Document pe8NqKOzr2MVMDnn8ZY6JOgJB

COMPANY COIfFISSKTIAL Mot For Publication In Present Form PLAINTIFF'S EXHIBIT CHV-647 REPORT ON "SUMMARY OF T2E PIANT INDUSTRIAL HYGIENE PROBLEM" C. Berry, Fh.D. J. V. Eamnond, M.S. R. S. Bonoib, E.M. K. V. Hendricks, .M.S. April 12, 19^9 MEDICAL DEPARTMENT, RESEARCH SECTION STANDARD OIL COMPANY (NEW JERSEY) 30 ROCKEFELLER PLAZA NSW YORK 20, NEW YORE SUMMARY OF THE FIAKT INDUSTRIAL HYGIENE PROBLEMS OBSERVED TJ SEVERAL REFINERIES ESSO COMPANY_________________ C. M. Berry, Ph.D. In the time allotted to me/ I Bhould like to discuss the Industrie hygiene problems in the Es ro Company on the bnoio of broad groupings intr the type of exposures. I beliovo that this approach, rather than by opera tion, will point up more clearly the reGponoibilities of the industrial hygienist. The following is a partial list: 1. Exposure to toxic gases, vapors, and mists 2. Exposure to toxic fumes and dusts 3. Industrial dormatitio a. Primary irritants b. Sonsiticing agontB Exposure to carcinogens J5. Excessive heat 6. ExccoDivo noise 7. Inadequate illumination 8. Inadequate ventilation a. General b. Local exhaust 9. Vibrating toolB 10. Atmospheric pollution 11. Sanitary facilities 12. Special problems A Tc>!ic-gases, vapors, and mists occur quite generally throughout the refineries; from hydrogen culfids in tho processing of sour cruder tomercury vapor in the instrument Bhop3; from sulfur dioxide in sludge cook-in-. to carbon monoxide in synthesis as/ and from benzol vapors in Bolvent dowaxing, to the mists associated with drum painting. Other potential expo sures are to oxidoo of nitroeen, merceptnns, ammonia, chlorine, toluol, xylol and other aromatics, acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, methyl propyl ke tone, methyl chloride, carbon tetrachlorido, boron trifluorido, aluminum chloride, hydrogen chloride, oulfur trioxide, lead tetraethyl, phenol, sulfur trioxide, aliphatic hydrocarbons both saturated and uneaturated, vaporized lube and grease additives, vaporized and sublimed plasticizers, alcohols from nsthy1 to iso-octyl, ethers, esters, and others. Fumes and dusts are encountered almost an widely. There are weld ing fumes in maintenance operations end occasional heavy oxposuren to sil iceous catalyst dusts, coke dust from equipment cleaning and litharge dust in Doctor sweetening, asbestos dust in insulating operations, and talc dust in rubber manufacture. Catalyst manufacture offers a ride varioty of dust exposures. Lube and groans manufacture offer exposures to diatomuccouc eerth, several typec of clays, graphite, metal stearates, lime, aabostos, mica, and otherB. Metallizing operations, lead burning, sand blasting and pipe recon ditioning -- all present potontial industrial hygiene problems. The problem of industrial dermatitis is like the poor -- always with us. The problems vary from those associated with defatting of the skin, as would occur on intimate contact with certain petroleum fractions, to those accompanying the use of harsh abrasives and detergents in hand cleansers. There are plant exposures to primary skin irritanto, such ao the mineral c.cJdo and alkalis, and to mere serious substances, es tho chromates. Cutting oitn, gaeolino, lubt, and grease additives present opportunities for contact uiib primary irritants, as well as sensitizing agontG. -3- uxposuro tc carcinogono, known and auspoctec., dips heavily into the time and enorgy of tho industrial hygienist. All of uc arc familiar with the problem acocciated with vex pressing. The control of thio problem,, however, may not be sufficiently complete as statistical evidence is mount ing that the incidence of syetemic manifestations among this group of exp) (os Is out of lino with that for the general refinery population and the papulation at largo. The control program muct be continually observed and reviewed to incuro that maximum workor protection is provided. Animal experimentation han indicated that certain heavy fractious from catalytic cracking are potentially carcinogenic to man, as are the trrr. from steam cracking and thermal reforming. Tho control programs for thoce materials have been discussed in detail and need not be reviewed at this time except to indicate that they represent a significant effort on the r"rt of industrial hygiene poroonnol,' past and procont, and there io every rca.'.on to believe that oven greater industrial hygiene effort will bo required before all grcup3 concerned with the problem are sure that a satisfactory control program has boon evolved, inaugurated, ancl io running smoothly. Excessive heat exposures cannot be solved for plant personnel ao easily as for office employees where the latter can be sent home in the middle of the afternoon if it gets too hot. Such exposures, directly associ ated with the work, occur in such widely varied activities as pip; bonding and furnace thermocouple servicing, certain boiler house o.ctivitico, and working in confined ai'oae where the equipment has not cooled down entirely. During cortaln noaoono, any' physical labor of a strenuous type, nnd especially if it 1b performed in direct sunlight, may represent an occupational exposure of no moon significance. FMnnii?i -k- A medical opinion lias boon expressed In certain of the rcfincrico that hearing impairment is relatively common among certain groups of workers, ouch ao the boilermakers. Hovaver, high noise levels are encountered in other parte of the rofinery ao well. Potentially undesirable noice lovelc might be encountered in the vicinity of high-spaed pumps, in compressor rooms, in generator rooms of the power houaes, to mention only a