Document Yjr88qyVvxNnB84OGZgL7m2OD

r . L OHC - 124 Manufacturing Chemists Association OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH COMMITTEE Minutes of Meeting MCA Conference Room May 15, 1975 Washington, D.C. Chairman Lane opened the meeting at 9:00 a.m. with the introduction of new people. The record of attendance was: Members Present: Dr, K. S. Lane, Chairman Union Carbide Corporation Mr. E. E. Christofano, Vice Chairman Hercules Incorporated Mr. W. V. Andresen Dr. L. E a Cassidy American Cyanamid Company Canadian Industries Limited Mr. R. s. Detrick Koppers Company, Inc. (for Mr. D. L. Eynon) Mr. K. R. Doremus Mr. W. S. Ferguson Merck & Co., Inc. 'Allied Chemical Corporation Dr. R. D. Fulwiler The Procter & Gamble Company Dr. E. M. Flint ... CIBA-GEIGY Corporation (for Dr. F. L. Lyman) Dr. R. L. Gibson Gulf Oil Chemicals Company (for Dr. W. A. McClellan) Dr. L. B. Grant PPG Industries, Inc. Dr. M. N. Johnson B. F. Goodrich Chemical Company Dr. S . C. Kelton Dr. E. J. Kerfoot Mr. C. s. Laubly Rohm and Haas Company BASF Wyandotte Corporation Celanese Corporation Dr. G. 0 . Levinskas Monsanto Company Dr. J. E. Long Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company Dr. R. L. O'Connell Olin Corporation (for Dr. M. R. Gasque) Dr. C. F. Reinhardt E. I. du Pont de Nemours & Company Dr. J. R. Venable The Dow Chemical Company Mr. A. C. Clark (part time) MCA Staff Mr. M. Freifeld MCA Staff Guests Present: Mr. M. J. Decerbo Dr. E. Q. Hull Mr. J. M. Pardee (Vice Chairman, Borg-Warner Chemicals Union Carbide Corporation Eastman Kodak Company safety and Fire Protection Committee) CMA 060300 Members Absent; Mr. J. Bolton Mr. J. W. Hammond Mr. W. C. Janes OHC - 125 Stauffer Chemical Company Exxon Chemical Company USS Chemicals 1. Minutes of the Last Meeting The minutes of the last meeting, January 21, 1975, were approved as distributed. 2. New Officers Officers for the next term voted in by the membership without dissent and approved by the Board are: Chairman Mr. E. E. Christofano and Vice Chairman - Dr. C. F. Reinhardt. 3. Membership The Committee has twenty-three members and authori zation for twenty-four. There are two new candidates for membership and one of them, Mr. Decerbo, was present for the first time. The policy for rotation of members was reviewed briefly by the secretary. 4. Reports of Subcommittees 4.1. Health and Standards At the request of Dow, DuPont, Union Carbide, and Shell, Mr. Ferguson, as Chairman of the Health and Standards Subcommittee re-introduced the question of MCA ability and will ingness to project a strong advocacy position in the area of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards regulatory development process. It was voted without dissent that the Committee recommend to the Board that MCA adopt a stronger advocacy position in the development of OSHA standards and that administrative procedures be established to provide timely and forceful repre sentations during the hearing process. It was also recommended that efforts be made to include MCA via the Occupational Health Committee among the offi cial reviewers of criteria documents. CAM 060301 OHC 126 As a case in point where MCA coulc convey the industry position to OSHA, Mr. Ferguson cited the recently issued proposed "mini standards" on ketones. It is important because it is the first of an expected series of such proposed standards and contains new pattern language even core restric tive than that for carcinogens. Specific undesirable sections relate to (a) the order of acceptable compliance techniques: (1) engineering changes, (2) work practice rules, (3) personal protective equipment, (b) inclusion for the first time of the rights of employee's representatives (e.g., a designated medical doctor) to review an individual's records, and (c) omission of the rights of representatives of employers to access to medical records of individuals. Mr. Ferguson also pointed to the ex ample of other trade groups that included a lawyer in the task force preparing a response to a government document, in order to prepare responses in a timely fashion. The secretary reminded the group that it was well within this committee's charter to comment officially on nearly all sections of the proposed ketone standard. MCA' s restrictions in this area are that such statements be cleared by staff, including counsel and that no position be taken with regard to specific values for allowable concentrations. This was confirmed by Mr. Clark who also pointed out MCA statements must (1) reflect positions representative of the industry broadly, (2) be technically sound, and (3) in accord with MCA's policies. He further indicated that the group should develop a position on its own before submitting it for legal review. 