NIOSHTIC-2 Publications Search
Health hazard evaluation determination report: HHE-77-119-481, Houston Chemical Company, Beaumont, Texas.
Authors
White GL; Lybarger J
Source
Cincinnati, OH: U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, Public Health Service, Centers for Disease Control, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, HHE 77-119-481, 1978 Apr; :1-23
NIOSHTIC No.
00236846
Abstract
In response to a request from an authorized representative of employees at the Houston Chemical Company, Beaumont, Texas, an investigation was begun into possible hazardous working conditions at that site. The company was founded in 1961 and employed about 56 persons. Organic chemicals were produced on site including ethylene- dibromide (106934). The current EDB reactor was brought on line in 1977. General area samples and personal samples were tested for EDB and other airborne organic vapor contaminants. Medical evaluations were conducted for 24 workers and nine controls. Evidence indicated there was a potential exposure to EDB, but there was no evidence of testicular toxicity as monitored by sperm counting. The authors conclude that a health hazard did not exist at the time of the survey. It is recommended that strict adherence be given to personal hygiene and good work practices, that one person per shift be responsible for maintaining respirators, that management continue developing its industrial hygiene program, that management continue developing its health and safety education and awareness program, and that several courses be provided for health and safety personnel. The current medical program should be maintained along with special lead (7439921) surveillance programs.
Keywords
NIOSH-Author; NIOSH-Health-Hazard-Evaluation; HHE-77-119-481; Region-6; Hazard-Confirmed; Chemical-manufacturing-industry; Reproductive-system-disorders; Reproductive-hazards; Spermatogenesis; Organo-bromine-compounds; Chemical-industry-workers; Personal-protective-equipment; Respiratory-protection;
Author Keywords: Ethylene Dibromide; 1,2-Dibromoethane; EDB
CAS No.
106-93-4; 7439-92-1
Publication Date
19780401
Document Type
Field Studies; Health Hazard Evaluation
Fiscal Year
1978
NTIS Accession No.
PB-291672
NTIS Price
A03
Identifying No.
HHE-77-119-481
NIOSH Division
DSHEFS
Priority Area
Reproductive-system-disorders
Source Name
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
State
TX; OH
Page last reviewed: May 11, 2023
Content source:
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
Education and Information Division