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Health hazard evaluation report: evaluation of styrene and dust exposures and health effects during fiberglass-reinforced wind turbine blade manufacturing.

Authors
Harney JM; McCague A-B; Cummings KJ; Cox-Ganser J
Source
Cincinnati, OH: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, HHE 2013-0056-3256, 2016 Aug; :1-67
Link
https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/hhe/reports/pdfs/2013-0056-3256.pdf
NIOSHTIC No.
20048510
Abstract
Managers at plant making wind turbine blades asked us to assess exposures to styrene and dust. We also evaluated employees' visual and respiratory health. Employees doing cut and trim tasks were exposed to styrene above exposure limits. Employees doing these tasks inside the blade also exceeded the OSHA limit for dust even though they used powered hand tools with local exhaust ventilation. Employees overexposed to airborne styrene or dust wore respiratory protection. Other plant employees did not always wear respirators when needed. In some cases, respirators were not stored away from contamination. Urinary styrene metabolites were lower than exposure limits. Employees had more color blindness than expected. Contrast vision problems were related to current and long-term styrene exposure. Employees exposed to higher levels of styrene had more breathing problems than expected. We recommended changes to the blade manufacturing process to reduce styrene exposures. For annual employee medical exams, we recommended vision testing and spirometry.
Keywords
Green jobs; Styrene resins; Styrene; Dusts; Fibrous dusts; Fibrous glass; Fibrous glass dust; Eye disorders; Vision disorders; Visual perception; Author Keywords: All Other Plastics Manufacturing; North Dakota; styrene; dust; visual contrast; respiratory; green energy; fiberglass; resin; color blindness
CAS No.
100-42-5
Publication Date
20160801
Document Type
Field Studies; Health Hazard Evaluation
Fiscal Year
2016
NTIS Accession No.
PB2016-104189
NTIS Price
A05
Identifying No.
HHE-2013-0056-3256
NIOSH Division
DSHEFS; RHD
Priority Area
Services
SIC Code
NAICS-326199
Source Name
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
State
ND; OH; WV
Page last reviewed: May 11, 2023
Content source: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Education and Information Division