Document mpgnrVqV2rna3xZQgjoqV3pyd

DCPAlTMEM OF HEALTH k HUMAN StlVICU * A Vn HMfit -tl| Ommem4Utk Hare* ?3, m Hr. Ctrl laneuckl Operations Manager Chrysler Chemical 01 vl si on 5437 West JefftrsonJt Trenton, Mfchf9*a <4113 Dear HP. laneuckl: "he prellalnary analysis of results from the eed1cal evaluation of the Chrysler Trtnton Critical Plant employees hes boon completed. Tht following rtport jgimrim the tests conductt4 as well as preliminary rtsults of these ttsts. Methods of Assessment The methods anoloytd to assess worker exposures to asbestos and subsequent physical changes associated with exposure. Included chest X-rays, pulaonary function tests, a respiratory/neurobehewloral questionnaire and, for fill chemical products employees, blood staples for lead analysis. Chest X-rays taken, were read by two radiologists (B-Readers 1 using the International System for Pneumoconioses. When the radiologists disagreed on the extent, site, or location of radiological signs of pneumoconioses, the X-ray was read by a third (0-Reader). Results were reported based upos agreement by two of the three radiologists. Pulmonary function tests wart conducted according to the crlterlo recotnended by the American Thoracic Society. One-second forced expiratory volume (FEYl) and foretd vital capacity (FVC) were Matured, and predicted values were calculated using thd Knudson eguatlons. Thm questionnaire was darlvad from the American Thereclc Society's standardized questions for assessing respiratory health. In addition, Mrkars responded to questions about past work histories, length of employment at the company, smoking history, and spaclflc salf-reported nodical conditions. Results One hundred seventy-one persons participated in the medical evaluation. The participants included 77% of tho eetlvo workforce at this plant. Among the V71 participants were management personnel and 17 retirees, flfty-fre percent of the workforce was employed In frlctton produets, 3 ef the worker: were employed in the chemical division, and lit of thd workars split their work between friction products and chemical products. DC 00995 >tf l +. ttr! Uncwell <!*t *-rey* Shew* turn person* with r$4l$tiu1 Sign* conllitM *1t pne**Mlees. One X.fiy snowed blitter*! saollTeunded JSelttI.fr M>* *idd7# and upper lung field* fasbestoalt typically ippetn * irreoular OPKU1M 1* V alddle and 1Mr zones of th# fung). rSTllryi S2S !wr*l thickening: one *f the** X*riy* showed pleural thickening elent tho diioiififi eith circuaecribed ptaeues along the chest well, and tic second t-fiy showed pleurtl thickening Involving the right costephrenlc angle with circumscribed plagues along the chest well. f Abnoroel pulwnery function tests were recorded for 21 person*. Twenty too person* (131) exhibited in obstructive pettem (seven of hoa also had e possible restrictive effect), ind I worker* (3.51) showed i restrictive pettem. Persons with obstructive almey disease have difficulty expelling sir repldly. The nost coenon cause of an obstructive pattern 1* sacking. Persons with restrictive pattern* have difficulty f111tnf their Tun** to capacity. Restrictive patterns would be expected for those exposed to hlgn levels of dust or fibers such a* asbestos. c**4 *41 ui#4 41 1 *4*r* 9f restrictive puloonary affect isnodokfflVnIj/,FnVeCithaes ra poeercaesunrteporefdoicbtsetdrufcYtCivenoar fffleYcl/tf.YCAfwaerscsoirgrencitfiincganfto!*r iM**iAd4 associated with /ears work in friction promts, /tars of work in cheolcel products, or /tars at Chrysler. bTeloeoddlelevaedl. s4ta3pulegs/dclo, llgerceteetder frtohean2140Cuhgeo/dlcle. l Inpdlaicnat tionpgeraaxtocrt*sssIhvorweexdpoJnJoIr'Bel)oo. The remaining 27 blood lead level* ringed froa less then S to 22 t#/d7, w1thf< tho expoctod distribution for e population not occupationally exposed to lead This latter constitutes an Interla report of tho oedlcal analysts to date. !i /ou hove ouestlont about those results, you oey conuct oe at 1513} 141-431*. P.H., Cpldealelogiet Medico! Section Hazard evaluation* and TKhnlcal Asti stenet Iranch Division of Surveillance, Hazard evaluations and field Studies DC `00996