Hazard Evaluation and Technical Assistance Report HETA-86-420-L2051, General FoamCorporation, West Hazleton, Pennsylvania

摘要

In response to a request from Local Union 15371 of the United Steelworkers ofAmerica, a study was undertaken of possible hazardous working conditions at General Foam Corporation, West Hazleton, Pennsylvania. The facility had two foam production departments. Each had a continuous foam pouring line that produces long blocks of foam that were cut into lengths ranging from a few feet to 200 feet. Both foam pouring lines produce a variety of polyurethane foams from formulations incorporating polyester or polyether polyol, a mixture of 2,4-toluene-diisocyanate (584849) and 2,6-toluene-diisocyanate (91087), various amine catalysts, and other chemicals including a blowing agent. No association was established between amine exposure levels and visual symptoms or deficits in visual acuity tests among the employees studied. One of ten samples for methylene-chloride (75092) exceeded the 8 hour time weighted average limit of 50 parts per million. The authors conclude that a potential health hazard did exist at the time of the survey from airborne exposure to both toluene-diisocyanate isomers. The authors recommend specific measures for improving working conditions at this site.