Document LMv195gVRkepOQqwaeo5oDNg

Mr. V. J. Ziamba Tarry-town Technical Center Rout 100C Tarrytovn, New York 10591 April IT, 1975 Medical Department Dr. J. J. Welsh Dr. K. S. Lane Dear Mr. Zlemba: Visits were made to the Tarrytovn Technical Center on February 20 and March 18, 1975 primarily for evaluation of vinyl chloride exposures in the Silicones Bldg. Other areas where industrial hygiene questions had been raised were also Investigated. The following is a stmmary of the findings. SILICOSES BLDG. - VINYL CHLORIDE Personnel type and stationary samples were taken in the storage area, around the Banbury and Calendar operations, and the Brabender testing laboratory on February 20 and March iS, and on both occasions no vapors of vinyl chloride were detected. These areas were also checked in January with the same results. Based on these findings it is not felt that a hazard from exposure to vinyl chloride vapors exists at these operations. SILICONES BLDG. - FLAME RETARDANTS FOR POLYURETHANE FOAMS The use of trimathylpropana and phosphorus containing retardants was discussed. It has been determined that scsm of the by-products of pyrolysis can cause severe toxic effects involving the central nervous system. This testing was dona by the University of Utah's Flssamblllty Research Center. UCC 067807 Mr. W. J. Zimaba -2- April 17, 1975 Recommendations for personnel engaged in flasmability testing war* a* followst 1, Personnel routinely exposed to combustion by-products should wear a positive-pressure air supply respirator. 2. Others, who may have only occasional exposure to those poten tially hazardous materials, should be advised to us* a chemical cartridge, full-face respirator, with an add gas, organic vapor, and particulate filter, 3, No studies should be conducted outside of a hood or properly ventilated area. 4. The test facility should be so ventilated that air circulation and exhaust systems remove the smoke gases from the Immediate test area. The exhaust system should not contaminate any other air-conditioning system in the loMdiate vicinity. It waslalso felt that any other personnel who might be exposed to these pyrolytic by-products (l.e, hot wire cutting, etc.) should take similar precautions. It was felt that since only limited use of this type material would take place that it could be safely handled through use of the above precautions. RESEARCH IN3TITU1E BLDG. The possibility of exposure to carbon monoxide during cmetaln research projects was discussed. It was reccanwnded that one of the coonercially available constant monitors be installed in the area of use so that when levela of carbon monoxide above the threshold limit value were detected, an alarm system would be activated and steps taken to correct the situation. CHEMICALS AND PLASTICS Potential exposure to arsenic, selenium and tellurltm in the laboratory atmosphere was discussed with Dr. Wolfe, and it was agreed that personnel uco 067808 Mr. J. M. Ctflkla -3- April 17, 1974 sanplere would be used to datemina whether or not air-borne eoncentrmtlens of these Materials were present In the laboratory. Tron a description of the activities, it was not felt that this would present andan undue health hasard. LINDE BLOG. Lab L3l Operations being carried on in this lab use various quantities of benzene. Air samples were taken to determine the vapor concentrations. No benzene was found during periods of no pushing or transfer of Material. During the pimping cycle to fill the coluan concentrations ranged frcm 1?0 to 200 parts per sdlllon. With exhaust ventilation turned off, the levels were 300-400 parts per Million at the drua pmp. In the general area along the coliams, 150 parts per Million were detected. Although the operators wore respiratory equipment during these periods, it is rseaasndsd that urinary phono! and/or blood counts be taken on a periodic beais so that personnel May be Monitored. It is possible that low level exposure May be present on a routine basis, and this would be e Means of detecting any effects on the personnel involved. CRYOGENIC GRINDING In discussing potential duet problms In this area, it was learned that considerable dustiness was present during the grinding of eltMwn bark. Sines this Material contains various aldehydes, it can causa dermatitis and skin rashes. It can also cause irritations to the upper respiratory tract. In view of this exhaust ventilation control should be euffieient UCC 067809 Mr, J. M. Cwikla -h- Aprll 17, 1975 to control dustiness. mar exhaust dust colizctor When this unit was cleaned recently, auto-ignition of the material occurred at the top of the collecting dn*a. It is felt that this was caused from entrapped hydrocarbons on the fine particles being released to the atmosphere and a possible exothermic reaction occurred through a copper or nickel catalyst. It was not felt that any nickel carbonyl would be formed. Various procedures were discussed that should be followed to prevent a recurrence of this situation. Thanking you again for courtesies extended, I remain Very truly yours, Leo J. Lafrance Industrial Hygienist UTi/eg UCC 067810