Industrial Hygiene Survey Report of Borg Warner Chemicals, Inc., Woodmar Plant, Washington, West Virginia

摘要

Due to possible worker exposure to 1,3-butadiene (106990), a walkthrough industrial hygiene survey was conducted at Borg Warner Chemicals Woodmar Facility (SIC-2821), Washington, West Virginia. The primary products of the facility are ABS plastics, polybutadiene latex and styrene butadiene rubber latex. In September of 1981 a butadiene recovery system was added to the process vent streams. Of the total workforce, 54 employees have potential for exposure to 1,3-butadiene. The mean 8 hour time weighted average (TWA) of 23 personal samples collected during several periods in 1983 and 1985 was 4.5 parts per million (ppm). Analysis of a bulk sample showed traces of 1,3-butadiene, in the 0.04 to 0.2 nanograms/milligram range. The exposures to 1,3-butadiene were greater than 10ppm for two job classifications, control room and high heat operators. The company has accurate records on terminated and current employees. The author concludes that the facility is a candidate for inclusion in an indepth industrial hygiene survey regarding 1,3-butadiene. Recommendations were given.