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THE DOW CHEMICAL COMPANY
LOUISIANA DIVISION PLAOUEMINC. LOUISIANA
March 9, 1971
J. L. Ashford R. D. Bauder G. F. Beatty 5.$C. V. Dupuy \J/% A. Granler
J. H. McBunch 5C. W. Peavy L. L. Toler G. C. Wheeler
USE OF DUST MASK BY LABORERS
The attached letter from H. R. Hoyle of the Biochemical Research Lab in Midland points out levels of talc and PVC dust which might be considered harmful to persons working in such an area.
Extensive tests by R&D in cooperation with Joe Granier reveal that we have such a condition in our warehouse at certain times. When talc, PVC, or Nopak is being dumped into either the weigh feeder or the "Bar-B-Que Pit", levels of dust exceeding the limits outlined by Hoyle are present.
Effective immediately, all laborers (or operators) will be required to wear a respirator when dumping one of the dusty materials into either of the hoppers. I realize they will not like to do this, but they should be made to understand that it is in the interest of their own health. Signs will be posted in these areas as a reminder.
It should be added that this practice is already covered in the CPE Plant Safety Rules.
J. G. Barksdale CPE Plant
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DO 083714 CONFIDENTIAL
THE DOW CHEMICAL COMPANY
MIDLAND/ Michigan December 7, 1970
J. A. Granier, Jr. CPE Quality Control LOUISIANA DIVISION
cc: R. G. Vaughn, Louisiana Division A. M. Paradiso, Louisiana Division
If the Si02 present in your talc is all there as crystalline SiO_, the exposure of workmen must average, over the day, at less than 3.7 mppcf. In the information given me, you do not indicate how much total time during the day the concentration is above the 1 mppcf, nor what the concentrations above the 1 mppcf really measure. Therefore, I cannot answer positively whether the dust mask or other safety equipment would be required.
If, indeed, the time-weighted average is below 3.7 mppcf, then safety equipment would not be required. Even though the time-weighted average exposure is below 3.7 mppcf, I would suggest wearing approved dust respirators during the periods of peak exposure, if such practice does not impose too much of a problem on the man. Of course, if the average exposures are above 3.7 mppcf, we have no choice but to require a respirator, regardless of inconvenience.
The inhalation toxicity of fine particles of polyvinyl chloride has not been investigated. Although we can't say that PVC fine particles can be considered as a physiologically inert material on the basis of demonstrated fact, I feel that the chances are that this dust will offer less hazard than the talc dust which has been shown to contain SiO,. Concentrations in air on a weight by volume of air should not exceed 10 mg/m^.
Biochemical R search Laboratory 1701 Building MElrose 6-2377 (Area Code 517)
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