Health hazard evaluation report: HETA-88-262-2209, Egg Harbor Yacht, Inc., Egg Harbor City, New Jersey.
Authors
Reh-CM; Petsonk-EL
Source
Morgantown, WV: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, Centers for Disease Control, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, HETA 88-262-2209, 1992 Apr; :1-30
Abstract
In response to a request from a group of employees at Egg Harbor Yacht, Inc. (SIC-3732), Egg Harbor, New Jersey, an investigation was made of respiratory complaints. The company manufactured fiberglass reinforced plastic boats, specializing in fishing and sporting yachts. There were approximately 200 hourly workers employed at the site. The hull, deck and some smaller boat parts were fabricated from polyester base resin, gel coat, and split strand glass fiber using hand or spray lay up techniques. The workers complained generally of respiratory symptoms. Over 78% of the measurements taken from the fiberglass molding area showed styrene (100425) concentrations above the NIOSH action level of 25 parts per million (ppm), with the average concentration being 46.8ppm. Of four breathing zone samples for total wood dust taken in the woodworking section, three were above the ACGIH threshold limit value of 1mg/m3. The authors conclude that a health hazard existed from exposures to styrene and wood dust and recommend exposure monitoring, engineering and administrative controls, personal protection, and medical monitoring as aids to correcting this situation.
Keywords
NIOSH-Author; NIOSH-Health-Hazard-Evaluation; NIOSH-Technical-Assistance-Report; HETA-88-262-2209; Region-2; Hazard-Confirmed; Fiberglass-industry; Airborne-dusts; Wood-dusts; Styrene-resins; Boat-manufacturing-industry; Occupational-exposure;
Document Type
Field Studies; Hazard Evaluation and Technical Assistance
NTIS Accession No.
PB92-221399
Identifying No.
HETA-88-262-2209
Source Name
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health