Document 3enJN9bRgjydamKgZq6vxNmQa

FILE NAME: Kentile (KEN) DATE: 1979 Sept DOC#: KEN016 DOCUMENT DESCRIPTION: Report - NIOSH Hazard Evaluation and Technical Assistance for Kentile Floors U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, EDUCATION,AND WELFARE CENTER FOR DISEASE CONTROL NATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AMD HEALTH CINCINNATI, OHIO 45226 HAZARD EVALUATION AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE REPORT NO. HE 78-73-612 TOXICITY DETERMINATION KENTILE FLOORS, INC. . CHICAGO, ILLINOIS SEPTEMBER 1979 A survey team for the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) performed a health hazard evaluation at Kentile Floors Inc., Chicago, Illinois on June 26-27 and August 19-22, 1978, to evaluate alleged worker exposure to asbestos, polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PNA), vinyl chloride monomer, talc, alpha methyl styrene, and numerous organic and inorganic dyes and pigments. The methodology used to evaluate the workers' environment included: (1) environmental air sampling, (2) a review of materials inventory and the material safety data sheets, (3) a review of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) data collected during previous visits, (4) medical interviews and evaluations of workers, (5) a review of employees' health records, [6) a review of pertinent scientific literature, (7) a review of the company's respirator program, and (8) observations of employees' work practices and engineering controls. Environmental air samples and bulk samples were collected and analyzed for the following contaminants (see Tables: I'-VIb carbon black., PNA'"S (benzo(a)pyrene, anthracene, phenanthrene, pyrene, chrysene, benzenesoluble fraction), mineral spirits, benzene, asbestos, total dust, lead, and total chromium. Asbestos was the only contaminant found to exceed a NIOSH recommended criteria. Eight of thirty asbestos samples exceeded the NIOSH recommended criteria of 0.10 fibers per cubic centimeter of air. No cases of asbestosis were documented a.,iony LNc yast. anu present workers at this plant. Of the three authenticated cases of cancer revealed in this investigation, only one should possibly be regarded as being of occupational origin. Since this cancer has a lengthy latent period, i.e., the amount of time-elapsing between exposure to occupational carcinogen(s) and the development of a tumor, one cannot be sure in this case what the causative agent(s) could be, as prior to his first employment at this plant, the man worked in an industry associated with the development of respiratory-tract cancers. Page 2 - Hazard Evaluation and Technical Assistance Report No. 78-73 II. DISTRIBTUIQN AND AVAILABILITY-OF DETERMINATION REPORT Copies of this Determination Report are currently available upon request from NIDSH Division of Technical Services, Information Resources and Dissemination Section, 4676 Columbia Parkway, Cincinnati, Ohio 45226. After 90 days the report will be available through the National Technical Information Services (NTIS), Springfield, Virginia. Information re garding its availability through NTIS can be obtained from NIOSH publica tions office at the Cincinnati address. Copies of this report have been sent to the following: A. Kentile Floors, Inc., Chicago, Illinois B. Authorized representatives of tha United Rubber Workers (URW) Local No. 505, Chicago, Illinois C. International Union.of URW, Akron, Ohio D. NIOSH - Region V E. U.S. Department of Labor - Region V For the purpose of informing the approximately 50 "affected employees", the employer shall promptly "post" for a period of 30 calendar days, the Determination Report in a prominent place(s) near where the exposed employees work. III. INTRODUCTION Section 20(a)(6) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, 29 U.S.C. 669(a)(6) authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare, following a written request by an employer or authorized represen tative of employees, to determine whether any substance normally found in the place of employment has potentially toxic effects in such concentra tions as used or found. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health received such a request from an authorized representative of employees. The request alleged that personnel were exposed to materials used in the production of vinyl asbestos and asphalt asbestos floor covering. Furthermore, "the 0SHA industrial hygiene survey verified exposures to asbestos, benzo(a)pyrene, coal tar pitch volatiles and chrysene." Malignant tumors of various types were -reported by the local union to the Inter national Union and/or 0SHA investigator. However, Information associated with these reports seemed sketchy and warranted further investigation. IV. HEALTH HAZARD EVALUATION , A . Process Description and Evaluation . ; Kentile Floors Inc. is a manufacturer of.vinyl asbestos and asphalt asbestos floor covering. The company employs 300 workers Page 3 - Hazard Evaluation and Technical Assistance Report No. 78-73 of whom approximately 250 are factory workers. The employees work one of two shifts (7:00 am - 4:30 pm or 4:30 pm - 2:00 am) nine hours per day, five days per week. The maintenance department works on Saturdays in order to perform routine equipment maintenance and . repairs. The company performs environmental air sampling for asbestos, total dust, etc. However, the frequency of monitoring was not determi ned. The areas evaluated were the process room, the recycling process and the ink mixing operation. All personnel assigned to the process room or recycling operation are assigned separate lockers for clean and dirty clothes. Additionally, workers are required to wear the following protective equipment:' coveralls, respirator and safety shoes. Employees are relieved from duty ten minutes before the end of their shift in order to shower; however, showers are not mandatory. Workers in the process room or the recycling area are each assigned two respirators. At the end of each shift, the dirty respirators are collected by the supervisor for daily cleaning. Two employees disassemble each respirator and hand-clean them according to requirements described in the respiratory guide supplied with the respirators. The units are air-dried, assembled with new filters, and returned to their respective owners at the beginning of their shift. 1. Process Room In the process room, located in Building 2, chemical weighing and mixing is accomplished. There are two tile lines (#5 and #7) and a mottling or decorative tile line (#6) which are very similar operations. All three lines are operated by 20 workers during the day shift, whereas the second shift (10 workers) operates only one production line. The.materials are normally stored in the warehouse and trans ported to the process room, via fork lifts, as needed. Inadver tent chemical spills are normally vacuum cleaned. Lines #5, #6 and #7 utilize a hopper car and a conveyor system for transporting chemicals from the scales to the * B a n b u r y mixer. The pigment operator measures the required quantities of pigments (from.bulk materials) at a booth which has slot ventilation. The pigment is placed in a plastic bag and dropped into the hopper car. The hopper proceeds to the first of two scales, both of which have canopy exhaust ventilation, where the resin scale operator places a bag of asbestos onto a horizontal chute, splits it in Jpoth directions and pushes the bag into the hopper. Two additional chemicals are automatically *Mention of commercial names or products does not constitute endorsement by NIOSH Page 4 - Hazard Evaluation and Technical Assistance Report No. 78-73 metered and conveyed to th hopper. The hopper car 1s trans ferred to the second scale operator who loads the hopper with scrap tile. It should be noted that the scale operators switch positions every four hours. The hopper car is then conveyed to the Banbury mixer where the operator dumps the hopper load into one of two mixers inlet chute which are alternately charged and dumped onto a conveyor belt below. In addition, the mixer operator triggers a switch which dumps the other chemicals (plasticizer, limestone, polyvinyl chloride pellets, scrap tiles, and water) into the inlet chute. The materials are mixed for the prescribed time; afterwhich, the load is released through the discharge chute. The mixture, when released, is hot (160-300F) due to frictional mixing. The mixture is subsequently conveyed to the mills to be gauged, colored, waxed, polished, cut and packed. The mottle, once gauged, is crushed and added to the vinyl asbestos tile. Building 2 occupies about 4,500 square feet (ft^) with an average ceiling height of about 25 feet. The entire ventilation system is purged through a bag house where the dust is collected, bagged and identified with a tag indicating asbestos dust. The exhaust system operates at 48,000 cubic feet per minute (cfm). The make-up air unit operates at 90,000 cfm. This make-up air is primarily used to cool the hot running machines. The pigment scale operators' booth has slot ventilation (42 x 1 inch) which operates at about 50 feet per minute (fpm). Each of the hopper scales have canopy exhausts which are enclosed on two sides and have curtains on two sides to increase exhaust efficiency. The system was designed to exhaust air away from the worker at a rate of 150 fpm when the hopper car is in place. Both Banbury machines for each of the three lines have two adjacent slot exhaust ducts at the chute entrance and one exhaust duct within the mixer. The exhaust duct at the chute entrance is designed to operate at 200-300 cfm per square foot of open face area. . 