Document DG2yBXoOm74V1odK7Y3bzo4zB

-mlw8.fINSAFETYAND HEALTH March 28, 1986 i 1 I % g Ms. Judy Spencer Legal Department Industrial Commission of Ohio 246 North High Street Columbus, Ohio 43215 RE: 888072-22 Francisco Gomez, Jr. U.S. Steel Corporation f Dear Ms. Spencer: On February 27, 1986, O.S. Steel in Lorain was visited to gather information on the above claim. John Clark, safety director, was interviewed and conducted a plant tour. The claimant's work history and medical information are in the facsimile file. The claim alleges exposure to a thread coupling compound caused nausea, headache, diarrhea, neuro-behavioral effects and hospitalization. Dr. R. C. Castro, M.D., says the claimant is allergic to the threading compound. The threading compound, noted in the claim, is an industri al grease. This grease was applied to oil drilling pipe threads. This provides antirust properties. The grease was applied with a brush to a room temperature pipe. The grease use was discontinued many months prior to the Commission visit. The manufacturer's material safety data sheet of January, 1983, notes the following: 1. Caution: May be harmful when swallowed. Contains lead. 2. Exposed employees should exercise reasonable personal cleanliness. Wash exposed skin several times daily. 7 The Industrial Commission of Ohio Oivision of Safety and Hygiene 246 N. High SL Columbus, Ohio 43215 Richard F. Celeste, Governor * Loonard r. Lancaster, Industrial Commission Chairman Emory Huguelet. Vice Chairman e George C. Smith III. Member Raymond A. Connor, Member Robert L McAllister, Member John A. Pompel. Safety and Hygiene Superintendent Lou Gergeiy, Assistant Superintendent 888072-22 - Francisco Gomez, Jr Page 2 3. No inhalation potential exists at room temperature. 4. Dermal, inhalation and oral exposure suggests the' grease is practically nontoxic. The grease contains mineral oil, zinc, lead and copper. Exposure to this grease would come from ingestion, not inhalation. - Stoddard Solvent Millions of industrial and domestic workers have been exposed to mineral oil with minimal health effects. Apart from skin defatting and irritation, mineral oil is of little serious health effect. Zinc1 The toxicity of zinc compounds by mouth is low. The classic metal fume fever is a result of inhalation of zinc oxide fumes not ingestion. The fever is considered innocuous, tempo rary and not serious. Lead1 Many lead compounds are sufficiently soluble in body fluids to be toxic, lead intoxication can produce central nervous system effects, gastrointenstinal disturbances, anemia and peripheral neuropathy. Digestion concentration is not mentioned but effects aj:e gauged against blood lead levels. COPPCX1 Copper is an essential element in human metabolism. A daily uptake, from food, occurs. In excessive quantities, a sweet or metallic taste, nausea, metal fume fever and skin discoloration may occur. Industrial ingestion exposure levels are not mentioned in any literature evaluated. This grease does not present a health hazard by inhalation. Dermatologic effects would be expected, ingestion could be a route of exposure but collective effects are not documented. ! % 'i 888072-22 - Francisco Gomez# Jr. Page 3 Considering individual susceptibility# personal hygiene and the grease components potential synergistic effects, a health potential for the claimant exists. Respectfully submitted RW/klp Richard Wilder Industrial Hygienist * l.