Health Hazard Evaluation Report HETA 82-226-1433, Roper Eastern Products, Baltimore, Maryland

摘要

In April 1982 the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a request to evaluate reported cases of dizziness, nausea, skin rash and hair loss in workers at Roper Eastern Products, Baltimore, Maryland. NIOSH investigators conducted a preliminary walk-through survey during the week of July 19, 1982 and a follow-up environmental/medical survey during the week of October 26. The final industrial hygiene survey was conducted on November 26 and 27, 1982. Based on air sampling results, it is possible that workers in the packing/cardboard box assembly line area are overexposed to carbon monoxide. On the basis of the interview data obtained in this investigation, NIOSH determined that although the levels of exposure on the day of the environmental evaluation were below the evaluation criteria, the employees reported symptoms consistent with the known effects of process substances used in the plant. Considering the benzene and chromium compounds are carcinogens, exposures should be maintained at the lowest level feasible. Recommendations to help alleviate the reported problems are found in Section VIII of this report.