2. Recycling Process The recycling process, located on the second floor above the process room, is operated by two workers, one employee is the utility man/Banbury relief man and the other employee monitors the conveyor belts which transport scrap tile chips to the Banbury machine. The conveyor system occasionally becomes over loaded with scrap, thus requiring the operator to divert some of the scrap material into 55 ga11On drums for temporary storage. Page 5 - Hazard Evaluation and Technical Assistance Report No. 78-73 As the conveyor supply of 'scrap tile diminishes, the operator empties the drums of scrap tile back onto the conveyor belts. Also, the operator transports drums of scrap to and from the warehouse. The exhaust ventilation for the recycling line consists of. an open duct which returns room air to the roof. 3. Ink Mixing Room One employee spends 15-20 minutes per day in the ink mixing room (300 f t S preparing formulations. The room contains drums of ink and mineral spirits. Although the room has no exhaust ventilation, there is a wall-mounted air conditioner which the worker uses at his discretion. Also, the worker leaves the large entrance door open whenever he works in the room because of the strong odors. The ink formulation consists of mixing inks and mineral spirits to obtain the desired color and consistency which is optically compared to the standard. Once the mixing is complete, the worker leaves this room for the rest of the day. B. Evaluation Desiqn/Methods 1. Evironmental/Medical Survey On June 27, 1978, an initial environmental/medical survey was conducted. After the opening conference, a walk through inspection was made with both management and labor representatives. The entire plant was visited so that the NIOSH representatives would better understand the general operation. The specific departments identified as being potentially hazardous were the ink room, process room, mill room, and the recycling room. 2. Environmental Air Sampling Personnel and area samples were used to evaluate employee exposure. The personnel samples were attached to the workers1 shire collar m order to characterize a breathing zone sample. The area samples were 1.0 feet to 3.0 feet from the workers' breathing zone. Each of the sampling data tables .include information denoting the types of samples collet ted. Carbon Black Carbon black dust samples,were collected with mine safety appliance (MSA/Model G battery operated personnel sampling Page 6 - Hea/Ith Hazard Evaluation and Technical Assistance Report No. 78-73 pumps. A known volume of air is drawn through a casette containing a tared 37 millimeter (mm) diameter 2.0 micrometer (urn) pore size polyvinyl chloride (PVC) filter (type FWSB). The pump flow.rates were calibrated daily and operated at 1.5 . . liters per minute to collect 2 four-hour samples. The analytical method consists of weighing the filter in a clean tared crucible. The crucible and filter were placed in a muffle furnace and the filter was ashed by gradually raising the temperature to 800C. After ashing, the crucibles were re-weighed. The loss on ignition represents the weight of the filter plus the carbon black contained in the sample. Benzene-Soluble Fraction and Polynuclear Aromatic Hydrocarbons Collection of these two contaminants is accomplished by using a MSA pump in conjunction with a sampling cassette containing a 37-mm diameter/0.8 urn pore size glass fiber silver membrane filter. The sampling train (pump and filter) is calibrated daily and operated at 1.5 1pm for about eight hours. Benzene-Soluble Fraction The samples were analyzed by NIOSH Physical and Chemical Method #217 (P&CAM). The particulate matter on the filters was extracted with benzene ultrasonically. After extraction, the benzene solution was filtered and evaporated to 1.0 milliliter (ml). An aliquot was evaporated in a tared Teflon boat; the weight gain is due to the benzene soluble residue in one-half the sample. PNA The samples were analyzed-by reverse-phase high pressure liquid chromatography. Analytical procedures involve the application of a methanol/water solvent gradient. The ultraviolet detector scans the sample at 365 nanometers (nm) and 280 nm simultaneously, which aids in compound identification. (P&CAM 206 modified technique) . Identification of specific peaks in the chromatograms derived from the samples were compared with those of known standard compounds. The limits of detection listed in Table II apply to a 1.0 microliter (ul) injection from a 1.0 ml sample. The detection limits are different because all samples were analyzed using a large injection volume to increase sensitivity. The reported limit of detection may vary between samples due to injecting different sample volumes. Page 7 - hazard Evaluation and Technical Assistance Report No. 78-73 , Solvents (Mineral Spirits and Benzene) A sampling train consisting of a S1pin'&r) vacuum pump and a 150 milligram activated charcoal tube is used to collect a known volume of air. A1r contaminants are adsorbed to the charcoal grains and later analyzed. The charcoal tubes, which have two sections, are separately desorbed in 1.0 ml of carbon disulfide containing dodecane as an internal standard and analyzed by gas chromatography with a flame ionization detector according to NIOSH method #127 (modified). Asbestos The samples were collected using a sampling train with a three piece cassette, 37-mm diameter/0.8 urn pore size mixed cellulose membrane filter (type AA). The filter is sampled open face in order to assure even dispersal of fibers on the filter. The pump was calibrated daily and operated at 1.5 1pm for a pre determined time. The sample was later analyzed by NIOSH method P&CAM #239 utilizing phase contrast microscopy. Nuisance Dust A personal sampling train with a tared 37-mm diameter/5.0 urn pore size, tared polyvinyl chloride filter (type FWSB) or its equivalent was used to collect nuisance dust. The pump was operated at 1.5 1pm for the prescribed time or until the filter appeared to be overloading with dust particulate. The filter was subsequently analyzed gravimetrically according to NIOSH method #29. The weight of the sample was determined by subtracting the tare weight from the total weight. Lead and Total Chromium These metals were collected by drawing air through a 37-mm diameter/0.8 urn pore size mixed cellulose ester membrane filter (type DM-800) with an MSA model G pump. The filter ^ analyses consisted of ashing .the filters with nitric acid and perchloric acid and subsequently analyzing tne solution by atomic absorption.spectrophotometry (NIOSH method #173). 3. Medical . On June 26, 1978 the physician examined all the medical information which OSHA officers had obtained from the President, URW Local 505, and from Kentile (Chicago) employees, ex-employees, or their next of kin. Page 8 - Hazard Evaluation and Technical Assistance Report No. 78-73 Some death certificates were included in the Kentile file, and their contents were noted. On June 27, 1978, the medical records of all workers included in the list supplied to NIOSH, by Local 505 President, were ' examined at the plant. There was free discussion of the records with the plant physician and full-time nurse. Further information was obtained from the Union's Local president. The plant employs a full-time nurse on the day-shift, stationed in a wel1-equipped First Aid room. All asbestos-exposed workers have had annual chest X-rays since 1971, and pulmonary function tests for the past five years, performed at a local clinic. No cases of asbestosis were on record at the plant. A physician from the local clinic performs all pre-placement physicals, annual examinations and sees all workers who have been absent from work for health reasons for periods 1n excess of three days. On arrival at Kentile Floors, Inc., the medical officer asked the Illinois representative to let the workers know that a government doctor was present in the plant and was available for consultation on any work related health problems. Of-the three workers who,sought this medical advice, only one had an occupational disease. He had an irritant dermatitis on his face, and more markedly, inside his elbows. The medical officer gave the union representative a supply of "Release of Medical Information to NIOSH" forms which he was requested to distribute to all workers who believe that they are suffering from work-related disease. On completion, these forms were to be forwarded to the NIOSH physician. To facilitate this matter, a supply of self-addressed envelopes were sent to Local 505 by the medical investigator. On receipt of fourteen completed forms, authorizing release of medical information to NIOSH, the personal physician(s) and/or medical facilities listed in these documents were contacted by letter, and all relevant medical information was requested of them. A photocopy of the signed medical-release forms accom panied each request. The plant physician sent relevant medical information on workers, as requested. Page 9 - Hazard Evaluation and Technical assistance Report No. 78-73 No medical reports were received on four of the workers participating in this investigation. A reply that there were no records of such a patient was received on three of them. The personal physician of the fourth man was deceased, and the disposition of his medical files was unknown. C . Evaluation Criteria and Toxicity Data 1. Environmental There are several criteria used to evaluate the toxic air . contaminants of an employee's work environment: (1) NIOSH Criteria Documents for a Recommended Occupational Health Standard, (2) Proposed and Recommended Threshold Limit Values (TLV's), as suggested by the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH), 1976, (3) the OSHA Standards. The criteria for each contaminant are based upon the current state of knowledge concerning toxicity of these substances. The criteria are designed to allow an occupa tional exposure for up to a 10-hour work day, 40-hour . work week as a time-weighted average (TWA) over a normal lifetime without the worker experiencing adverse health . effects at or below the TWA. ' There are some airborne contaminants for which this TWA is inadequate; consequently, the substance may be preceded by the letter "C". This letter indicates a ceiling value for a sampling interval of 30 minutes or less. The ceiling value is used to identify hazardous substances which are fast acting, and it should never be exceeded. The criteria mentioned above have been tabulated, footnoted and compared to the OSHA Standard listed in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), (1978) Title 29, Part 1910. ' Subpart 2, Section .1000. The OSHA Standard has been cited so that the reader may see which of the standards have been exceeded. However, no discussion of the OSHA Standard, wi.th respect to airborne levels, will be presented. Page 10 - Hazard Evaluation and Technical Assistance Report No. 78-7.3 SUBSTANCE TIME-WEIGHTED AVERAGE 8-HOUR IP-HOUR CEILING VALUE MINUTFP Carbon Black! ' 2 Polynuclear Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PNA) 3 Refined Petroleum Solvents (Mineral Spirits or Naphtha) Benzene^ Asbestos8 (fibers must be longer than 5.0 micron) Inert Nuisance Dust lOmg/m 3 Inorganic Lead^ Total Chromium8 3.5mg/m8* and O.lOmg/m-' as cyclohexane extractabl e substances (PNA`s) 3 0.2mg/m as benzene extractable or O.lmg/m3 cyclohexane extractable fraction in the presence of specific PNA12s 350mg/m3 1800mg/m3 15 3.2mg/m^ 60 0.10 fibers/cc8 0.50 fibers/cc 15 0.05mg/m^ 3c 1.Oug/m a) mg/m3 - Approximate milligrams of particulate per cubic meter of air b) Fibers/cc - Fibers of particulate per cubic centimeter of air c) ug/m3 Approximate micrograms of particulate per cubic meter of air 1. NIOSH Criteria Document (1978). The OSHA Standard (1978) 1s 3.5mg/m3 . 2. NIOSH has no specific criteria for each PNA. Thus', PNA's are evaluated as cyclohexane extractable substances (.10mg/m3 ) ip.the presence of a specific substance, e.g. coal tar pitch, carbon black, etc. The OSHA standard and TLV evaluate PNA's as a benzene soluble fraction (D.20mg/m3 ) for a specific substance, e.g. coal tar pitch. Page 11 - Hazard Evaluation 'and Technical Assistance Report Mo. 78-73 3. MIOSH Criteria Oocument (1977). The OSHA Standard (1978) is 400mg/m3 . 4. NIOSH Recommendation Revised as a part of N IOSH testimony at OSHA hearing (1977). The OSHA Standard is 32.mg/m3 (1978) TWA with a maximum ceiling concentration of 160mg/m3 for 10 minutes. 5. MIOSH Criteria Document, Revised edition (1977). The OSHA Standard is 2 fibers/cc as an 8-hour TWA and 10 fibers/cc as a ceiling concentration. ' 6. ACGIH TLV Oocument (1978). The OSHA Standard is 15.Omg/m3 . (1978). 