Health Hazard Evaluation Report HETA 82-293-1482, 83-279-1482, United Association of the Plumbing and Pipefitting Industry, California Department of Housing, California Area

摘要

A field survey of exposure to organic solvents during installation of plastic pipe (SIC-1711) in the San Francisco, California area was conducted in 1983. The survey was requested by a national plumber's union to evaluate exposure while installing plastic pipe. Breathing zone samples were analyzed for methylethylketone (78933), tetrahydrofuran (109999), dimethylformamide (68122), and cyclohexanone (108941), components of commonly used plastic pipe adhesives. Fifty nine local unions throughout the US were surveyed to obtain general information on health complaints arising from plastic pipe use. Fourteen plumbers were interviewed. Urine samples were obtained from six plumbers and analyzed for methylformamide (123397), a dimethylformamide metabolite. The author concludes that overexposure of the plumbers to solvents cannot be documented; however, due to the large number of health complaints, exposure should be reduced. Recommendations include limiting the number of solvents in the adhesives and minimizing skin contact with the adhesives.