4.1.1. "Single Standard" Issue Mr. Ferguson reported a consensus in his subcommittee on his written exposition of the issues. However, in the discussion it became clear there was still a divergence of opinion in the full committee on the desirability of an action level. A strong objection was raised to the almost universal use of 50 percent of the threshold limit value (TLV) in setting the action level. Reactions of people to specific chemicals can take various forms. Hence, it was felt that each case should be considered individually. The point was also made that regulations should be based on exposure rather than concentration. Accordingly, a motion was passed with only one negative vote cast (by Mr. Andresen) that the Committee respond to the action level concept favorably but comment that it should not always be confined to 50 percent of the TLV in view of the possible variety of physiological responses. CAM 060302 OHC - 127 4.1.2. Salt Water as Emetic Salt has been used in this application for a long time, and its almost universal availability is un doubtedly a key consideration. Nevertheless, many physicians do not recommend it. Other emetics and alternatives to emesis were discussed. Dr. Gibson presented a letter of May 7, 1975 from Dr. F. N. Love to Dr. W. McClellan (to be distributed to the group by the secretary) strongly recommending against the use of salt as an emetic, A motion to delete salt from the recom mendations for emetics in MCA publications was defeated by a vote of eight to five. Another motion to retain the recommenda tion to use salt in emetics but insert concentrations of salt in water was carried. The matter was referred back to the sub committee to work out suggested concentrations. Consideration was given to using the phrase, "Induce Vomiting," rather than specify the technique to be employed. This was rejected as being too vague in view of its intended application by nonmedical personnel. 4.1.3. Acid Skin Burn Treatment Dr. Gibson reported there was no recent additional information on phenol since the last meeting. At the request of Mr. Zercher, the secretary of the Safety and Fire Protection Committee, the Occupational Health Committee's attention was drawn to Case History No. 2125 since it involved the death of a young man accidentally splashed with an aqueous solution of pnenol. He had washed himself initially with water and later, with another man helping him, used "a recommended solvent." In the ensuing discussion, swabbing with PEG 300 (polyethylene gylcol) was mentioned as being especially effective to the point of vir tually eliminating residual odor from affected skin areas. Others, however, still prefer continuous washing with copious amounts of water. Speed of reaction was indicated to be at least as important as whatever agent is used for removal pur poses. Furthermore, there is no known specific antidote for phenol and treatment is supportive. CMA 060303 p OHC - 128 Since a British group is considering the treatment of phenol burns, the Committee voted unanimously to await the results of their study before making a recommendation. For hydrofluoric acid (HF) burns, DrGibson reported that icewater application was the treatment of choice in several other countries including Great Britain, Also mentioned was the use of magnesium oxide by Phillips Corporation. Since this matter too is under study in Britain, it was decided to defer a recommendation until the results of their investi gation are known. In this connection, the secretary dis tributed the most recent minutes (NC.37. for March 5, 1975 meeting) of the British Chemical Industries Association Medical and Safety Committees. 4,1.4. Criteria Documents 4.1.4.1. Benzene Dr. Venable and environmental health personnel at Dow feel the benzene ..document is satisfactory except for the medical section. Dr. Venable then outlined his "recommendations for revision of the proposed standard for occu pational exposure to benzene." Copies will be sent to the Com mittee for comment. Dr. Gibson stated Dr. McClellan's position on this subject as favoring urinary phenols only for exposure cases and not to be used routinely, similarly using reticulocyte counts only on a discretionary basis, and favoring the SMA-12 blood test in place of some of those suggested in the proposed standard. As head of the API Task Group on Benzene, Dr. McClellan has made an intensive study of this subject. The MCA Safety Data Sheets for Benzene and Toluene are both outdated and are currently under going revision. The medical sections were referred to this Committee by the Safety and Fire Protection Committee which is working on the balance of the information needed. Specifically, t this group was asked to consider whether to change the current recommendation in the SDS to induce vomiting. Mr, Zercher, secretary of the Safety and Fire Protection Committee has docu mented the recommendations no avoid induction of vomiting made by API and the Consumer Product Safety Commission, The reason CMA 060304 OHC 129 is that such a procedure can lead to an even greater hazard that may be caused by inhalation of vapors of these substances. Fol lowing discussion, the Committee voted unanimously to recommed that emesis not be induced where toluene or benzene ingestion are involved. The Committee also voted to defer a decision on a TLV to recommend in the SDS until the expected standard on benzene is issued by OSHA. The secretary mentioned the urgency of making the requested recommendations since the SDSs currently being issued on these two products were prepared so long ago. Suggestions were made that consideration be given to discontinuing issuance of these Safety Data Sheets until they can be properly modified to change the recommendation on vomiting. There was some discussion about replacing the phrase, "Call a physician" now used in Safety Data Sheets with a more general one, such as "Obtain medical assistance." The reason is that physicians are not always available and such an instruction may lead to a delay in properly treating a victim. The question of proper language to use was referred to the Labels and Precautionary Information Committee. 4.1.4.2. Carbon Monoxide Dr. Levinskas. No report was presented by 4.1.5. Noise The secretary brought to the group's attention a Federal Register announcement that hearings on this subject would commence June 23. The consensus was that no further action need be taken beyond the MCA statement entered into the record (Docket OSH-11) on March 17, 1975. 