7. The OSHA Standard is 0.05mg/m3 . (1979) 8. MIOSH Criteria Document (1975). The OSHA Standard is 1.0ug/m3 . (1978) 2. Toxicity Data Asbestos Available studies provide conclusive evidence that exposure to asbestos fibers can cause cancer and asbestosis in man. Asbestosis is a chronic lung disease due to inhalation of asbestos fibers and is characterized by diffuse interstitial fibrosis frequently associated with thickening of the pleura (fibrosis) and/or pleural calcification. The characteristic X-ray changes are small, irregular opacities in the lower and middle lung fields. Asbestosis is a progressive disease which may develop in seven to ten years depending upon degree of exposure and type of asbestos fiber. Usually the disease becomes evident 20-40 years after first exposure, and may progress even after exposure has ceased. Bronchogenic carcinoma and mesothelioma occur among workers pxoncoH tn ="=hoStos fibers. There is a marked enhancement ur the n s t ot bronchogenic carcinoma (lung cancer) in those exposed to asbestos who also smoke cigarettes. Mesothelioma 1s a cancer of the lining of the lungs (pleura) or the abdominal cavity (peritoneum). Other types of cancer associated with asbestos exposure are those of the larynx and gastro-intestinal tract. All these cancers have a lengthy induction period, i.e. the time which elapses between the onset of exposure and the development of the carcinoma, usually in exoess of twenty years. There are data which show that the lower the exposure, the lower the risk of developing asbestosis and cancer. NIOSH has found no evidence for a threshold, or for* a "safe" level of asbestos exposure with respect to the development of cancer. Page 12 - Hazard Evaluation and Technical Assistance Report No. 78-73 D. Evaluation Results and Discussion 1. Envi ronmental Four carbon black samples (personal and area) were collected at the pigment scale operations booth. Also, a bulk sample of the pigment was analyzed. It was learned that the company dilutes the carbon black with-1imestone in order to obtain the desired pigment concentration. An analysis of the carbon black revealed it to be 58 percent pure. None of the air samples indicated any carbon black accumulation on the filters. Ten PNA samples (personal and area) were collected from several positions along the three lines. Another agency performed a survey in which several PNA's were identified; however, the source of contamination could not, be determined.. It was first suspected that carbon black might have been the source of contamination; however, this thought was discounted after viewing the operation in detail. It was attempted to sample at different positions along the line to ascertain if one specific area reflected PNA exposure. A laboratory analysis indicated that the sample chromatograms did not contain any peaks which would be interpreted as polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbon compounds. Eight personal and area samples were collected for mineral spirits and benzene. None of these samples exceeded the NIOSH recommended standard. A bulk sample of the mineral spirits was used to identify the naphtha peaks. Thirty asbestos samples (personal) were collected from three lines as 8-hour TWA samples and as 15 minute samples-. Seven of the TWA samples exceeded the NIOSH recommended criteria of 0.10 fibers/cc. None of the samples exceeded the 15 minute sample of 0.50 fibers/cc. Thirty-nine personal and area samples were collected for_ total nuisance dust exposure. None of the samples exceeded the OSHA standard or the ACGIH threshold limit value of 15.0mg/rn3 and 10.0mg/m3 respectively. Four samp!es'('personal and area) were collected for the chrome yellow pigment. None of the samples exceeded the OSHA lead standard (0.05 mg/m3 ) or NIOSH recommended standard for chromium (1.0 ug/m3 ). Page 13 - Hazard Evaluation and Technical Assistance Report No. /8-73 The health hazard survey attempted to evaluate all the potentially toxic chemicals on the inventory list, but attention was primarily focused on the specific chemicals cited on the health hazard evaluation request. However, since all of these chemicals are not used on a daily basis some could not be evaluated. It was also determined that dyes are not used by the company, and alpha methyl styrene is no longer used consequently, specific chemicals were evaluated based on the relative toxicity, quantity and frequency of use. All of the employees working along the process line were observed to wear their respirators during this evaluation. Most of the employees only fastened one of the two straps, and in several cases, the employees placed a paper towel around their chin between the skin and the respirator to absorb moisture. The employees work.i ng 1.n the recycling area do not wear a respirator except when filling drums with excess scrap material. Neither of the workers wears safety glasses. As chips are transferred from one conveyor line to another, - the chips become airborne momentarily. Several scrap chips hit the NIOSH investigators face and glasses during the day's survey. It was also observed that the guards for the conveyor system are not the same size. The conveyor line . with the smaller guard rails allowed considerably more spillage of scrap'material . It was observed that as the automatic conveyor system filled the hopper car, the chemicals created a slight amount of dust some of which escaped the canopy exhaust system. All of the chemicals are stored in the warehouse. Some of the chemicals are either animal carcinogens or suspected human carcinogens. These chemicals are not specifically identified as such or stored away from other less toxic chemicals There was a 2-3 inch gap between tne ceiling ana an I-beam structure on the locker room, thereby allowing dust to . contaminate the area. This problem was corrected by the company prior to the follow-up survey. The exhaust ducting along line 6 in the process room (Bldg 2) at the A calendar was dixconnected. Medical Excess cancers of the respiratory and gastro-intestinal tract have been documented in workers with significant asbestos Page 14 - Hazard Evaluation and Technical Assistance Report No. 78-73 exposure but of the three authenticated cases of cancer revealed in this investigation (two of the larynx and one of the colon) only one should be regarded as possibly being of occupational origin. This is a case of laryngeal cancer in a worker who is reported to be a light drinker, non-smoker. Smoking and drinking have been implicated in the genesis of laryngeal cancer. This cancer has a lengthy latent period i.e., the amount of time elapsing between exposure to an occupational carcinogen(s) and the development of a tumor. One cannot be sure, in this case, what the causative agent(s) could be. Prior to his first employment at this plant, the man worked in an industry associated with the development of respiratory-tract cancers. The other two workers were not process operators; therefore, they would have comparatively light exposure to asbestos, and there is no record of previous occupational exposure to other known, or suspected, carcinogens. The diagnosis of asbestosis made on one worker by a physician at a local hospital was not confirmed by lung-disease experts at NIOSH's Appalachian Laboratory of Occupational Safety and Health, and the University of Cincinnati, after evaluation of the findings of all medical investigations undertaken on this man. The diagnoses recorded on the remaining seven workers included , dermatitis, chronic bronchitis, diabetes and heart disease. : With the possible exception of the case of dermatitis, these diseases are not considered to be caused by occupational exposures at this plant. 0. Recommendations , 1. The company should review their material inventory list to determine which chemicals are potentially toxic. The toxic chemicals should be monitored periodically. 2. Emplnye.e.s. should be instructed to fasten all straps on their respirators. Also, paper towels should not be placed between the skin and respirator because this will reduce the respirator's effectiveness. 3. EmployeeS .working in the recycling area should wear respirators when filling the drums. All employees working on or near the recycling conveyor belts should wear safety glasses with side shields to prevent eye injury. 4. The canopy exhaust system for each of the three process lines should be examined to ascertain whether the side Page 15 - Hazard Evaluation and Technical Assistance Report No. 78-73 curtains are effectively capturing the dust generated while filling the hopper. 5. Chemicals which are carcinogens (a.g, Dta.nts.idi.ne Orange) or suspect carcinogens for humans and animals should be identified and stored away from non-carcinogens. 6> The ventilation exhaust system should be inspected periodi cally to assure proper operation. 7. For the men potentially exposed to asbestos, all work clothes should be collected in the plant shower/locker room at the end of each day, so that they can be placed in plastic bags for proper cleaning. These work clothes must not be taken home to be washed because this could expose others at home to asbestos. AUTHORSHIP AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Report Prepared By: Pierre L. Belanger Industrial Hygienist NIOSH - Region IX San Francisco, California Elva Elesh, M.D. Medical Section Hazard Evaluation & Assistance Branch Cincinnati, Ohio Technical Originating Office: Jerome P. Flesch Acting Chief Hazard Evaluation & Assistance Branch Cincinnati, Ohio Technical ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Environmental Evaluation Robert Rosensteel Rick Taft Bil1 Oilinger Gary Verst Industrial Hygiene Section Hazard Evaluation & Technical Assistance Branch Analytical Laboratory Services Measurement Support Branch Cinci nnati, Ohio Report Typed By: Dorothy A. 'Chandler Page 16 - Hazard Evaluation and Technical assistance Report Mo. 78-73 REFERENCES 1. Criteria for a Recommended Standard...Occupational Exposure to Carbon Black, (1978) HEW Publication No. 78-204 ! 2. Criteria for a Recommended Standard...Occupational Exposure to Refined Petroleum Solvents, (1977) HEW Publication No. 77-192 3. Revised Recommended Asbestos Standard, (1976) HEW Publication Mo. 77-169 ' 4. Criteria for a Recommended Standard.Occupational Exposure to Inorganic Lead, Revised Criteria (1978) HEW Publication No. 78-158 5. Criteria for a Recommended Standard...Occupational Exposure to Hexavalent Chromium, (1976) HEW Publication Mo. 76-129 6. MIOSH Manual of Sampling Data Sheets, DHEW (NIOSH) Publication Mo. 77-159 7. MIOSH Manual of Analytical Methods, HEW Publication No. (MIOSH) 77-157-4 8. Documentation of Threshold Limit Values, ACGIH, 3rd ED., Cincinnati, Ohio, 1971 9\ Patty, F.A. Industrial Hygiene and Toxicology, Second Revised Ed., Vol. II, Interscience Publishers, New York, 1976 10. Special Occupational Hazard Review and Control Recommendations Chrysene, PHEW (NIOSH) Publication Mo. 78-163 11. Dement, J and Zumwalde R. Industrial Hygiene Study of the Gouverneur Talc Company Number One Mine and Mill. Volume I, Final Report, NIOSH, June 8, 1977 12. Gibson, E.S., Martin, R.H., and Lockinot.on. .j.N,,. lung Cancer . Mortality in a Steel Foundry, Can. J. uccup. Med. 1977 19/12 (807-812) 13. Peto J., Doll R., et al. A Mortality Study Among Workers in an English Asbestos Factory, DHSS Cancer Epidemiol. Clin. Trials Unit. Univ. Oxford Brit. J. Ind. Med. 1977 34/3 Sample Number 1216 1205 449 704 Type of Sample Personnel Personnel Work Area Work Area Summary TABLE I of'Air Sampling for Carbon Ken tile Floors . Chicago, Illinois Black September 21, 1978 Job Classificatlon or Location Samplinq Period Volume (Liters) Line,#7 Pigment Scale Operator 0810-1216 342 Line #7 Pigmeiv Scale Operator 1248-1557 279 Line it7 Pigmen* Scale Operator (B.Z.ji^ 0810-1212 350 Line HI Pigment Scale Operator (R.Z.) 1212-1557 333 Carbon Black Concentration (mq/m3)* N.D. 2 H.D. N.D. N-D' 1. mg/i3 - Approximate milligrams of carbon black per cubic meter of air. 2- N.D. - None Detected (Limit of Detection is 0.5 mg). 