few. Inadequate illumination is a problem that affects clerical peroonrol as much and as often as process workers. Satisfactory illumination must bo considered in cloco conjunction with tho job to bo porfoimed and is a compo site of a number of items -- the intensity of the light, its color, contract, amount of glare, and angle of incidence. Potential difficulties arising from inadequate illumination may be encountered in any eree of the refinery but is most likely to arine from clerical activities. Fortunately, the open tj-po of construction employed in petroleum, refining reduces tho number aud variety of gonoral ventilation problems with which the industrial hygienist must contend. On tho other hand, there are numerous instances whore enclosures have been ccnotiuctod for the oho 1 tor of men and/or equipment,and the ventilation of these spaces then become a problem. Pump houses frequently effar exposures to hydrogen sulfide; com pressor houoeo may provide exposures not only to hydrogen sulfide, but also to methyl chloride, ennenia, or seme other refrigerant. In many cases local oxhauot ventilation is required for specific operations. Each of us ia familiar with the spray paint booth and the laboratory hood, but the need for this typo of ventilation can bo demonstrated for motalli2if^`operations, permanent welding locations, dogreasers, and driers, calenders, and ducting machines in rubber manufacture. 03122 As in the ce.se of illumination, each operation must, ho considered on cm individual basic. I? no ventilation is provided; then the need for such control must be demonstrated and. assistance provided to bo cure that the system will be of the correct docign and of suitable capacity. Becnuro ventilation for health protection is so poorly understood, every industrial hygienist must bo conversant with hoed and duct design, fan types, and the propor collector to ucs for the specific contaminant. The capital outlay for a satisfactory vontilating system is far too large to permit unconcern over its future performance by the industrial hygionict. Vibrating tools are in use throughout the plants and their effects, are of interest from an occupational standpoint. Those instruments range from electrically driven star drills, to Jackhammers and pavement breakersj r.nd from tho udo of chipping chisels,to riveting oporationo. Those need to be scrutinized from the ftandpoint of frequency and duration of use, the number of cycles por minute, and features peculiar to tho activity that' may have significant medical implications. Since the smog incident at Donora, Pennsylvania, currently being investigated by the Industrial Eygieno Division, U.S. Public Health Service, the specter of atmospheric pollution has haunted the industrial hygionict. This individual is trained and experienced on the evaluation and control of atmospheric contaminants within a plant and it is only a small step, and a very logical ono, for him to be called upon for similar functions related to tho discharge of undesirable contaminants into the atmosphere of a community. All cf tho Esso refineries are located in urban areno, and it is not unlikely that tho work load of the Industrial hygienist will be augmented by being called upon in some degree to assist management In this fiold of ondeavor. 6- - With respect to sanitary facilities, it would ba desirable. to bo assured that all governmental requirements arc met and exceeded and that any control program, as ir. tho case of the carcinogens, will not bo impeded by the lack of lavatories and shewere. In cortain of our establishments, tho lack of suitable facilities, thoir location, or their physical condi tion, is a very real problem. On the other hand, this condition is being steadily alloviated, and tho next few years should find the situation much improved. In addition to tho industrial hygiene problems and activities previously enumerated, thero are others, real or alleged, that'require investigation. Yoctorday wo hoard of tho cancer problem associated with the manufacture of isopropyl alcohol at the Be.yvay Refinery, This problem, considered acute by the local management becauso of the employee relations aspect, has entailed a tremendous amount of effort and the end is not in sight. Developing incidonco figuros for tho Chemical Iroducts area alone utilized all available poraonnol fron tho Medical Department of tho Jersey Corapany and our own for several weeks, and incidence figuror. for the alcohol plant ere just now being completed. Tho etiologic agent is not known hut no effort is being oparod to identify it. Only after the problem has been voll defined will it be possible to set up an intelligent control program. The facto evolved at Bayvay must then bo translated, insofar as they are comparable, into a program at Baton Rouge. Several studios of a similar typo may be in order in other refinerioB, inasmuch as statements rolative to tho incidences of certain medical entities have'Jbeen made and ohould either be substantiated or disproved. CMB April 11, 19^9 EMO 0312 4 liffiUSTfllAI. n~iGIJ;H i'HOLi; >3 OBSERVE!) IK TJlt' J, V/. Bormond, M.S. py In 19^8 a ourvey of the Baytown Refinery and the Specialty Plant was made with the assistance of Ilr. N. V. Bendrickc. Tho purposes of this survey were to detormine the materials. and conditions of health significance and acquaint tho Industrial Hygionict with the technical operations, materia.'