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Health hazard evaluation report: HETA-89-198-2133, Thombert, Inc., Newton and Malcom, Iowa.

Reh CM; Kiken S; Singal M

Cincinnati, OH: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, Centers for Disease Control, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, HETA 89-198-2133, 1991 Sep; :1-37

https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/hhe/reports/pdfs/1989-0198-2133.pdf

00202708

In response to a request from the United Auto Workers Local 997, an investigation was made of possible hazardous working conditions at Thombert, Inc. (SIC-3089), in Newton and Malcom, Iowa. At the Newton facility, 41 production workers and 24 administrative and clerical workers were involved in receiving and machining cast metal wheels to specification with hand grinders and lathes. Urethane (51796) and phenolic resin boards were also machined at this facility. At the Malcom, facility the main operation was the manufacture of polyurethane plastic wheels and tires using 4,4'- diphenylmethane-diisocyanate (101688) (MDI). Pulmonary function tests were performed, and an exposure assessment was performed; medical records and OSHA logs were reviewed; and a phone survey of selected workers was conducted. The authors conclude that there was a health hazard from exposure of the worker at the Dynasolve/mold cleaning tank to 2-methoxyethanol (109864). A potential hazard existed from MDI exposure to workers filling the molds and from hot molds exiting the oven. Medical findings further confirmed that an isocyanate related occupational asthma hazard existed at the Newton facility between 1987 and 1988 and that some workers continue to be affected. A serious upper extremely cumulative trauma disorder was also noted at the Newton facility since 1985.

NIOSH-Author; NIOSH-Health-Hazard-Evaluation; NIOSH-Technical-Assistance-Report; HETA-89-198-2133; Hazard-Confirmed; Region-7; Respiratory-system-disorders; Assembly-line-workers; Cumulative-trauma-disorders; Isocyanates; Occupational-exposure; Author Keywords: Plastic Products, Not Elsewhere Classified; isocyanate-related asthma; cumulative trauma disorder; CTD; carpal tunnel syndrome; thoracic outlet syndrome; 4,4'- diphenylmethane diisocyanate; MDI; 1,5-naphthalene diisocyanate; NDI; 2-methoxyethanol

51-79-6; 101-68-8; 109-86-4

19910901

Field Studies; Hazard Evaluation and Technical Assistance

1991

PB92-131663

A04

HETA-89-198-2133

DSHEFS

3089

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health

IA; OH