3. B.2. - Breathing zone sample. . NIOSII Recommended Criteria (1978)-3.Smg/m3 Da te 9/20 9/20 9/21 9/21 9/20 9/20 9/21 9/21 9/20 9/21 Sample Number Type Sample PNA-1 A3 PNA-2 P5 PNA-3 A PNA-4 P PNA-G A PNA-7 P PNA-B ^ A PNA-9 P PNA-11 P PNA-12 P Job Classification Or Location Line 7 Pigment table (.Z.)4 Line #7 Mixer Operator Line SI Mixer Operator(B.Z .) Line SI Mixer Operator Line 5 Pigment table (B.Z.) Line Si Mixer Operator Line Si Mixer Operator Line Si Mixer Operator Line #6 Mixer Operator Line 6 Mixer Operator TABLE H Summary ofv:Air Sampling for Polynuclear Aromatic (PNA) Hydrocarbons Kentlle Floors Chicago, Illinois September 2 0 - 2 1 , 1978 Sampl iHQ Period Vo1ume(Liters) 0746-1549 729 08Q5-155Q 684 0000-1548 702 0000-1548 639 0818-155B 693 1242-1601 297 0816-155 684 0816-1548 693 0735-1550 675 0741-1555 684 uenzo(a pyrepe CONCENTRATION nq/sample1 Anthracene Phenanthrene Pyrene Chrysene < 0.04 < 0.20 < 0.08 < 0.20 < 0.10 < 0.04 < 0.20 < 0.08 < 0.20 < 0.10 < 0.20 < 1.00 < 0.40 < 1.00 < 0.50 < 0.05 < . 25 < 0.10 < 0.25 < 0.13 <0.04 < .20 <0.08 .. < 0.20 < 0.10 < 0.04 < 0.20 < 0.08 < 0.20 < 0.10 < 0.10 < 0.50 < 0.20 < 0.50 < 0.25 < 0.10 < 0.50 < 0.20 < 0.50 < 0.25 < 0.10 < 0.50 < 0.20 < 0.50 < .25 < 0.04 < 0.20 < 0.08 < 0.20 < 0.10 Benzene Soluble 0.27* 0.08 1 ,2B 0.37 0.28 0.33 0.84 0.66 0.56 0.20 1. pT/sample - microgram of particulate per sample analyzed. 2 . mg/nr - approximate milligrams of particulate per cubic meter of air. 3. A - Area sample. 4. B.Z. - Breathing zone sample. 5. P - Personnel sample. 6 . Limits of Detection - The reported limit of detection varied between samples due to different injection volumes. Limits of Detection - Benzo (a) pyrene - Anthracene - Phenathrene - Pyrene - Chrysene - Benzene Solubles - 1 l:g/samp1e 6j*g/ sample 2 iig/sample 5|ig/sample 2.5|jg/samnle 0 .02 ug/sample Date 9/2D 9/2D 9/2D 9/20 9/21 9/21 9/21 9/21 Humber 1 2 3 4 6 7 8 ID Type of Sample , P2 P A' A P P A A Job Classification or Location Ink Mixer Ink Mixer Desk Top ' On Top of Barrel Ink Mixer Ink Mixer On Top of Barrel De' Top TABLE H I Summary of Air Samples Collected During Ink Mixing Operation Kentile Floors Chicago, Illinois September 20 - 21, 197S Period Samplinq Voume(Litersi 13:57-14:09 0.52 13:58-14:09 D. 90 14:00-14:10 0.37 13:59-14:08 12:58-1:09 12:58-1:09 0.38 0.45 0.03 12:58-1:10 0.38 12:58-1:11 13.0 Concentra tion fmq/m3) Mineral Spirits Benzene 67.3 N.D.3 50.0 N.D. 94.6 N.D. 65.8 166.6 54.2 N.D. N.D. N.D. 39.5 N.D. 82.7 0.15 1 . mg/m^ 2. P - Approximate milligram of particulate per cubic meter of air. - Personnel .sample. 3. N'rD. ' - None detected. 4. A - Area sample. Limits of Detection; Mineral Spirits - Benzene - O.Dlmg 0.OOlmg N 1OSH EVALUATION CRITERIA 1. Minerals Spirits (15min. Ceiling Cone.) - 1800mg/mJ 2. Benzene - 3.2mg/niJ I Date 9/20 9/20 9/20 9/20 9/20 9/20 9/20 9/20 9/20 9/21 9/21 9/21 9/21 9/21 9/21 9/21 9/21 9/21 9/21 Sample Number Job Classification or Location 41* Line 16 Asbestos Weigher 42 Line 16 Resin Scale Operator 43* Line #6 Mixer Operator 1 line 17 Resin Scale Operator 2 Line #7 Scrap tile loader 4 Line 7 Resin Scale Operator 5 Line 7 Scrap tile loader 6 Line 7 Scrap tile loader 7 Line #7 Resin Scale Operator 8 Line 17 Resin Scale Operator 9 Line 17 Scrap Tile loader 10 Line t7 Pigment Scale Operator 11 Line tf7 Mixer Operator 14* Line tf7 Resin Scale Operator 15* Line #7 Scrap trie loader 16* _ Line #7 Mixer Operator 21* Line US Scrap tile loader 22* Line #5 Resin Scale Operator 23* Line #5 Scrap tile loader TABLE IV Suuinary of Personnel Air Samples Collected for Asbestos Kentile Floors Chicago, Illinois September 20-21, 1970 Period Sampling Volume(liters) 0745-0800 0725-1545 1320-1335 0725-1609 0732-1605 1047-1057 1038-1056 1510-1529 1523-1542 0748-1600 0751-1553 0810-1557 0800-1548 1011-1026 1014-1029 1031-1046 0958-1018 0957-1014 1505-1520 22.5 690. 22.5 735. 712. 15.0 ' 27.0 19.5 28.5 602. 675. 637. 660. -22.5 . 22.5 22.5 30.0 25.5 22.5 Concentrati on(Fibers/cc! N.D2 * 0.02 N.D. *. 0.41 0.11 0.61 N.D. 0.27 0.-19- 0.29 0.13 0.02 0.-05 N.D. * N.D. * N.D. * N.D. * N.D. * N.D. * 1. Fibers/cc 2 . N.D. Fibers of asbestos per cubic centimeter of air. None detected (Limit of detection is 4500 fibers per filter) Approximately 15 minute sample NI0SI1 Criteria: . 1. 8 -Hr time weighted average 0,1 Fibers/cc 2. 15-minute ceiling concentration-0.5 fibers/cc Date 9/20 9/20 9/20 9/21 9/21 9/21 9/21 9/21 9/21 9/21 9/21 Sample Number 24* 25 25 27* 28* 29 30* 31 33 34 35* Job Classification or Location_______ Line 5 Resin Scale Operator Line IS Scrap tile loader Line 15 Uti1ity Han Line IS Scrap tile loader Line IS Res ip Scale Operator Line #5 Mixer Operator Line 5 Mixer Operator Line 15 Utility Man Line 15 Scrap tile loader Line ts Resin scale Operator Line #5 Scrap tile Loader TABLE IV (continued) Suiiinary of Personnel Air Samples Collected for Asbestos Kentile Floors Chicago, Illinois September 20-21, 1978 Period Sampling Volumed iters) 1508-1522 0800-1605 1304-1608 1013-1028 1032-1048 0815-1548 1037-1054 0830-1604 0751-1604 0745-1602 1058-1114 21.0 630 277 22.5 24.0 637. 25.5 615 . 675 682. 24.0 (2) Concentrtion(Fibers/cc) N.D.2 * 0.08 i 0.07 N.D. * 0.19 * 0.04 N.D. * 0.Q5 . 0.05 0.08 N.D. * 1. Fibers/cc 2. N.D. Fibers of asbestos per cubic centimeter of air. None detected (Limit of detection is 4500 fibers per filter). Approximately 15 minute sample. NIQSH CRITERIA: 1 . 8 -hr time weighted average - 0.1 fibers/cc 2. 15-minute ceiling concentration - 0.5 fibers/cc \ Date 9/20 9/20 9/20 9/20 9/20 9/20 9/20 9/20 9/20 9/20 9/20 9/20 9/20 9/20 9/20 9/20 9/20 9/20 9/20 9/20 9/20 9/20 Sample Number F2915 F2908 07 3 0719 0699 F2752 D1226 0710 0709 F2769 01224 F2914 F2770 01227 01210 D710 D71B 0705 D7 7 F294 F2757 01218 Type Sample P P P AP3J A A A ' P P P P P P P A A A A P P Summary TABLE V of Air Sampling for Kentile Floors Chicago, Illinois TOTAL DUST Job Classification or Location September 20-21, 1978 Period Sampling Volume(Liters) Line n Resin Scale Line 17 Scrap tile loader Line 7 Pigment Scale Operator Line 17 Pigment Scale Operator U n e #7 Pigment Scale Operator Line 7 Pigment table (B.Z.)"* Line 67 Pigment table (B.Z.) Line 17 Pigment table (B.Z.) Line V Pigment table (B.Z. ) Line n Utility Han Line 7 Mixer Operator Line 15 Resin Scale Operator Line f5 Scrap tile loader Line IS Pigment Scale Operator Line *5 Pigment Scale Operator Line 15 Pigment Scale Operator Line IS Pigment table (B.2.) Line 15 Pigment table (B.Z.) Line 15 Pigment table (B.Z. j Line 5 Pigment table (B.2.) Line 15 Utility Man Line fi Mixer Operator 0725-1609 711 0732-1605 657 0751-1602 675 0751-1226 414 1304-1602 261 1230-1549 297 0746-1549 729 0746-1252 369 1259-1549 252 0801-1559 657 0936-1550 684 0747-1612 630 0800-1606 , 576 0806-1555 369 0806-1253 369 1253-1555 70 1256-1558 28 . 0818-1250 405 0818-1558 333 0818-55B 333 0835-1608 621 1242-1601 297 Concentra tion( ' 0.77 0.68 4.53 2.73 9.27 : 3.03 ! 0.74 1.27 1.51 3.09 0.26 . 0.76 0.90 0.95 0.57 1.07 1.01 0.72 1.50 1.41 1.21 1.01 1. mg/m 3 _ Approximate milligrams cf contaminant per cubic meter of air. 2. P " Personnel sample. 3. A - Area sample 4 . a.z. _ - Breathing zone sample. ACC Til TLVl 3 1. T o t a l n u i a a n c e d u a t - 1 0 . 0 rog/m Date 9/20 9/20 9/20 9/21 9/21 9/21 9/21 9/21 9/21 9/21 9/21 9/21 9/21 9/21 9/21 9/21 9/20 Sample Number 0453 D433 D706 F2901 F2907 F2906 F2751 F2769 F2900 F2893 F2763 F2897 F2754 F2771 F2899 F2765 F2892 Type Sample p 12 p p p P p p p . p - p P p P p P p. A3 TABLE V (continued) Suminary o f 'ATr Sampling for TOTAL DUST Kentile Floors Chicago, Illinois Job Classification or Location Line !6 Resin Scale Operator Line .6 Pigment Scale Operator Line !6 Mixer Operator Line ?7 Resin Scale Operator Line ;7 Scrap tile loader Line T7 Pigment Scale Operator Line il Mixer Operator Line t7 Utility Man Line 6 Rfesin Scale Operator Line r6 Scrap tile Operator Line '6 Pigment Scale Operator Line "5 Resin Scale Operator Line ?i5 Scrap tile loader Line .y5 Utility Man Line #5 Pigment Scale Operator Line #5 Mixer Operator Recycling Operator September 20-21, 1978 Period Sampling Volume(Li ters) 0725-1545 0730-1515 0950-1550 0748-1600 0751-1553 0810-1557 0800-1548 OBI 3-1550 0737-1550 0736-1550 0734-1550 0745-1602 0845-1604 0830-1604 0818-1600 0816-1550 0845-1545 705. 697. 427. 660. 652. 697. 705. . 630. 70S. 697. 609 657. 547. 615. 682 690 630 Concentrati on (inq/aiB) 1.69 2.61 1.01 0.69 1 1.29 2.61 3.68 7.25 4.06 5.06 0.68 0.79 1.41 0.72- 5.36 3.73 1. ing/m3 - Approximate milligrams of contaminant per cubic meter of air. 2 p _ Personnel sample. . 3. A - Area sample. ACfilil TLV: ' 3 1- To t a l n u i s a n c e du a t - 10.0 Sample Number 1202 440 435 446 Type of Sample Personnel Personnel Area Area TABLE VI Summary of Air Sampling for Lead and Total Kentile Floors Chicago, Illinois Chromium September 21, 1978 Job Classification or Location Line J5 Pigment Scale Operator Line #5 Pigment Scale Operat Line $5 Pigment Table (B.Z.)3 ).1ne #5 Pigment Table (B.Z.) Samplinq Period Volmne(Liters) 0805-1236 369 1236-1558 36 081B-1236 387 1236-1600 306 Concentration (ing/arh^ Lead Total Chromium H.D.2 H.D. 0.01 N.D. H.D. H.D. 0.02 H.D. 1. mg/m^ 2. N.D. 3. B.Z. Approximate milligrams of contaminant per cubic meter of air. None detected (Limit of Oetection for lead and total chromium are 3.0 and 5.0 microgram per sample respectively) Breathing zone sample. MIOS!! RECOMMENDED CRITERIA: 1. Lead (1978)-0.1mg/mJ , 2. Total Chromium (1 9 7 5 )-1.0 ug/irr U.S. DEPARTMENT QF HEALTH, EDUCATION, AND WELFARE CENTER FOR DISEASE CONTROL NATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH CINCINNATI, OHIO 45226 HEALTH HAZARD EVALUATION AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE REPORT NO. HE 78-72-618 /O KENTILE FLOORS INC, SOUTH PLAINFIELD, NEW JERSEY SEPTEMBER 1979 TOXICITY DETERMINATION A survey team for the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) performed a Health Hazard Evaluation at Kentile Floors Inc., South Plainfield, New Jersey on June 28-29, and October 11-12, 1978, regarding alleged exposures to vinyl chloride monomer, dyes and pigments. The methodology used to evaluate the workers' environment included: (1) environmental air sampling, (2) a review of materials inventory and materials safety data sheets, (3) medical interviews and evaluations of workers, (4) a review of pertinent scientific literature, (5) a review of the company's respirator program, (6) observations of employees' work practices and engineering controls. Environmental air samples and bulk samples were collected and analyzed for the following contaminants (Tables I-V): carbon black, polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PNA)-(benzo(a)pyrene, pyrene, chrysene, phenan- threne, anthracene, benzene-soluble fraction), mineral spirits, methyl chloroform, benzene, barium, cadmium, talc, lead and total dust. A potentia health hazard was found