.;-', and products which are handled ir. tho Rofinery and tho Specialty Plant. Tlieoc opei'ationri' ard the naturo cf the mntcrialc were invest!gated for tho purpose of locating any problem associated with refinery operations that might have an cdverce effect on the health of the employees. Some of the questions that vero studied which seem to bo the moot outstanding are pre sented in the summary attached. The subjects ahc.rn are by no moanc c. comp.loio list of observed industrial hygiene problems associcted with refinery opera tions and tho manufacture of petrolcur.. spocialtiec. On page cno cf tho Summary the sanitary phneer of tho industrial hygiene survey are briefly presented. Tho quection of protection of tho drinking water supply and the method cf bacteriological]}- chocking this for unsuspected sources of contamination wereinvoctigated. Ac a result of thin investigation oovcral weaknesses wore brought out. The me'.hod of collecting samples was changed to include camples every three months from tho foremost ends of the water mains in addition to collecting eamplcc at a point very near the well eito. Thio new program has discloood, on one or two occanionr, minor contamination which hue rcculted in a more careful control- over the en tire system. It was observed during thio survey that there wore cevera] fonntaina and -other-,p3.acco where employees obtained their drinking vc.tcr that did not meet with tho minimum clandard from the standpoint of sanitation. A p:'ogram is now underway with tho ordoro being iosuccl from the manager of tho refinery to replace all unapproved typo of fountains, thuc to eliminate nny F*nnvi25 2 croso infection of the personnel by thio means. Tho old typo of drinking water etna ore boing replaced by a sanitary type which kocp3 the vntor ai:i ice separated. Unvil the now typo cf cans can bo subetitutoa in every in stance, chlorine tablets aro being used to otorilize the drinking water mixture in tho inconl'cary iypo of ceno. The refuse and sewage dioposal methods were studied. The good sanitary program ouch as, the construction cf tho sewage disposal plant; installation cf sewerage linos to separate the storm and industrial waste clraino from the sanitary sewers, and replacement of all tho open-type privies, hao been greatly accelerated sinco this ourvey. This sunrey pointed out through the report that communicable diseases were easily transmitted by various inaects under the existing conditions in the Refinery. The washing and sanitary facilities available to tho employees were reviewed. Recccmondaticns for tho increase in the number of those fa cilities wore made and in many cases the nooded changes or additions have been oecured. Thio program has been well underway since before the connec tion of tho Industrial Hygienist with the Company, but due to the bringing to light of many industrial hygiene probloma vhich would dictate tho noed for the oxpanoion of the facilities, thin program hao now reached the stage that the approval cf requested facilities from top management is assured if they are essential in the medical program. By the beginning cf the year 19D0, the facilities which wore soon to have boon needed will bo ccmplotod or undor con struction. In a few locations where toxic materials were being handled ar.d the nature of the work mac.o it necessary for the employees to get badly oolkc, hot water has. been added to tho present washing facilities. The presence of toxic materials was brought to the attention of the Management to justify tho added expense of installing hot water. It will only be possible in the few minuter? that have, boor, a? lot. ''j. to me to cover the moat outstanding liazards QGaociatod with toxic mr.tcrie.lc. i First, from the standpoint of the number of emtloycoa exponed and the general preconce of the material throughout the Befir.ery, one would have to list hydro(j?n or.d organic eulfidoo. Prior to thir. ourvoy, several ce.ao3 of serious eyo irritation cc.no to the attention of the Medical Division from a lov grade exposure of rather long duration to sulfides. At anothcu location thia ourvoy dioclocod that there vao a rather oeriouG possibility of cyo irritation from the presonco of hydrogen culfido. Before any action taken on the recommendation, such as instigating a detailed study of tbic location and recommending adequate ventilation, several eye casco reported to the hospital for treatment from tiiiB unit. There .still exists the need for a detailed and quantitative investigation of thc-no eulfidoo in many other uaito. This gao has been responsible for very eeriouc, acute poisoning and some cases have resulted in fatalities. Under the existing conditions, the precautions used, and the concentrations cf sulfide that arc now `found, it is the opinion that the danger is not only eye irritation, but possibly chronic systemic poisoning from lov concentrations. The currontl3r used sul fide detector is not sensitive enough to pick up concentrations of these prunes which will produce physiological effects. An adequate appraisal would depend upon using absolute quantitative chemical methods and integrated samples. There aro at least five skilled crafts where possibility of plur.nl r.m existD._ To date no investigation of this problem in the nature of either atmospheric sacploo or lead excretion values of body fluids has been cc.rricc. out. This loiter will seen be undertaken by the analytical laboratory. Mercury is extensively used by the laboratory analytical group, tho reeoarch engineers, and handled in largo quantities by the Instrument Men, This potential problon has received tv grout docvl of attention iron the Medical Division through having employees with the greatest exposure report to the hospital so that urine spacineno could be collected and sub mitted to the analytical laboratory for analysis. More than 