4.1.6. Methyl Chloride The secretary briefly described a request for comment on a new form, "Behavioral and Neurological Evaluation of Workers Exposed to Industrial Solvents: Methyl Chloride." The request was submitted to MCA May 9 by the Business Advisory Coun cil on Federal Reports. Copies for comment are to be distributed to members representing producers and others specifically inter ested . CMA 060305 OKC - 130 4.2, Public Relations and Communications Dr. O`Connell reported for Dr. Gasque that a bibliography, "Sources of Help with Occupational Health Problems," was presented to this group about a year ago. Nothing further was done with it at the time. The secretary was requested to circulate copies to the Committee. The bibliography being pre pared by Evelyn Burtis of Exxon Research was mentioned again and action deferred until it becomes available for review. 4.3. Legislation Although little has happened recently regarding the proposed Toxic Substances Control Act, Mr. Ingle expects increased activity on this matter soon. However, he indicated that as time goes on, the expectation for passage of this Bill by the present Congress is becoming less firm. Meanwhile, the Toxic Substances Committee, of which he is secretary, has sub mitted a marked-up version of the Bill and been in conference with the appropriate Senate and House Committees. 4.4. Liaison Activities 4.4.1. Representation oh ANSI1s Z37 Committee on Acceptable Concentrations of Toxic Dusts and Gases Mr. Christofano has asked Dr. Torkelson to represent MCA via this Committee on Z37 since Dr. Torkelson is already a member at large and attends most of their meetings. Dr. Torkelson, who is not a member of OHC, agreed to do this on an informal basis but does not want to be the designated repre sentative from MCA. This loose arrangement will be proposed to ANSI and tried if they agree. 4.4.2. Proposed NCI seminar program on cancer i A contractor has not yet been chosen to develop a program on "Industrial Stewardship with Regard to Cancer Risks from Chemical Manufacture." MCA has been asked to contribute by suggesting individuals to be panel members. The group agreed to cooperate in this effort but wants to have an opportunity to review the program and express comments on it. k | The secretary was asked to distribute NCI's May 1 list of chemicals in the bioassay program and to keep the Committee informed of monthly changes. [ CMA 060306 OHC 131 4.4.3. Proposed joint workshop with Safety and Fire Protection Committee The secretary relayed an invitation from the Safety and Fire Protection Committee to once again coopera tively sponsor a workshop now planned for October 8, 1975. The Committee agreed and nominated Dr. Gasque to coordinate this effort with the Safety and Fire Protection Committee as he has done in the past. 4.4.4, Formal liaison with Safety and Fire Protection Committee The consensus was that the practice should be resumed of having the Vice Chairman of each of these two Com mittees attend the meetings of the other group. Mr. Pardee was introduced to the members present and expressed strong support for this type of liaison. Dr. Reinhardt now plans to attend future Safety and Fire Protection Committee meetings. 4.4.5. Technical Panel on Phosgene Dr. Kerfoot informed the group that the Technical Panel on this chemical has contracted health-related work to Dr. Frosolono at Einstein University. He also reported that the Chemical Safety Data Sheet for this product was revised recently and will be issued shortly. 5. Guidelines for Collection of Data for Epidemiological Studies Dr. Reinhardt remarked it was impractical to expect epidemiologists at member companies (DuPont and Rohm and Haas) to take time out for the development of a paper on the subject. Rather, if the Committee felt strongly that such guidelines need be developed, it should be done by a consultant in the field. Accordingly, Dr. Reinhardt volunteered to contact Dr. Gaffey of Tabershaw/Cooper Associates for an estimate on performing such a task. An article cited as closely related to this subject but not quite on target for MCA was Dr. W. R. Gaffey, "Journal of Occupational Medicine," Volume 15, Number 10, October 1973, page 782. 6. Staff Reports The secretary outlined highlights of meetings attended at the National Cancer Advisory Board, March 17, 1975 and the Conference on Occupational Carcinogenisis, March 25, 1975 at the New York Academy of Sciences. it CMA 060307 7. New Business 7.1. Chloroprene as a potential carcinogen Dr. Reinhardt reported that a DuPont team which visited Russia recently was unable to confirm suspicions about the carcinogenicity of chloroprene. The Russians themselves who first published their concerns on the subject are not con vinced that the observations can be linked with cancers of any kind. Studies on mutagenicity and animal toxicity are being supported by the worldwide chloroprene industry. 7.2. State OSHA Activities The secretary distributed a review of State Plans which indicated that most states already have such plans in effect, but some have found it necessary to discontinue then because of a shortage of funds. 8 Next Meeting The next meeting was set by the Chairman for Tuesday, October 7, 1975 at Cherry Hill. This is the day prior to the joint workshop with the Safety and Fire Protection Committee to be held at the same location. Milton Freifeld Secretary Minutes subject to approval MF/etv CMA 060308