to exist based on the samples collected for lead. Two personal samples exceeded the recommended OSHA inorganic lead standard, and four samples exceeded the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standard for exposure to total nuisance particulate. Sample results for ail other contaminants were below recommended exposure criteria. ' No medical evidence of work-related Illness was detected at the plant. DISTRIBUTION AND AVAILABILITY OF DETERMINATION REPORT Copies of this Determination Report are currently available upon request from NIOSH, Division of Technical Services, Information Resources and Dissemination Section, 4676 Columbia Parkway, Cincinnati, Ohio 45225. After 90 days the report will be available through the National Technical Information Services (NTIS), Springfield, Virginia. Information re garding its availability through NTIS can be obtained from NIOSH Publication Office at the Cincinnati address. Copies of this report have been sent to the following: - 1 Page 2 - Health Hazard Evaluation and Technical Assistance Report 78-72 A. Kent 11e Floors Inc., South Plainfield, New Jersey B. Authorized representatives of United Rubber Workers (URW), Local No. 472, South Plainfield, New Jersey. C. International Union of URW, Akron, Ohio D. NIOSH - Region II E. U.S. Department of Labor - Region II For the purpose of Informing the approximately 50 "affected employees", the employer shall promptly "post" for a period of 30 calendar days, the Determination Report 1n a prominent place(s) near where the exposed employees work. III. INTRODUCTION Section 20(a)(6) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, 29 USC 669(a)(6) authorizes the Secretary of Health Education and Welfare, following a written request by an employer or authorized representative of employees to determine whether any substance normally found in the place of employemnt has potentially to^1c effects 1n such concentrations as used or found. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health received such a request from an authorized representative of ' employees. This request stemmed from a similar request submitted by the Internaional Union representatives on behalf of employees at Kentlle Floors, Inc. at Chicago, Illinois. This request alleged that employees may be exposed to vinyl chloride monomer, dyes and pigments. A walk through survey of the entire facility was performed by NIOSH representatives with union and management representation. This allowed the investigators to better understand the general operation in order to perform a com prehensive evaluation during the follow-up survey. Additionally, this survey allowed the union representative to Identify areas the employees considered hazardous. IV. HEALTH HAZARD EVALUATION A. Process Description and Evaluation Kentile Floors Inc. is a manufacturer of vinyl coving and vinyl floor covering. The company employs 275 workers of, which 225 are production workers. The employees work one of three 8-hour shifts, five days per week. Safety equipment such as respirators, goggles, safety shoes, face shields, safety glasses, etc. are furnished to the people, depending upon where the employee works. The employees either clean their . own respirators or the respirators may be given to the plant nurse to be cleaned and sanitized. The plant policy requires monthly sterilization of respirators. Page 3 - Health Hazard Evaluation and Technical Assistance Report 78-72 Employees who work in extremely dirty areas (e.g. Bldg. 13, the process room, or Bldg. 1, the compounding department) are issued two lockers in order to store clean and dirty clothes separately. Shower facilities are also available; however, showers are not mandatory. The company performs environmental air.sampling for total dust once per year. Sampling for vinyl chloride monomer is no longer performed because the environmental levels were measured to be a factor of five below the OSHA standard. The areas evaluated were the process room, the scrap blending area, the press area and the compounding department. 1. Process Room - The process room, located in Building 13, is where the chemical weighing and mixing is performed. This ' . department is a one-shift operation comprised of several jobs which include: a. Compounding Area - Two compounders load a compound charging hopper with specific quantities of dry chemicals. The __ quantities and chemicals vary depending upon the product ' being formulated. These chemicals are conveyed to one of four pre-blenders located on the mezzanine level. Addition ally, the compounders add resin and cadmium-barium stabilizers to the pre-blenders. The chemicals are mixed until the Banbury operator presses a switch which allows the pre-blend ' mix to be conveyed to the *Banbury*^ mixer on the first level. b. Pigment Scale Operator - The operator weighs prescribed quantities of pigments (colors change from day to day) at a table adjacent to the Banbury mixer platform. The . pigment is placed in a plastic bag and the bags are conveyed up to the Banbury operators platform. There was no local exhaust ventilation at the pigment table. The ambient air currents measured at the workers' station ranged from 50-125 feet per minute (fpm). c. Scrapping Operation - This operator uses a modified fork lift truck to lift 55 gallon drums (two at a time) which are filled with scrap and emptied into one of two hoppers. The scrap material is conveyed to one of seven blenders located on the mezzanine level. The material is mixed for a specific amount of time; afterwhich, the scrap is conveyed to the Banbury mixer with the pre-blend mix. d. Banbury Mixer operator - The operator alternately charges one of two Banbury mixers with a batch of chemicals from the *Ment1on of commercial names or products does not by NIOSH constitute endorsement Page 4 - Health Hazard Evaluation and Technical Assistance Report 78-72 pre-blender and the blender. The operator also adds the tared plastic bag of pigments. The chemicals are mixed and subsequently dropped onto a conveyor belt belwo. The mixture when released is hot (160 - 300F) due to frictional mixing. The mixture is then pelletized, rolled into sheets, gauged by calendars, cooled, cut and stacked; afterwhich, the vinyl sheets are sent to the curing department The first floor and the mezzanine level of Building 13 occupy 38,000 and 20,000 square feet (ft` ) respectively. The average ceiling height is estimated to be 25 feet (ft.). 1 The exhaust ventilation rate for Building 13 is reported to be 69,400 cubic feet per minute (cfm). The make up air is reported to be 59,450 cfm. The make up air rate does not Include ventilation through the five large doors (10 X 10'). The conveyor exhaust transport velocity was reported to be 7,500 feet per minum (fpm). The building fans are heavy- duty vane axial which can operate at eight inches of water . pressure. Each of the blenders and pre-blenders with the exception of one pre-blender have local exhaust ventilation which leads .to the roof. . 2. Scrap Blending Area - This operation, housed in a portion of Building 6, is operated by two blender operators and one fork lift operator. The process is operated eight hours per day, three days per week. Fifty-five gallon drums o'f various scrap tile colors are emptied into one of two-blenders and mixed to insure a uniform color of the same product. Afterwards, the empty drums are refilled and stored until they are needed. The scrap blending area is about 94,428 cubic feet (ft3). The roof exhaust ventilation was reported to operate at 650 cfm, and the make up air was reported to be 5,800 cfm. Additionally, a curtain door (12' X 12') is continually open to the outside. There is a local exhaust duct (10.5 inches by 2.5 inches) adjacent to the scrap delivery nozzle which is used to collect dust at the source. The exhaust rate at the face of the exhaust duct was 2,000 feet per minute. 3. Press Area - The press operation located in part of Building #1 1s a three shift, 8-hour day, 5 day per week operation. There are .9 small presses and eleven large presses. However, all of. the presses are not necessarily operated at the same time. The presses are used to cure plain vinyl sheets and/or vinyl sheets with specially designed vinyl inserts. A mold release agent is sprayed on all the presses, and a solvent/wax solution is applied to the vinyl sheets cured on the small presses only. The wax solution may be applied any time after the sheets have been cured, but the workers choose to wax the vinyl sheets as soon as they are removed from the oven. Page 5 - Health Hazard Evaluation and Technical Assistance Report 78-72 The press area was estimated to occupy about 314,000 ft^ and have 2.9 air changes per hour. The exhaust ventilation con sists of eight roof mounted exhaust fans which are independently controlled and seven window fans. 4. Compound Department - This department is also located in Building T. There are several operations "performed in this department which include: a. Charging Area - Three compounders load various dry chemicals , (e.g. calcium carbonate, lead silico sulfate, polyvinyl chloride, etc.) into a charging hopper. The chemicals are vacuumed transported to one of three reserve tanks on the third floor where the compounder adds pigment, resin and stabilizers. Once the chemicals have been thoroughly mixed, the chemicals are conveyed on demand to the Banbury machine. After the reserve tank is emptied, the Banbury operator depresses a switch which sounds an auditory signal to the compounders so that they can recharge the reserve tank. b. Waste Scale Area - One worker spends several hours per d5y weighing out prescribed quantities of pigments and stabilizers into plastic bags. The scale is enclosed on three sides and equipped with two exhaust duets to control dust generation. Once a 55 gallon drum has been filled with the plastic bags of pigment and stabilizers, the drum 1s transported to the Banbury operator on the mezzanine level. The compounder then assists the two other workers who charge the compound . hopper. c. Banbury Operation - The Banbury operator charges the mixer with scrap material, resin, a bag of pre-weighed pigment and a batch load from the reserve tank. The Banbury operator charges the mixer and subsequently empties the hot load onto a conveyor belt below. The material is pelletized, filled Into 55 gallon drums, and stored until it is needed. The compound department was estimated to be 124,000 ft^ and the ventilation rate was reported to be 2.9 air changes per hour. The charging hopper which can be loaded from two sides is 9 feet by 5 feet with a one-inch slot exhaust system along the entire center length. The face capture velocity was measured and averaged to be about 1,100 fpm. The reserve tanks located on the third floor were all equipped with an exhaust system which was vented to the roof. s 6 - Health Hazard Evaluation and Technical. Assistance Report 78-72 The Banbury mixer has two adjacent exhaust ducts at the chute entrance which are designed to operate at 200-300 cfm per square foot of open face area, and one exhaust duct within the mixer. B. Evaluation Design _ . 