60 samples have been collected and chocked for riercury oo far. This study io continu ing. In severe) locations mercury vapors have been found by atnoepheric samp ling. In sons of thece locutions whore mercury io regularly uoed; a vook.iy check is being cado and a record kept by the operating personnel or the analytical laboratory at the requoot of the dopartncntc.1 supervisor. Other heavy metals which have been located and vo know present enough exposure that they should bo studied ore zinc, chromate, cadmium, and to a lessor degree, beryllium. Up to the present tine no quantitative values are avail able on these materials. Silica e.r.d c.sbectcs are both extensively used in the Refinery by a limited number of employees. To date the only quantitative study we have m.de dealt with the ccmpocition of contact clay. The free silica contont of these clays has been determined by a caroful chemical analysis acoioted byx-ray opectograph. It is felt that a study on the atmospheric concentrations on silica and silicate dust ascociotcd with rolining the furnaces is of immediate importance. Silica bricks are commonly used in lining the furnaces used in the Refinery. Even where silicate bricks are used, it is known that in high tomperatureo these silicates decompose to form very dangerous forms of silica, criotobalite, end tridymite. The exposure1 to asbootos under normal operating conditions in the Refinery is not* oxtencive but frequently it Id necessary for an insulator to do work inside of a closed space with limited ventilation, making it possible that a high concentration of asbestos dust may be engendered. Also,the EHO 03128 asbestos insulations are sawed by power save which give off rather henry clouds of dust. This problem should be studied. Tho analysis for free silica in. contact lubo clays disclosed that the average concentration iB about five percent. This is valuable inform tion in vievr of tho fact that the Public Health Service has on record an analysis of a similar typo clay which they claim to have contained 20/; free silica. It further tehcovos us to make fairly complete ourveyo of the locctions where silicate is apparently being handled; including tho Rubber Plant where talc is applied to tho finished rubber. Such a detailed study, with complete dust counts at various loeatiens and exposures, will bo invaluable for our records should ve lator be confronted with complaints and claims from formor employees who might have worked at theso locations. L'o doubt tho dust ccunt6 will disclose cone unnecessarily dusty operations t'nst can 1/2 controlled by mechanical meanc. At the Acid Plant and at the SOp Plants, low concentrations of sul fur dioxido and trioxides are potential problems. Many conplaintc have been roceivod at various times from the Acid Plant, and it was observed that various operationc carried out there involve irritating concentrations. As a happy result of on active department management's attempt to improve these condi tions, the current situation is much improved. The proof of those improve ments was recently brought to our attention vhen it was reported that employees are now requesting to be assigned to the Acid Plant rather than trying in every way poasible to get transferred away. Hot all of the problems have been solved^but much money for the purpose of improving this area has been spent and even more- Has been requested. In connection with tho sulfur oxide problem, not only in the Rofiiyry proper but in the surrounding community, a study has been instigated to teko 6- - atmospheric semplee at various distances from the Eefir.^ry to esfcnbllr.h information pertaining to the concentrations that may exist under vai-ylng weather conditions. It is planned that this study will be prolonged ov<--- a period of years, if necessary, to establish enougi factual analytical date that . decision can bo reached an to the extent of the proa lorn v; th vast'-- gases. A preliminary investigation as to the extent of vegetation demof.. iv. the vicinity of the Eefinory has already been started. It vac observed dur ing this survey that fairly high concentrations of nitrogen dioxide exin led in four email tuildirgi: associated with the Acid Plant, Atmospheric o disclosed that the nitrogen dioxide exposure vao a very Gerioas problem 13 anyone having to enter the building even for a short period. Warning clone havo been placed in this area and Management has ordered that the engineers design adequate ventilation to reduce the concentrations of nitrogen cllo--t.rt': to thooe that are recognized as harmless. Concentrations of benzol were detected in tho atmonphere at the Mil. Plant, in some of the. laboratories, and at the Bottle Is undry which wore be lieved to bo oxcccsivc for prolonged exposure. Ac a ref nil; of the educe.. lorn !. vorh accomplished throng]-, this curvoy, the M5K Plant oujervleor has initiated the removal of benzene and the substitution of toluene in its stead. Thin substitution does not control th?' problem entirely,, but it d Lminiohct the seriousness of it. Other aromatics, including toluene and xylol, cutvoneo, and ofclv rc c.ro , manufactured in large quantities. These expocurer, are considered in idany casco to be vithin..accepted limits, but there is no vcy of bojr.g oure ci to th: off. ;i to that they may produce on the health of the employee 1: without malting stiff-'- riert atmospheric examinations to establiih the range and duration of cxjcnu"r.. EMO 0313 0 -7- It is a coumcn practice to use chlorinated hydrocarbons to c'cnri electrical motors and various instruments in two or more departments of the Refinery. This problem is being