Document Rp2pz7Zy8EJMw2M0xVGeEB0pX

TO: Distribution -T66-. ^L: WNfG: RF XF: ____________ Interoffice Communication FROM: DATE: SUBJ: T. G. Grumbles August 24, 1989 NIOSH INVESTIGATION AT THE LCVCM PLANT VISTA Attached are the employee letter regarding the subject and the NIOSH request sent today. We'll keep you informed on progress. T. G. Grumbles dlj . 739 Attachment Distribution T. H. Huffman, J. A. DeBernardi, R. D. Gamblin, M. > S. Reynolds, W. L. McClain-Houston J. Friend-LCCP, J. Ware-LCLAB, R. W. Seymour-Aber, H. D. Garrison-Okc VVV 00G00019O Vista Chemical Company 900 Threodneodle Houston, Texas 77079 (713) 588-3000 CERTIFIED MAIL RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED August 24, 1989 P.O. Box 19029 Houston, Texas 77224 Fox {713) 588-3236 Hazard. Evaluations and Technical Assistance Branch Division of Surveillance, Hazard Evaluations and Field Studies NI0SH 4676 Columbia Parkway Cincinnati, Ohio 45226 Dear Sirs: Vista Chemical is requesting a NI0SH Health Hazard Evaluation at it's Vinyl Chloride Monomer production facility in Westlake, Louisiana. This request is being made to investigate the incidence of cancer and particularly brain tumors at this manufacturing location. A plant profile is attached that describes the plant operation and provides detail's about the plant size and history. The evaluation is being requested as a result of recent events in the current employee population. Two employees have recently been diagnosed as having cancerous brain tumors. According to the information available to us, one employee's tumor was a Glioblastoma Multiforme (astrocytoma) and one was an Adenocarcinoma (metastatic). Both employees have been employed at the plant for more than 15 years. Based on the facts available to us at this time, it appears the two tumors are of a different type and not related in any way. However, the occurrence of two brain tumors in a short time has raised employee concerns regarding the relationship between chemical exposures and brain tumors at the plant. For this reason, we believe an independent assessment of the situation would be beneficial. Please contact the undersigned at 713-588-3445 if you have any questions concerning this matter and to provide information concerning the next step to be taken by NI0SH. Sincerely, Thomas G. Grumbles, C.I.H. Environmental Quality Manager dlj Enclosures VVV 00Q0G0197 Lake Charles VCM Plant Vista Chemical Company Box 605 VCM Plant Road Westlake, Louisiana 70669 Telephones VCM Plant Office 3X8/494-5030 (7 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Monday - Friday) VCM Control Room 318/494-5070 (Day or Night) Employees Approximately 120 employees. Major Materials Produced Vinyl chloride monomer (VCM) Ethylene dichloride (EDC) Process Capacity 700 million pounds per year. Product Facts VCM is produced from ethylene fed to the plant from Vista Chemical's ethylene unit (part of the Lake Charles Chemical Plant), located in the same chemical complex. Vista's VCM is utilized in the production of Vista Polymers' PVC resins, compounds and dryblends and is also sold into the merchant market. When VCM is processed into PVC, the resulting resin can be manufactured into such products as siding, pipe, furniture, apparel and packaging. VCM is a colorless gas at atmospheric pressure and is the basic raw material for making polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic resin. Ethylene dichloride (EDC), the other basic ingredient for the manufacture ofVCM, is produced on site as part of the VCM manufacturing process. After it is made, it is held in tanks until needed. EDC, a colorless, oily liquid, is not routinely shipped outside the plant. VCM from this facility is transported to Vista's PVC plants in Aberdeen, Mississippi, and Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and is also sold to other companies. Facility Description The Lake Charles VCM Plant is located adjacent to the Lake Charles Chemical Plant on an 80-acre tract, of which 25 acres are utilized. It contains rail and trucking facilities, with access to water transport facilities. Facility History 1967 - Constructed from a Stauffer Chemical Company design. 1968 - Brought on-stream. The plant was the largest single-train VCM plant in the world. 1981 - The plant completed a major modernization project in 1983. 1984 - Vista Chemical assumes operations of the plant after the company purchased assets of Conoco Chemicals. WV 0000001^8 Sec. 16 4/87 1 Lake Charies VCM Plant Page 2 Incoming Supplies (Feedstocks, Raw Materials) Chlorine Transported to the plant in gaseous form by pipeline from the nearby PPG Industries Plant and limited quantities in liquid form by tank car from other chlorine manufacturers in the southeast. Only on-site storage of feedstock is for liquid chlorine. High concentrations of chlorine gas cause severe damage to the respiratory tract. With long exposure, death may result. Gas or liquid contact can burn skin and permanently damage eye tissue. Ethylene Transferred to the plant via pipeline from LCCP. Ethylene is a flammable gas which has an anesthetic effect on humane, HC1 Gas (Hydrogen Chloride Anhydrous) Transferred to the plant as gas by pipeline. It is a colorless, nonflam mable gas. Eyes and respiratory tract are susceptible to irritation if inhaled. Tissue damage may occur with exposure to high concentrations. Handling of Outgoing Materials Vinyl Chloride Monomer (VCM) The major product from this facility is VCM, totaling 700 million pounds capacity per year. On-site tank farm capacity is 27 million pounds maximum. VCM is shipped from the plant by railcar, ship and pipeline. VCM is a colorless gas and a liquid under pressure. Vapors can form flammable mixtures in air. Burning VCM generates hydrogen chloride gas. VCM is a recognized human carcinogen. High levels of exposure over long periods of time can cause cancer in humans. Ethylene Dichloride (EDC) EDC is used on site and is not routinely shipped outside the plant. EDC is a clear liquid with a sweet, chloroform-like odor. EDC va pors can form flammable mixtures in air. Burning EDC generates hydrogen chloride gas. EDC is classified as a suspected carcinogen. High levels of exposure over long periods of time can cause adverse effects on the liver and kidneys. Regulated Waste Substances as a Result of Manufacturing Operations Heavy Ends Light Ends Muriatic Acid Generated from the VCM process and is sent off-site to PPG Industries for recycling. Generated from the VCM process and is normally sold in the mar ket as a product. Generated from the VCM process and is either sold as product or neutralized in tanks to be rendered non-hazardous. Sec. 16 4/87 vw 000000199 2