1. Environmental/Medical Survey On June 28, 1978, an initial environmental/medical survey was , conducted simultaneously at Kentile Floors, Inc., South Plain field, New Jersey in order to minimize plant disruption. After the opening conference a walk-through inspection was made with both management and labor representatives. The entire facility was visited so that the NIOSH representatives would better understand the general operation. Several processes were not operational during our visit (scrap recycling, pulveri zation process and the scrap mixers); consequently, management volunteered to shift personnel 1n order to demonstrate those^ processes not being used. Rather than cause unnecessary disruption to the plant operation, it was decided by the project officer, and agreed to by the plant manager, that those, processes . not used during the Initial visit would be operational for the follow-up survey. 2. Environmental " No environmental air samples were collected during the 'initial visit. The purpose of the initial visit was to perform a cursory evaluation, obtain a copy of the material inventory list, and collect any other information that would be beneficial in planning a comprehensive follow-up survey. Two bulk samples of talc material were collected and sent to the laboratory for analyses, for the presence of free silica and asbestos. One employee (#11 mixer operator) was in possession of, but not using, a respirator in poor condition. The respirator was missing an exhaust valve cover, and the exhaust valve was defective. Furthermore, the employee was not cognizant that h1s respirator was in poor condition. Several employees 1n the curing room complained of inadequate air movement and improperly operating exhaust fan louvers. The ventilation system, for the curing room, was inspected with the maintenance supervisor. He stated that the ventilation system Page 7 - Health Hazard Evaluation and Technical Assistance Report 78-72 . 3. is Inspected and lubricated twice a year. However, the exhaust fan louvers are not periodically maintained. The two ban of exhaust fans revealed the following difficulties. One bank, consisting of four exhaust fans only had one fan switch turned on and three switches turned off. The remaining three switches were activated and fourid to be operational. The second bank, consisting of two exhaust fans, had two defective switches, one of which was cracked. These exhaust fan louvers appeared to be coated w1th an oil residue. An attempt was made to inspect the louvers more closely to determine whether the louvers were movable or stationary; however, the louvers were not visually accessible from the roof. Additionally, 1t could not be determined who was responsible for activating the exhaust fan switches at the beginning of the shift. Medical Medical evaluation consisted of (1) a walk-through inspection ........ of the facilities with the President of URW, Local 472, and with, management representatives; (2) private consultation with any employees who believed their health was adversely affected^by forking conditions in the plant; (3)'consultation wit the Kentile Industrial physician; (4) Interviews with workers randomly selected during the second walk-through inspection on the second day. During the walk-through inspection of June 28, 1978, the NIOSH physician ascertained from the President, URW, Local 472 that apart from one worker who claimed that his chest was affecte1 by fumes from a mixer, he was not aware of any significant work-related health problems among the employees. . It was requested of him that he Inform all workers that the government doctor would be present in the plant on the following day, and would be available for private consultation wi any employee who believed that their health was adversely affectei by working conditions In the plant. On the following morning the NIOSH doctor met the industrial physician retained by Kentile Floors, Inc., for the past 25 years. He attends for one hour each day, for four days 1n the week. ' He stated that there were no significant health problems in the plant, and that there is a broad health and welfare program in effect. Page 8 - Health Hazard Evaluation and Technical Assistance Report 78-72 Management responds to all his recommendations with respect to potential health hazards. This industrial physician performs all pre-placement examinations, receives all physicians' return-to-work slips, and he sees all forms received from insurance health claims. He also interviews any worker who has been absent from work, for health reasons, for a period in excess of 3 days. The N IOSH"medical officer then repeated the previous day's ' walk-through, speaking to workers, at random, and questioning them as to whether they or their co-workers, believed that they were suffering from any work-related disease. The physician was again informed that a worker on a mixer' believed that his chest was affected. This man was not then present for consultation. Men working on the waxing hot sheet complained of headaches and upper respiratory tract irritation, whilst this process " . was in operation. ' The NjIOSH doctor experienced throat irritation whilst speaking to these workers. Four workers presented at the First Aid room for consultation one of whom was the man referred to by the President, URW, Local 472. . ' None was currently suffering from any work-induced - or aggra vated - health problems associated with materials handled and/or generated at this plant. The men complaining of chest problems were briefly examined. One of these workers who requires medical follow-up has been informed by letter of this recommendation. C. Evaluation Methods Environmental ' , Personal and area samples were used to evaluate employee.exposure. The personal samples were attached to the workers' shirt collar in order to characterize a breathing zone sample. The area samples were 1.0 foot to 5.0 feet from the workers' breathing zone. Depend ing upon the type and condition of the filter, samples were either Page 9 - Health Hazard Evaluation and Technical Assistance Report 73-72 collected for as much of an eight-hour shift as possible, or 2 four-hour samples were collected. Additionally, the sampling pump flow rates were calibrated daily. Carbon Black - Carbon black dust samples were collected with Mine Safety Appliance (MSA) Model G battery operated personnel sampling pumps. A known volume .pf air 1s drawn through a cassette containing a tared 37-minimeter (mm) diameter 2.0 micrometer (um) pore-sized polyvinyl chloride (PVC) filter (type FWSB). The sampling pumps operated at 1.5 liters per minute for four hours. The analytical method consists of , weighing the filter 1n a clean tared crucible. The crucible and filter were placed in a muffle and the filter was ashed by -gradually raising the termperature to 800C. After ashing, the crucible was re-we1ghed. The loss on ignition represents the weight of the filter plus the carbon black contained in the sample. Benzene-Soluble Fraction ajid Polynuclear Aromatic Hydrocarbon - Collection of benzene-soluble fraction is accomplished by using a MSA pump 1n conjunction with a sampling cassette . / containing a 37-mm diameter/0.8 um pore size glass fiber- silver membrane filters. The sampling train (pump and filter) - is operated at 1.5 liters per minute (1pm). 1. Benzene-Soluble Fraction - The samples were analyzed by NIOSH Physical and Chemical Analytical Method (P&CAM) i217. The particulate matter on the filters was extracted with benzene ultrasonically. After extraction, the benzene solution was filtered and evaporated to dryness 1n a tared Teflon boat; the weight gain was . due to the benzene-soluble residue 1n one-half the sample. 2. PNA - The samples were analyzed by reversed-phase high pressure liquid chromatography. Analytical procedures involve the application of a methanol/water solvent gradient. The ultraviolet detection scans the sample at 355 nanometers (nm) a n d '280 nm simultaneously which aids 1n compound identification. (P&CAM 205 modified technique) Solvents - (Mineral Spirits, Methyl Chloroform and Benzene) A sampling train consisting of a SipirP vacuum pump and a *150 milligram charcoal tube was used to sample a known volume of air. Air contaminants are adsorbed to the charcoal grains and later analyzed. The two sections of the charcoal tube are separately desorbed in a 1.0ml of carbon disulfide Page 10 - Health Hazard Evaluation and Technical Assistance Report 78-72 containing dodecane as an internal standard. An aliquot is " analyzed by gas chromatography with a flame ionization detector according to the NI OSH method if127 modified. Metals (Barium, Cadmium and lead) - A sampling train (MSA pump and a 37-irm 0.8 urn pore size mlzed cellulose ester membrane filter) was operated at a flow rat of 1.5 1pm. The filters were dissolved 1n nitric acid and perchloric acid. An aliquot was subsequently analyzed by atomic absorption spectrophotometry (NIOSH method No. 173). ' - Total Nuisance Particulate - A personal sampling train with a tared 37-irm diameter/5.0 urn pore size, tared polyvinyl chloride filter or its equivalent was used to collect nuisance dust. The pump was operated at 1.5 1pm for the prescribed time or until the filter appeared to be overloading with dust particulate. The filter was analyzed gravlmetrica1ly according to NIOSH method 2 9 . The weight of the sample was determined by sub- tracting the tare weight from the total weight. - Bui k Samples - Several bulk samples were submitted to the - laboratory for analyses: _ 1. Talc - Two bulk samples were submitted to the laboratory for analyses of free crystalline silica and asbestos identification. 2. Carbon Black - One bulk sample was submitted for a n a l y s e s o f benzene s o l u b l e f r a c t i o n and PNA I d e n t i f i c a t i o n . D. Evaluation Criteria and Toxicity Data ' ; There are several criteria used to evaluate the toxic air contaminants for an employee's work environment: (1) NIOSH Criteria Documents for a Recommended Occupational Health Standard, (2) Proposed and Recommended Threshold Limit Values (TLV's) as suggested by the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH), 1976, (3) the OSHA Standards. The criteria for each contaminant are based upon the'current state of knowledge concerning toxicity of these substances. The cr1 te.ria are designed to allow an occupational exposure for up to a 10-hour work day, 40-hour work week as a time-weighted average (TWA) over a normal lifetime without the worker experiencing discomfort. In some instances, a few employees may experience adverse health effects at or below the TWA. There are some airborne contaminants for which this TWA is Inadequate; consequently, the substance may be proceeded by the letter "C1. This Page 11 - hea1th-Hazard Evaluation and Technical Assistance Report 78-72 letter indicates a ceiling value for a sampling interval of 30 minutes or less, the ceiling value is used to identify hazardous substances which are fast acting and should not be exceeded. The criteria mentioned above has been tabulated, footnoted and compared to the OSHA Standard listed in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), (1978) Title 29,-Part 1910, Subpart 2, Section .1000.' The OSHA Standard has been cited so that the reader may see which of the standards have been exceeded. TIME-WEIGHTED AVERAGE SUBSTANCE 8-HOUR 10-H0UR CEILING VALUE MINUTES Carbon BlaclJ 3.5 mg/ma and 0.10 mg/m as . cyclohexane extrac table substance Polynuclear Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PNA)2 3 Refined Petroleum Solvents (Mineral Spirits or Naphtha) 0.2 mg/m*3* as benzene or 0.1 mg/m cyclohexane extrac table in the presence of specific PNA12s ' " 55 ppm'3 283 ppm 15 Methyl Chloroform/ 350 ppm Benzene 1 ppm 60 Barium** (soluble compounds) 3 0.5 mg/m Cadmi un/ 40 ug/m3C 200 ug/m3 15 Inorganic Lead g Inert Nuisance Dust 0.05 mg/m3 10 mg/m3 a) mg/m - Approximate milligrams of particulate per cubic meter of air b) ppm - parts of a vapor or gas per million parts of contaminated air by volume c) ug/nr - Approximate micrograms of particulate per cubic meter of air 1. NI0SH Criteria Document (1978). The OSHA Standard (1978) is 3.5 mg/m3 . 