NIOSHTIC-2 Publications Search

Successful engineering controls for 1-, and 2-bromopropane exposures in spray adhesive applications.

Harney J; Mortimer V; Reh C

American Industrial Hygiene Conference and Exposition, June 1-6, 2002, San Diego, California. Fairfax, VA: American Industrial Hygiene Association, 2002 Jun; :63

20022455

NIOSH investigators conducted Health Hazard Evaluations at two companies that fabricate foam seat cushions. Historically, different solvent vehicles, such as methylene chloride and acetone have been used to fabricate cushions. 1-bromopropane (usually with residual amounts of 2-bromopropane present as a contaminant of refinement) has been used due to its favorable flammability properties (compared to acetone) and its potentially reduced toxicity hazard compared to methylene chloride. Because little information is available regarding the toxicological effects of this compound in humans, NIOSH has recommended that workplace exposures be lowered as much as possible. Methods: Full-shift exposures to 1-, and 2- bromopropane for spray booth operators were assessed both before and after local exhaust ventilation controls were improved at two plants. At the second plant, short-term (15 minute) exposures were also assessed before and after improvements to engineering controls were made. All air samples were analyzed according to a NIOSH Draft Method for 1-, and 2-bromopropane. In Plant #1, the construction of ventilation booths that enclosed each spray station resulted in a decrease in 1-bromopropane mean full-shift concentrations from over 160 ppm to below 30 ppm. In Plant #2, fully enclosing the already existing ventilated spray booths resulted in a similar decrease from 62 ppm to 22 ppm. Short-term samples with 1-bromopropane peaks as high as 174 ppm at Plant #1 were reduced to below 56 ppm. Exposures to 2-brompropane were decreased similarly. Personal exposures to I-bromopropane can be controlled in spray applications by using rather simple engineering control strategies.

Engineering-controls; Sprays; Adhesives; Exposure-levels; Hazards; Health-hazards; Workplace-studies; Air-samples; Sampling

106-94-5; 75-26-3; 75-09-2

20020601

Abstract

2002

DSHEFS

American Industrial Hygiene Conference and Exposition, June 1-6, 2002, San Diego, California

MA; OH; CA