currently studied in detail with the assistance of the safety engineers. Thie etudy will include not only the Refinery end the Gpecielty Plant, but also the Production Department and Humble Pipe Line Company's operations. Varcol was found being used freely without regard to tho 1*$ aro matics it contains. * In a few units heat, which has been the cause of variouD fatigue cases as wall as the source of many complaints, was observed. Time has not permitted any detailed study of the problems associated with heat and nois'"', but it is felt that it Ip important enough that such a study Is Justified. In most casee, these studies have been carried out by the operating personnel in charge cf the various departments with the assistance of the laboratories which are available to then. The Medical Division has serv.rd as consultant on making available approved type analytical methods to be used ir. atmospheric testing, analysis of urine sonnies, and to interpret the results that the analyst reports. In some departments the supervisor has not felt that they had qualified personnel, eupplios, equipment, cr the time to moke these indicated surveyo. In these cases, when possible, the Industrial Eygleni has carried cut the chemical and engineering services. In some instor.cer the equipment and time were not available to the Industrial Hygienist and he has turned to the industrial hygiene services of the Texas Stote Department of Health for assistance cn a quantitative appraisal of the toxic materials known to be present'in the atmosphere. These public officials have been very co operative in every way in trying to further the general well-being of the Humble employees. -bTime does not penult ne to .touch on many of the other problc~r, some of which are as major as theso, thct have been uncovered,nor is this the meeting to report on the eunitary engineering aspect o:'- the work vnic has been carried out in close cooperation with the civil engineerc of the Company. It is sufficient to sey thst, as a result of thece activities, th various engineering standards and guides have been rewritten with the view in mind of making-it possible for the uninitiated engineer to supervise construction of adequate water and sewage facilities to protect employees' health This phase of tho problem soema to hevc met viti: complete r.pirvji of Managemont. JWH April 12, 19k-9 APFEKDIX SUl-yAHX OF PRELIMINARY INDUSTRIAL HYGIENE SURVEY AT B/CYTOWN Condition and Fncillty___ Drinking Water, Fountains and Cooler/! Sewsge Disposal Washing and Sanitary Facilities Potential Diceases Tvrenty-ons Communicable Diseases Ten Communi cable Diseases Skin Irritation (dermatitis) and Systemic Poisoning Department or Craft Affected _____B;~ Recommendation Turnaround and Labor Gangs, and Twenty or More Units All Units end Personnel Mechanical, labor, Processing and Others 2 SUMMYRY OF PRELIMINARY INDUSTRIAL KYG'.l'ENP SURVEY AT BAYTOWN Material or Condition Hydrogen and Organic Sulfideo Lead Mercury Potential Diseases Eyo Irritation and Ulceration. Systemic Poisoning Plunbioa Mercurial! sm Zinc, Metal Fumes Chromatea and Beryllium (Slight Exp.) Silice and Asbestos Fume Fever, and Systemic Poisoning Lung Cancer and Skin Tumor Silicosis, Fiberosis, Erythema & Cancer of Lunge Departments or Crafts Affected By Pocociro?ndnticnn Distillation, Light Ends, Creeping, Treaters, Pumping. Gauging, Mechanical & Cthcrr Labor, Painting, Welding and Burning and Machine Shop Instrument, Laboratory, Warehouse and Pilot Plant Mechanical Painting, Mechanical & labor Brick Masons & Helpers, Insulators, Laborers and Pipe Benders E (*0 03134 SUMMARY OF PRELIMINARY INDUSTRIAL EYOIENE SURVEY AT BAYTOWN Material or Condition SilicE.ne3 and Coke Eust Sulfur Dioxide and Trioxide and Acid Mist Nitrogen Dioxide Potential Effects Fibrosis, and Poeoibly Lung Tumors Irritation, Aethna, and Poisoning Eileen of Lunge Department or Craft Affected by Rec oinacRdatlons Contact, Straining and BleniiDg, Cracking Coils and labor Treaters, Acid Plant, Batteries, and SOg Plants Acid Plant and Welding -4- SUMMARY QF PRELIMINARY INDUSTRIAL HYG1ENT SURVEY AT BAYTOWN* (Continued) Material or Condition Benzol Toluol, Xylol and Heavy Aromatics Varocl and High Aromatic Naphtha Chlorinated Hydrocarbons Heat end Noise Potential Effects Blood Diocese and Cancer Blcod Dioeaoe Deiiratitis and Blcod Dioeaoo Cirrhosis of Liver General Malaico, Exhaustion and Deafness Department or Craft Affected by Fesonmondntionn MUK Plant, Laboratory and Bottle Laundry MEK, SO? Plantc, L5FU, NRU, and P & G Units Generally Uced Throughout Refinery Instrument & Electrical Maintenance Crevo, Pumpers, Boiler and Power BouEes Personnel SUMMARY OF INDUSTRIAL EYGIEIG PROBLEMS IK CONNECTION WITH SOI STANDARD OIL DEVELOPMENT CC MEANT'S ESSO IABOEA.TORIES RESEARCH PROJECTS AT BATON ROUGE (LOUISIANA) REFINERY Roy S. Bonoib, A.M., E.M. For the past five or six years, periodic visits have been made to the Eaton Rouge (Louisiana) Refinery to discuss now research projects viih those directly concerned end to inspect recent pilot plants, in order to insure that the necessary precautionary measures are incorporated as an integral part of process instructions and included in the design of new equipment. Many of the research projects include now compounds such an tetrahydrophthalimidc and perchloromercaptan, the toxicity or phyoiologico.1 effects of which are unknown although their physical and chemical proper ties are perfectly familiar. In such cases, we have endeavored to obtain the missing toxicological information through surveys of the available literatvtre, visits to plants manufacturing or working