2. NI0SH has no specific criteria for each PNA. Thus, PNA's are evaluated as cyclohexane extractable substances in the presence of PNA's for a Page 12 - Health Hazard Evaluation and Tecnnical Assistance Report 7S-72 specific substance, e.g. coal tar pitch, carbon black, etc. The OSHA standard and TLV evaluates PNA's as a benzene soluble fraction (0.20 mg/nr) for a specific substance, e.g. coal tar pitch. 3. HiIOSH Criteria Document (1977 ). The OSHA standard (1 978) is 63 ppm. 4. NIOSH Criteria Document (1976). The OSHA standard (1978) is 350 ppm. 5. NIOSH Recommendation Revised as part of NIOSH testimony at OSHA Hearing (1977). The a OSHA standard is 10 ppm. 6. The OSHA Standard (3977) and TLV Document (1977). 7. NIOSH Criteria Document (1976). The OSHA Standard (1978) is .2 mg/m3 as an 8-hour TWA. 8. The OSHA Standard (1979) is 0.05 mg/m^. 9. ACGIH TLV Document (1978). The OSHA Standard (1978) is 15.0 mg/m3 . Toxicity Data Lead . Although capable of causing acute toxicity when absorbed,in large amounts, lead is usually associated with chronic toxicity due to absorption of lesser amounts over prolonged periods of time. The major route of entry of lead, and its inorganic compounds, is the lung, although slight amounts may be ingested. The early effects of lead poisoning are non-specific, and except for laboratory testing, are difficult to distinguish from the symptoms of minor seasonal illness. The symptoms are decreased physical fitness, fatigue, sleep disturbance, headache, aching bones and muscles, digestive symptoms (particularly constipation), abdominal pains, and decreased appetite. These symptoms are reversible and complete recovery is possible when removed from exposure. The three systems most coimionly affected are the bone marrow (producer of red blood cells), the nervous system, and the kidneys. Because of more efficient material handling methods and biological monitoring, serious cases of lead poisoning are rare in industry today. Inert Dust Although exposure to levels of inert, or nuisance, dust in excess of OSHA's standard has not been shown to cause irreversible and/or Page 13 - Health Hazard Evaluation and Technical Assistance Report 78-72 persistent lung damage, a dusty environment can cause mucous membrane irritation and worker discomfort. E. EVALUATION AND DISCUSSION Environmental Only three carbon black samples (personal and area) were collected during the two days because very little black pigment was used in the formulation (Table I). The laboratory analyses of the filters showed that no'black pigment could be detected. It was observed that one of two local exhaust ducts for the com pound scale was used to hold a piece of cardboard that contained weight requirements for each of the pigments. Unfortunately, this cardboard interferred with the proper use of the exhaust duct. The analyses of the carbon black bulk was performed to determine the PNA and benzene-soluble fraction composition. The analyses detected two PNA's (benzo(a)pyrene B (a )P and pyrene) at concentrations of 12.6 micrograms per gram of sample (ug/g) and 148 ug/g respectively. The benzene soluble fraction concentration was reported to be 8.69 milligrams per gram of sample. Although no carbon black was detected on the limited number of'-samples--col 1ec ted a potential health hazard exists due to the presence of specific PNA's identified in the bulk sample. Ergo, further sampling would be warranted for the carbon black scaling operation. Ten PNA samples (personal and area) were collected from several areas (Table II): Compound-Banbury area and the Compound Waste area at the scale. Since PNA's such as 8 (a)P and chrysene can be measured in the ambient air, it was decided to do simultaneous sampling outside the process room. A laboratory analysis indicated that the sample chromatograms did not contain any peaks which could be interpreted as polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbon compounds. Eight personal samples were collected for mineral spirits, methyl chloroform and benzene. The laboratory analyses of the charcoal tubes did not detect any benzene solvent. The concentration of mineral spirits and methyl chloroform were well below the NIDSH recommended standards (Table III). The application of the solvent/wax solution to the hot vinyl sheets, which are cured in the small presses, produced vapors which irritated the eyes and/or throat of the workers. The NIOSH medical officer experienced throat irritation while talking to the employees at their work stations. Although it was suspected that mineral spirit vapors could cause mucous membrane irritation, the levels measured during the follow-up Page 14 - Health Hazard Evaluation and Technical Assistance Report 78-7Z survey were all below NI OSH recommended criteria. The fact that all exhaust ventilation systems were not operational during the initial survey may have contributed to a vapor accumulation around the press areas. All exhaust fans were fully operational during sampling on the follow-up survey. It should be noted that the employees-were given squeegees with long handles so that the workers would not have to stand over the vinyl sheets while waxing. However, the employees still complained of physical irri tation. ` Nine samples (personal and area) were collected from two general areas where barium, cadmium, and lead dusts could be exposing the workers. The sources of contamination are the barium/cadmium stabilizers and the dibasic lead sulfate. Of those three metallic dusts, two dust samples (inorganic lead) exceeded the OSHA standard of 0.05 mg/m-3. Even though two samples did exceed the current OSHA lead standard, this does not constitute a major work area exposure. The significantly higher lead concentration measured on one filter would indicate that a re-evaluation of the compound-charging area is necessary to determine whether the sample filters were * inadvertently contaminated or whether the employee1s work practice is significantly different than the other workers, or whether the ambient lead levels are .high dug-to-.the work operation. The laboratory analyses of the bulk sample.of dibasic lead sulfate indicated that 49% of the compound was lead. Thirty-eight total nuisance dust samples (personal and area) were collected (Table IV and V). Four personal samples collected from the compounders 1n the process room exceeded the OSHA standard of 15.0 mg/m3. It was anticipated to sample some of the other chemicals used 1n the formulations (e.g. talc, amorphous silica, calcium carbonate, etc.); however, the products being manufactured did not include all of these chemicals. The major constituent sampled was calcium carbonate. Two bulk talc samples were submitted to the laboratory for analyses of free crystalline silica and asbestos content. One bulk sample .. was destroyed during shipment. An analysis of the other bulk sample did not detect any free crystalline silica, but the talc did contain 30-40% block tremolite asbestos. About 10% of the block tremolite was observed to be a true tremolite fiber which by definition has an aspect ratio (length to width ratio) of 3 to 1. The talc material used on the follow-up was not reported to contain asbestos or free silica. It was attempted to sample all the chemicals cited in the Health Hazard Evaluation Request. Unfortunately, the ingredients for the various products changed frequently due to marketing demands. Page 15 - Health Hazard Evaluation and Technical Assistance Report 78-72 Consequently, specific chemicals were evaluated based on the relative toxicity, quantity, and frequency of use. . No monitoring was performed for dyes because 1t was determined that dyes are not used by the company. Also, monitoring was not performed for vinyl chloride monomer because the polyvinyl chloride resin was not considered to it a potential problem based on the method of usage. Furthermore the company reported that the levels of vinyl chloride concentrations were a factor of 5 below the cri teria. ' It was observed that some respirators were not being worn properly. One employee fastened only one of the two straps on the respirator. Another employee pulled his respirator off his face immediately after loading the compound hopper even though dust was visibly present in the air. The loading technique of the compounders in the process room varied considerably. One worker handled the bags of chemicals harshly, and the other worker emptied the bags gently so as to not create unnecessary .dust. The fork lift operator for the scrapping operation was observed, * emptying the 55-gallon drums of scrap quickly into the'hopper, thereby, generating much dust. In addition, the large doors adjacent to the scrappnr hopper were usually open. Thus, the air currents entering the process room dispersed the dust throughout the room. The noise in the process room was so loud that the people working side by side had to yell to one another. Hearing protectors- were not required in the area. One employee indicated that he cleans his respirator every day or two. He Indicated that the frequency of cleaning the respirator is apparently left to the discretion of the worker. The doors on the pre-blenders in the mezzanine level of the process room were not always closed during the mixing operation. Also there appeared to be a considerable amount of dust accumulation on the floors where the pre-blenders and the blenders are located. This is also where the barium/cadmium stabilizers are stored. Medical Analysis of personal samplers indicated that two of the workers were exposed to levels of lead in air in excess of the OSHA standard one minimally, and the other considerably. Although these workers wear respirators, and occasional, and brief, exposures to levels of lead dust above the standard are unlikely to adversely affect the health of the workers, nevertheless, lead is toxic, and every effort Page 15 - Healtn Hazard Evaluation and Technical Assistance Report 73-72 should be made to adhere to NIOSH1s recoumendations. These men have been notified, by letter, of their exposure, and they have been advised to consult the plant - and/or their private- physicians, to have blood-lead estimations performed to establish whether, or not, excessive lead absorption is occuring. Further more, four of the samples indicated that dust levels exceeded the OSHA standard. _ F. Recommendations 1. The company should review their material inventory list to , determine which chemicals are potentially toxic. Those chemicals should be monitored periodically. 2. Employees should be given periodic training regarding how to properly wear and clean their respirators. . 