Health Hazard Evaluation Report HETA 85-159-1827, Blackman Uhler Chemical Company (Synalloy Corporation), Spartanburg, South Carolina

摘要

In response to a confidential request, evaluation was made of bladder cancer incidence among workers at Blackman Uhler Chemical Company, Spartanburg, South Carolina. Short term air samples were collected for dimethylformamide (68122), ortho-dianisidine (119904), and chromium (VI) (18540299). Five of six samples showed no detectable levels of these compounds; the sixth showed a level of dimethylformamide well below OSHA permissible exposure limits. Deficiencies were noted in chemical handling procedures, work practices, engineering controls, and employee training and education regarding safety practices. There was a medical screening program for bladder cancer at the facility, but 689 of the 919 current and former employees had not participated. One case had been identified as of April 1985. It is suggested that there may be undetected cases of bladder cancer. It is recommended that better education of employees be undertaken concerning chemicals with which they work; that work practices be modified; that respiratory protection be improved with emphasis on selection, cleaning and maintenance, fit testing, and proper storage of protective equipment; that emergency showers and eye baths be inspected regularly; that labels be properly placed on tanks; that the screening program for medical problems continue to be available to all current and former workers; and that special medical evaluation be performed for any employee with urinary tract symptoms, microhematuria, or nonnegative cytology.