with the rantarial in questJen and by personal discussions with qualified individuals who have studied the toxic properties of the particular compound or similar ono3. Esso Laboratories at Baton Rougo are now carrying on a number of new projects which precent definite industrial hygiono problems end health hasardo. For patent security reasons it will not be feasible to discuss some of the most difficult problems but merely mention a few of the compounds involved; however, several typical projects will bo presented as illustrations of seme-of the problems encountered and a list of those which have boon con sidered in detail will be given at the conclusion of this paper. For example: RETORTING OF OIL SEALS - At the present time over a thousand tone of crushed oil shale from Rifle, Colorado are being fluidised and retorted for chc United Stateo Burouu of Minos at the rate of about 20 tons per day, AHhowp'" very little is known rogarding the phyciological effects of American Shr.Ic Oils, Scottish Shale Oils, which are similar in composition, havo boon definitely EKO 03 137 -2- shown, to bo carcinogenic/ consequently, American Shale Ci.to any bo proou-rd to be carcinogenic a.leo. In addition to the posci-blo hazard duo to chin contact with shale oils, the inhalation of oil mirto or vaporc and the sport shale duot are potential hazardo. Then too, aromatic compounds of nitrogen, principally as amines, and sulphur, prcoont an thiophenes or ir.ercapbc.nc., m?y also be sources ' of trouble, EYDBOCATiBON SYirTKSSPS - A aeries of snail pilot unite, an well no one or two larger ones, are now operating at temperatures ranging from 480?. to 950F. and pressure* ranging from atmospheric to 300D pounds per square inch using various types cf catalysts. The principal ore of-those sj-nthetic hydrocarbon operations is the 0X0 Synthcoio, in which an Olefin, hydrogen, and carbon monoxide produce an aldehyde in the presence of an iron or cobalt catalyst. Th:ic aldehyde is then converted into an alcohol such nr ontnnol. The main points of possible hazards arc the Carbon Monoxide in the synthesis gps which is under 3000 pounds preoouro, Cobalt Carbonyl present as the catalyot in step 1,and the Aldehydes precont as product from step 1 and as feod to step 2. CATALYSTS INVESTIGATIONS - A definite pncunonoconiosle hazard is encountered in the grinding, blending, screening and pilling operations in volved in the production and study of nov catalysts. A new hydroformir.g catalyst io now being made which requires some exposure to Pontaool and Mercuric Chloride. Other catalysts require the uce and handling of vory finoly divided (less than 3 microns) charcoal and iron oxide, as well as com pounds of Cobalt, Manganese and Beryllium. Arrangements vero recently made to pill ^5,000 pounds of an oxida tion catalyst made by the Davidson Chemical Company. Tl:ir catalyst contains about 6.5 percent Vanadium Pentoxide, the balance being a cilicate. "ludcx" a liquid silicate, is added to facilitate the pilling. CEEMICAL REFINING OF GAS01 JYE - A now end more effective mothod of refining gasoline and naphthas is being investigated in vhich a colloidal Sodium paute in Toluol, Sulphuric Acid and Formaldehyde will be employed. METALLIC MERCURY - A hazard continuously oncountored around re search laboratories results from leaving spilled metallic Mercury lying around to contaminate the atmosphere. This unsafe practice is usually prevalent in Instrument Repair Shops. The use of Msrcury Boilers operated at a toaperature of 900F. and a pressure of 80 pounds per square inch also present a definite Mercurialiem hazard unless certain precautionary measures are carefully ob served. C-OIL PROJECT - Dioxan9, a vary volatile and inflammable solvent, is used in the preparation of C-Oil. Boulder, causing oorlouc kidney injury, Dioxane also attacks the liver seriously. POLYMERIZATION PROJECTS - A wide variety of studios are under way for the production of synthetic recinc and rubber-like materials. These stud ies not only expose the investigators to the known hazards of such materials as Methyl Chloride, Acryolnitrile, and the various antioxldunts and inhibitoro, but newer irritant compounds such es Boron Trichloride, and Brominated Xylonoo and Pentanes. DETERGENT ALKYLATES - Considerable active interest ie being taken in the production of a detergent alkylate vhich is obtained by the alkylation of Benzene with a Cp2 Olefin fraction using Aluminum Chloride as' a catalyst. The hazardous materials used in this project being Benzene .and Aluminum Chloride. SPECIAL STUDIES AND BETAIT ED REPORTS - Detailed information including noceocary precautionary measures have been secured and supplied to thoco direct ly concerned in the Esso Laboratories, the Medical Department and Safety Department at Baton Rouge Refinery, upon, tho following subjects: 1. Vapor-Proof Flashlights 2. Safe Heating Unite 3- Determination of Formic Acid in Urine b. Msaouren for Safeguarding the Sampling and Handling of KETEIIE end various Intermediate Products. 5. Suggestions for Construction of New Lead-Blonding Room in Connection with Esoo Laboratories. 6. Periodic Inspections of Equipment in Fischer Synthocic Pilot Operations. 7. One-Way Lock for Door of E-Ray Laboratory to Prevent Leakage of Harmful Rays and Exposure to Workers. 8. OCTYL ALCOHOLS end DIOCTYL KITRALATS. 9. li-Pilot Plant Precautionary Measures. 10. Precautionary Measures for Safeguarding the Use of Liquid Envelopo For Protection of Stonciilins on Drums for Export Service. 11. Physiological Effects of Ultrasonic Radiations in Connection vith Production of Catalyst Gol. 12. Properties and Probable Phyoiological Effects of ALKYL ALUMINUM CHLORIDES. 