3. Employees should be required to clean their respirator daily. 4. Compounders should be Instructed to empty bags of chemicals more gently in order to prevent dust generation. . 5. The,fork 11ft operator in the process room should be instructed to slowly emply the 55-gallon drums in order to control dust genei 5*1 on. * ' 6. A noise survey should be performed in the process room to determine the sound pressure levels. 7. The mezzanine level should be cleaned daily. Also the doors on the blenders and pre-blenders should have spring latches installed to insure the doors are properly closed during mixing. 8. One pre-blender should have a canopy exhaust duct installed so that dust does not accumulate in the mezzanine area. 9. Environmental sampling should be performed in the compound waste area to determine the airborne lead concentration. 10. The employees should apply the solvent/wax solution to the vinyl sheets after the sheets are cooled in order to reduce irri tation. 11. The bi-annual inspection and lubrication of the exhaust ventilation system should be modified to include maintenance ' of the exhaust fan louvers. ' 12. One person should be responsible for turning on exhaust fan switches at the.beginning of each shift. Pige 17 - Health Hazard Evaluation and Technical Assistance Report 78-72 V. AUTHORSHIP AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Report Prepared By: Pierre L. Belanger Industrial Hygienist NIOSH - Region IX San Francisco, Ca. Elva Elesh, M.D. Medical Section Hazard Evaluation and Technical Assistance Bran: Cincinnati, Ohio Originating Office: Jerome P. Flesch Acting Chief Hazard Evaluation and Technical Assistance Branc Cincinnati, Ohio ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Environmental Evaluation: Bill Evans * Bill Ollinger Gary Verst Industrial Hygiene Sectior Hazard Evaluation and Technical Assistance Branc Analytical Laboratory Services: Measurement Support Branci Cincinnati, Ohio Report Typed By: Dorothy Chandler V. REFERENCES . 1. Criteria for a Recommended Standard...Occupational Exposure to Carbon Black, (1978) HEW Publication No. 78-204 2. Criteria for a Recommended Standard... Occupational Exposure to Refined Petroleum Solvents, (1977) HEW Publication No. 77-192 3. Revised Recommended Asbestos Standard, (1976) HEW Publication No. 77-169 4. Criteria for a Recommended Standard...Occupational Exposure to Inorganic Lead, Revised Criteria (1978) HEW Publication No. 78-158 5. Criteria for a Recommended Standard...Occupational Exposure to Hexavalent Chromium, (1976) HEW Publication No. 78-129 Page 18 - Health Hazard Evaluation and Technical Assistance Report 78-72 6. NIOSH Manual of Sampling Data Sheets, DHEW (NIOSH) Publication No. 77-159 7. NIOSH Manual of Analytical Methods, HEW Publication No. (NIOSH) 77-157-4 8. Documentation of Threshold Limit Valuas, ACGIH, 3rd ED., Cincinnati, Ohio 1971 9. Patty, F.A. Industrial Hygiene and Toxicology, Second Revised Ed., Vol. II, I.nterscience Publishers, New York, 1976 10. Special Occupational hazard Review and Control Recommendations - Chrysene, DHEW (NIOSH) Publication No. 78-163 . 11. Dement, J. and Zumwalde R., Industrial Hygiene Study of the Gouverneur Talc Company, Number One Mine and Mill. Volume I, Final Report, NIOSH, June 8, 1977 Date 10/11 10/11 10/12 Sarap t'e Number 1690 1682 . 16B3 Type 5 atipe Area Personnel Personnel TABLE I 1 S u M i r j of Air S a m p l i n g for Kent 11 Floors S o u t h F l a l n f i e l J , Ncvr Carbon Jersey Black October 11-12, 1973 Job Clssslflcatlon or Location Covtpound lng-Vaste Area Above Hood Compou nd ln g- Wasta Area Compounding-Waste Area P e r i o d S a m p le 0743-0900 0740-0855 D 7 10-1135 Volume(Lit ere) 116 113 668 Concent rat Ion (mn/mlj* H.D.2 H-L . N.D. 1 . w\g/n3 - A p p r o x i m a t e m i l l i g r a m s of c o n t a m i n a n t per c u b i c m e t e r of air. 2. H.D. 3. TW A - H o n e d e t e c t e d (Limit of d e t e c t i o n la 0 . 5 mg). - Time weighted average. I HIOSH Criteria! 1, C a r b o n Blac k - 3.5 g / ^ - 0.1 mg/m^ TWA^ aa cyclohexane s/iluMf fraction in presence of polycyclic aroma11c hydrocarbons. TABLE II Summary o f A i r Sam pling f o r P o ly n u c le a r Aromatic (PDA) Hydrocarbons Kenttle D o ors Sooth Plainfield, New Jersey October 11-12, 1978 Sample Type Job Classification Date Humber Sample or Location 10/11 P-13 A3 Process Room-Outside of Bldg. Door near scrapper Hl/11 P-19 A Process Room-OutsIde of Bldg. Door Hear Scrapper 10/12 P-2 A Process Room-Outside of Bldg. Door Hear Scrapper ID/12 P-I A Process Room-Outside of Bldg. Door Hear Scrapper 10/11 P-17 A Compounding-Above Banbury Controls 10/11 P-16 A Compound Waste Area-Above Hood 10/11 r - u . P5 CompoundIng-Banbury Area 10/11 P-15 P Compound Waste Area 10/12 P-3 A CompoundIng-Above Banbury Controls 10/12 P-10 P Compound 1ng-Banbury Area Samole Beruo(a) Period VolumeU tters! pyrBne DB55-1459 546 N.D.4 Concentration (uq/sanple)' Pyrene Chrysene Phenanthrene H.O. H.D. H.D. . 0855-1459 546 N.D. H.D. H.D. N.D. 0905-1451 5 19 N.D. H.D. H.D. N.D. 0739-1451 64B N.D. H.D. N.D. H.D. 0755-1447 6I8 0743-0900 1I6 0750-1450 585 0740-0855 113 0735-1504 674 0750-15D1 599 N.D. H.D. N.D. , H.D. H.O. N.D. H.D. H.D. H.D. H.D. N.D. N.D. N.D. H.D. N.D. H.D. H.D. N.D. H.D. H.D. H.D. N.D. H.D. i H.D. H.D. H.D. H.D. H.D. H.D. H.D. N.D. H.D. N.D. N.D. Benzene H.D. . H.D. H.D. 0.06 0.03 0.17 a.o? 0.17 O.OJ 0.17 1. i i g / s a m p l e 2 . mg/m " 3. A 4. N.D. 5. P - Hlcrogram of partIculate'per sample - Approximate milligrams of particulate per cubic neler of air. - Area sample. - Hone detected - Personnel sample Llmlts of Detec tlon: 1 . Benzo (a) pyrene - 1-0 u g/sample 2. Pyrene - 5 . 0 p g/saaiple 3. Chrysene - 2.5 w g/sample 4. Phenanthrene - 2.0 pg/sample 1 5. Anthracene - 5.0 pg/sample 6. Benzene soluble - 0.02 mg/sample Date 10/11 10/11 10/11 10/11 10/12 10/12 10/12 10/12 Sample Humber i 2 3 4 5 6 7 a Job Classification or Location Operator-Press 516 Operator-Press 314 Operator-Press H Z Operator-Press 112 Operator-Press U 2 Operator-Press 112 Operator-Press 617 Operator Press 617 Sunmary lABtr m pf Perspnne,! Air Sampling for ' In the Curing AreA fcentlle Floors South Plainfield, Hew Jersey Solvents October 11-12, 1978 Sample Period 0750-1500 0800-1500 0004-1500 0821-1500 0724-1435 0724-1433 0720-1431 D720-I437 Yolumetl1ters) 22.1 20.0 21.8 18.6 25.B 23.3 23.9 21.5 Hinera1 Spirits 3.2 6.0 8.0 7.8 2.5 2.7 0.3 2.0 Concentration (PPH)* Hethyl Chloroform 0.10 2.7 3.6 2.2 0.6 09 . 0.8 0.2 Benzene N.D.Z N.D. N.U. H.D. N.D. H.D. H.D. N.D. 1. PPH - Parts of a gas or vapor per million parts of contaminated air by volume at 25C. and 760 millimeters of mercury pressure. 2. H.D. - None detected. 3. mg - Hi 11Igrams Limits o.f Detection: 1. Hineral Spirits - 0.01 mg9 . 2. Hethyl Chloroform - 0.01 mg. 3. Bentene - 0.D0I mg. H1QSH Criteria: 1 1. Hineral Spirits - 55 PPH 2. Hethyl Choloroforra - 350 PPH 3. Benzene - 1.0 PPH ..ABLE IV Smrnary of environmental For Metals and Total Kenllle Floors South Plainfield, Hen Sampling Dust Jersey October 11-12, 1978 Da te 10/11 10/11 10/12 10/12 10/12 10/12 10/12 10/12 10/12 Sdcnpl e Hunger 1673 172B 1666 1664 1707 16B7 1676 1663 1698 Type Sample Pz p p p A< A P . P A Job Class 1fIcatlon or Location Process Room, Compounder Process Room, Compounder Process Room, Compounder Process Ro o m Compounder North End of Compd. Charging Hopper Center of Compd, Charging Hopper Cmpd. Charging Area Cmpd. Charging Area ' Cmpd. Charging Area Sample Period 0653-1455 DB53-1455 0720-1454 0723-1454 1033-1440 1035-1440 0715-1500 0720-1500 0721-1511 YDlLme(LHers) 472 - 461 626 621 371 368 645 635 705 Barium 0.04 0.03 N.D. N.D. N.D. N.D. H.D. N.D. N.D. Ccncentra l lonlng/m"'1 Cadmium Lead 0.02 H.D.3 0.03 H.D. N.D. H.D. N.D. 0.01 H.D. H.D. H.D. H.D. H.D. 0.04 0.03 0.43 D.07 0.05 Total Dust 6.92 17.D9 4 .117 15.08 0.75 0.46 5.03 3.92 0.62 1. mg/n3 - Approximate milligrams of contaminant per cubic meter of air 2. P - Personnel sample. 3. H.O. - Hone detected. 4. A - Area sample. 5. THA - Time fcdqhted average. 6. ul - uilcrogram. m NIOSH CRITERIA: 1. Cadmu - 2. Lead - . 0.04 cg/ml (g-MR THA.) 0.20 mg/m3 {Ce 11 lng-15mln) 0.10 mg^m3 | limits 1. 2. 3. of Detection: Barium - 5.0 Cadmium - 2.0 pg Lead - 5.0 gg Date io/n 10/11 10/11 10/11 10/12 10/12 10/12 10/12 10/12 10/12 10/12 10/11 10/11 10/11 10/11 10/11 10/11 10/11 10/11 10/11 10/11 Sample Humber 300 3032 3052 3031 3035 3038 3037 3023 3043 3059 3000 3D61 3031 3024 3048 30J9 3036 3063 3025 3057 3029 Type Sample aZ P3 P P P P A p p p A P P A A P A P P A p TAOIE V Sumoary of Environmental Sampling For total Nolsance Particulate Kenttle Floors South Plainfield, Hew Jersey October 11-12, 197B123 Job Classification or location Sample Period VolumelLiters) Blending Room-Rear Orix* Support Blending Room&inclnerator-Fork Lift Driver Blender Operator Blender Operator Blender Operator Blender Operator Blending Room-Rear Drum Support Blending RooraAInctneralor-Fort Lift Driver Blender Operalor Slender Operator Blending Room-inner Drum Support Process Room-Mixer Clean-up Han Press Room-Scrapper fl Process Room-Scrapper 1 2 Process Room-Pigment Scale Table Process Room-Compounder Process Room-Top of Mixer 11 Process Room-Compounder Process Rocm-PIgment Scale Operator Process Room-Top of Mixer Control Panel Process Roora-Canpounder-at hopper 0730-1155 0740-1430 0725-1439 0720-1452 1045-1453 1108-1451 0746-1456 0743-1440 0748-1453 1047-1451 1053-1456 0805-1505 0750-1525 0750-1500 0745-1505 0741-1455 0745-1454 0735-1505 0715-1505 0725-1450 0740-1455 667. 46B. 510. 517. 310. 576. 645. 559. 576. 310. 309. 555 623 645 660 576. 644. 641 705 668 582 1. mg/m-1 - Approximate milligrams of contaminant per cubic meter of air. 2. A - Area sample. 3. P - Personnel sangle. ACGIII TLV: < Totl 1D- Total Dust Concentra tion(mq/m^) 0.46 3.14 1.04 0.58 1.77 0.52 0.51 4.44 1.61 0.94 o.sa 2.58 0.69 7.33 1.03 15.49 0.65 15.18 0.99 0.67 6.70 1 TABLE V Suninary of Air Sampling For Total Hulsance Particulate Lentlle Floors South Plainfield, Hew Jersey October II-1Z, 197S (continued) Da te 10/11 10/1/ 10/12 10/12 10/12 10/12 10/12 10/12 10/12 10/12 10/12 10/11 10/11 10/11: 10/11 10/11 10/12 10/12 Sample Dumber 3028 3053 3020 3007 1008 3060 3004 3040 3044 3064 3001 304 2 3045 3050 3018 3046 3UU5 3009 Type Sample pz p. A1 A A P A P P P P P P A P A P A Job Classlftcatlon or Location Process Rocm-HIxer Operator Process Roan-Compounder Process Room-Above Hlxer #1 Process Room-Scrapper 11 Process Room-Above Mixer 12 Scrapper Operator Process Room-Pigment Scale Process Rooni-Compountfer Process Room-Clean-up Kan Process Room-HUer Operator Process Room-Pigment Scale Operator Compound Charging Area Compound Charging Area Between two Compounders Compound-Hixer Area Compound-Above Hixer Controls Compound-HIxer Operator Compound-Above Mixer Controls I. mg/rn^ Z. P 3. A Approximate milligram of containment per cubic meter of air. Personnel sample. Area sample. Sample Period Vo1ume(Llters) 0720-1453 0723-1454 0730-1449 0736-1451 0730-1449 0735-1447 0727-1447 0720-1454 0742-1500 0705-1445 0710-1449 0722-1430 0722-1430 0729-1431 0750-1450 0755-1447 0750-1504 0735-1504 600. 624. 674 653 659 603 660 629 56 3 690 651 642 642 633 675 6i a 599 674 ACGIII TLV: 3 1. Total Dust 10.0 mg/m Tota] Dust j Concentra tion(mq/m^) 1.15 3.69 1.77 1.00 0.99 0.88 1.05 3.M 0.82 0.72 1.08 5.30 1 .88 0.52 0.09 0.24 0.12 i 0.06