Survey for N-Nitroso Compounds at Atlas Foundry and Manufacturing Co., Richmond, California

摘要

Worker exposures to N-nitroso compounds were investigated at Atlas Foundry and Manufacturing Company (SIC-3321), Richmond, California on September 30, 1980. The company was surveyed as part of a NIOSH study on the formation of n-nitroso during the manufacture of steel and iron castings. Area air samples for amines and n-nitroso compounds were collected and analyzed. No n-nitroso compounds were detected in the atmosphere of the foundry. The author notes that the negative results were unexpected because of the use of dimethylamine in processing which should produce n-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) on contact with oxides of nitrogen in air. It is concluded that the fact that no N-nitrosamines were found during the survey does not preclude the potential for their formation. Further analysis of amine consuming processes is recommended.