13. Riyoiological Effocts of ZIRCONIUM TETRACHLORIDE. - lh. "DAXAD-11" -- Properties and Probable Physiological Effects. 15. Fhjsiological Effects of BROMIMATED COMPOUND. 16.* Physiological Effects of Cg to C10 ALDEHYDES, 17. Physiological Effects and Suggested Precautionary Measures for Safeguarding tho Handling of BROMINE. n 18. Safeguarding the Handling of OCTYL ALCOHOLS. EP003140 19* Physiological Effacts of ISOHIOROHE, SO. Physiological Effects cf DIOCTYL PHTHALATE. 21. PhysioxoGical Effects of BUTYRIC and ISOFUTYRIC ACIDS. 22. Physiological Effects of AGERITB STALITE. 23. BORON TR1FLU0HID3 : Its Toxicity and Some Precautionary Measures for its Use and Handling. 2k. Physiological Effects of DI-CYCIOPENTADIE'.rs. 25. Physiological Effects of DIVIHYLB3NZ3HE. 26: Explosivo Properties'of Activated Carbon Pov.'dcr, 27. Physiological Effectc of BERYLLIUM SALTS. 28. Determination of Small Concentrations of OZONE in Working Atmospheres. 29. Oil-Shale and Shale Oils: Their Physiological Effecto and Precautionary ifcasurec for Safeguarding Tholr Handling. 30. Physiological Effocts of COBALT CAREONYL. 31. Precautionary 1-teaeures for Safeguarding Use of Mercury Boilers. 32. Physiological Effects and Precautionary Measures for Handling COBALT, Finely-Divided COBALT, and COBALT CARBONYLS. 33. BORON TRICHLORIDE : Its properties, Physiological Effecto and Suggested Precautionary Measures. 3^. PERCIilOROMETHYLMEECAPrAN : Properties ant1 Fhyoiolog.icr.l ` * Response. 35. Toxicity end Physiological Effects of Cj. to 36. Physiological Effects of COBALT NAFRTHENATE. ALDEHYDES. 6- - 37. Physiological Effects and Precautionary Measurec for 1,4 DI0XA1E. 38. Hazards and Precautionary Meaoureo to SafPfuard the Handling of SODIUM PASTE. 39. Determination of COHALT CARBONYL. 40. Liquid Soap Disponncro. 41. Dish-Washing Equipment and Dioh-Waahing Techniques. R.S. Bonei.b, E.M. April 12, 1949 EM003142 SUMMARY or PLAN? INDUSTRIAL HY0IEN2 TRCBieM" STANDARD OIL COMPANY (H.J.) N. V. Hendricks, M.C. Mr. J. W. Hammond has pointed out certain problems oxisr.ir.g ir tbc Humble Oil & RefininG Company and has indicated the general nature of thy Industrial Hygiene Survey which was made at the Baytown Refinery last yerr. In this connection I should like to emphasise one or two points concerning this survey. During the course of this study approximately seventy differ ent operations and areas in the refinery were noted whore detailod studio.-! for the purpose of evaluating these specific orposuroo should be made. T-v order to illustrate the extent of this vorl; it is estimated that complete evaluation of these exposures will involve the collection and analycic of several hundred different samples. This will have to be followed by un ano-. lysiB of the data thus obtained and later by the development of proper con trol procedures for the alleviation of the exposures. Mr. T. F, Eatch has outllnod certain broad principles whir). arc 'basic to industrial hygiene. At this time I should like to point out c fow things which have happened in tho Company within tho pact year, duo to the fact that those principles have not been applied. Within one unit of the Company two deaths occurred from exposures to carbon totrachlcridc. It appears that a proper understanding of tho behavior of this type materiel might have avoided this situation. In another affiliate of tho Company a group of workers were exposed to aroine gas which resulted in e certain number of deaths. Here agc.in r. Btudy'of the operations involving the arsir.io compounds end a bettor under b tending of'.these materials probably would have prevented tills incidrui. From another affiliate wc have receivoa correspondence describing to ur -re tain complaints on tho part of various groups of workmen and giving no ue - c. - information covering the clinical picture of the Individuals involved, Wc vere asked to give an opinion ao to vhothor or not theoo complninto vrcre Justified or not. In reviewing the details described to us,it was observed that the picture presented to us outlined classical pictures of lead poison ing, metal fume fever, and other occupational ills. The above points are mentioned to illustrate the fact that there are a great number of problems resulting from the impact of the working environment of the man and that these situations are not boing rccognizod. In many cases it is highly desirable to obtain information on cer tain esposures, although that information might be negative. As an example of this, one affiliate of the Company is currently involved in litigation over an exposure of clay dust which ic alleged to have produced a certain typo of pneumoconioBis followed by tuberculosis. A study of this plant and the Job which this individual was doing indicates that the type dust in question probably is incapable of producing disabling lung pathology and further, the levels of duet exposure wore low and not in the order of magnitude which could be considered dangerous ovon for a dust carrying greater amounts of froe silica. In a situation such as this, a record of dust cour.tD over a period of years would be invaluable as evidence in combating unfounded claims for dis ability. The problem of carcinogens within the Company has boen fully discussed end I am sure that you are well acquainted with the various environmental as pects and the time which should be devoted to these problems by the Industrial Hygienist. The matter of atmospheric pollution has been mentioned. This problem is indigenous to refinery operations and exists in several of the affiliate companion. Thore is currently a great deal of interest and activity in thu - .5 - field of atmospheric pollution and Governmental agencies, including tie U.S. Public Health Service, are considering this a matter of public health dimensions. Certainly tbore aro both public health and medical implica tions associated vith atmospheric pollution and the nodical departments of industry of necessity inherit certain responcibiliticc. In order to illustrate the importance which atmospheric pollution at times may assume? 