Document e1y20re2Zp8wDj47X4dyR4bLg

conoco Interoffice Communication. to From J. J. Hall T. G. Grumbles Date October 23, 1980 Subject ANTIMONY TRIOXIDE HANDLING AT ABERDEEN /?: The results of several recent toxicological testing programs has shown antimony trioxide to cause lung cancer in rats. This material is used in the compounding area at Aberdeen as a PVC additive. In response to this new information the use, handling and exposure potentials at Aberdeen were reviewed. USAGE Antimony trioxide is used as an additive for PVC compounds that have electrical wire coating applications. This is due to its flame retar dent properties. It is currently purchased from Anzon America under the trade name Red Star or TMS. It is typically received in 50 pound bags and stored with the rest of the PVC additives in the compounding.warehouse area. Through September of 1980, 147,400 pounds have been used. The average monthly use rate is approximately 16,500 pounds. HANDLING The handling of the Antimony trioxide occurs in two areas. It is "weighed-out" into smaller quantities in the color-weigh room. It is handled here in the same manner as lead compounds. It is added to the process in compounding lines 1, 3, and 5. This is done in small quantities from the color weigh room and/or in 50 pound bag quantities. In most cases it is a manual dumping operation. EXPOSURE POTENTIAL When in use the potential for exposure to Antimony trioxide is similar to that for lead or other additives. It is handled in the same areas. There is already local exhaust ventilation in the color weigh room, and on the compounding lines where the bags are dumped. Personal protective equipment is already being utilized in these operations to protect from lead exposures. CONCLUSIONS No actual exposure measurements have been made. OCR 00000Z56 3 1) Air samples will be analyzed for Antimony trioxide to determine cur rent exposure levels. 2) Any recommendations that would be made for ventilation or personal protective equipment use are already being done to control lead exposures. James J. Hall Page 2 October 23, 1980 3) The new information received on potential antimony trioxide health effects will be communicated to the employees through normal plant procedures (i.e. safety meetings). Unless the air sampling results indicate unacceptable exposure levels, no further steps need be taken at this time. Thomas G. Grumbles ajo cc Curry Miller A1 Sather CC r 0C000 2 569