In-Depth Industrial Hygiene Composite Report on Exposure to Styrene and Butadiene at Two Styrene-Butadiene Rubber Processing Plants

摘要

Worker exposures to styrene (100425) and butadiene (106990) were investigated at two unspecified styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) processing facilities (SIC-2822) in Port Neches, Texas on July 12 to 16, 1976 and April 11 to 14, 1977. The companies were surveyed as part of a NIOSH industrial hygiene and epidemiological evaluation. Facility A employed 650 workers, 200 of whom were in management, and facility B employed 475, with 115 of these in management. Personnel organic vapor (OV) and total particulate (TP) samples were collected at facility A, and personal and area OV samples and personal TP samples were collected at facility B. All concentrations of butadiene (106990), styrene (100425), benzene (71432), and total particulates were below OSHA standards. The authors conclude that continued and improved industrial hygiene practices are warranted to control worker exposures within the SBR industry. They recommend preplacement and periodic physicals for workers, routine industrial hygiene surveillance, design and installation of leak resistant process equipment, employee education on the toxicity of the chemicals and the use of protective equipment, and provision of respiratory protection and protective clothing.