1 wish to bring to your attention two situations involving affiliates of the Company. One affiliate operating In a foreign area has been sued for One Million Dollars and has paid $25^,000 in connection with the atmospheric pollution canned by their refinery. Another affiliate of the Company is currently considering locating a refinery in a foreign area. The local Government of this particular area has brought up the problem of what will be the extent of air pollution and wants to be acuured that no problem will exist. In this situation the matter of atmospheric pollution may determine whether or not the refinery is located at the proposed site. There are a number of problems within the Compcny which dc not lend thence Ives readily to the usual field methods of investigation employed by Industrial Hygienists. These problems cannot be evaluated by the collection and analysis of samples as is normally done with many routine industrial hygiene problems. These particular situations con be approached only by statistical methods with the proper correlation of medical and employment records with the clinical findings or. the exposed groups of workers. Problems of this-kind arc illustrated by the wax ojierationo at Bayouno and Baton Rouge? the current investigation being carried out in the Chemical Froducto Division at Bayway, . the workers who in the past have been exposed to carbon tetrachloride in operating the barascl plant at Baton Rouge,and otherc. From tine to tine wc aro caked to assist in predicting the naturo of certain problems which would develop from the uoo of to::ic materials in certain Company products. In work cf thio kind we aro called upon to cal culate on a theoretical basis concentration levels of various compounds irhich could exist from the use of materials manufactured in various wayc. Information of this type is at tines helpful to certain people in evaluating end considering the inclusion of certain compounds in manufacturing procedures Currently there is a considerable amount of interest on the part of official Governmental groups towards the adoption of codec end regulations which would establish certain hygienic standards for industrial operations. The American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygionicts has recently prepared a proposed uniform Industrial Hygiene Code which they expect to serve as a guide for the various States. In preparing such rules and regulations for local adoption, it appears that, if and when such codes era adopted in the variouo States, from a legal standpoint the Company will be responsible for compliance with the various provisions. Therefore, it has boon important for uc to follow the progress of these codoc and to study their ccntonts with the thougilt in mind as to what implications might result from their adoption, Recontiy the Frovinco of Quoboc officially adoptod such o code and industries in that area are now governed by the various provisions. Thio directly affectr the Montreal Refinery of the Imperial. Oil Company. From information which we have obtained concerning the Quebec Code, it appears that tho local Government Agency responsible for the administration of thio Code moans busineoo and that they expect industry in that Province to comply with the provisions. To ..(Jive you seme idea as to the extent and typo of therm problem, 1 might cay that during 19^6 we advised eleven affiliate companies on apnro::i~ mataly two-hundred-fifty ceparato problems. These came ns requests for infor mation and assistance and I believe have represented come of the problems _ =, _ which vere recognized. It further appears that these make up only a email portion of the actual problems in existence, as many such situations are not recognized and, as a result, no vork ic being done on them; There is an urgent need for a closer coordination between the medical and engineering investigations on industrial hygiene problems. I do not think that this point can be over-emphasized. It cannot bo assumed that industrial hygiene represents an engineering function alone, but on the other hand the fact must bo accepted that proper investigation of en vironmental problems nocessitatos the team vork of the physician and the engineer. This hao not yet been done to any appreciable extent within the Company. In summary 1 should say that some of the environmental problems have been recognized and have beon studied in a fairly complete fashion, Many others have been recognized, but their study has been extremely in complete and insufficient data were developed to permit indicated onalycio of the problem. Although some of these problems have received attention, there are groat areas of doficiency with respect to other problems concern ing their existence, extent, and nature of control methods required. This applies not only to the mare existence of such problems, but goes into such considerations as toxicity, use of materials, groups of workers exposed, their clinical pictures and the like. I believe that it all adds up to the fact that we have ahead of us a tremendous amount of work which must b^ done. N.V. Hendricks April 11, 1949 EM003147