GHE-80-169-1300

DRDS

2833

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health

WV