Health Hazard Evaluation Report No. HETA-87-181-0000, Graphic Packaging Corporation, Paoli, Pennsylvania

摘要

An evaluation was made of working conditions at the Graphic Packaging Corporation, Paoli, Pennsylvania. Particular attention was given to workers making microwave popcorn bags who reported swelling around the eyes and dermatitis. One employee also reported an asthma attack while working on the bags. Special water based epoxy adhesives were used for these bags as the product must withstand heating in a microwave oven. Environmental and personal breathing zone air samples were taken and medical questionnaires were filled out. Use of the adhesive was discontinued in May of 1987 and the symptoms have disappeared. Chemical analysis of the adhesive indicated the presence of several chemicals which are potential irritants or allergic sensitizers both to skin and the respiratory tract. These irritants included formaldehyde (50000), acetaldehyde (75070), benzoic-acid (65850), 1,1,1-trichloroethane (79005), p-dioxane (123911), and ethyl-acetate (141786). Samples taken before the switch over to another adhesive was made did not indicate a hazardous level of any of these substances to be present.