Health Hazard Evaluation Determination Report Number MHETA-82-006-9002, Sewell Coal Company, Number 1 Preparation Plant, Nettie, West Virginia, VA

摘要

The potential health effects of exposure to a coal antifreeze agent, Wendon-NF-40 were examined. The study was requested by the United Mine Workers of America and was conducted on March 8, 1982 at the Sewell Coal Company No. 1 Preparation Facility (SIC-1211), Nettie, West Virginia. The antifreeze agent was sprayed on the coal as it fell from a conveyer belt into a large hopper. The spraying operation was enclosed except at one side. The preliminary on site investigation was conducted after the facility had discontinued using the antifreeze agent. Therefore, only bulk samples were collected for qualitative analysis. Workers were interviewed by a NIOSH physician. The qualitative analysis revealed that the primary component of the antifreeze was diethylene-glycol (111466). Two of 10 workers interviewed complained of health problems they felt were related to exposure to Wendon-NF-40. Their symptoms included headache and skin irritation. Due to lack of environmental sampling, NIOSH was unable to determine that a hazard from overexposure to Wendon-NF-40 existed. The authors suggest that organic vapor respirators should be worn by workers when they are in area where inhalation of the mists or sprays is likely.