Health Hazard Evaluation Report No. HHE-80-025-989, U.S. Steel, Tubing Specialties, Gary, Indiana

摘要

In November 1979, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a request from the United Steel Workers of America, Local 2697, for a health hazard evaluation at the United States Steel Corp., Tubing Specialists, Gary, Ind. The requestor was concerned with possible adverse health effects resulting from employee exposure to sulfuric acid mist at pickling operations within the plant. NIOSH investigators conducted an initial survey in January 1980. In February 1980, environmental samples were collected to assess 8-hour time weighted average (TWA) exposures to sulfuric acid. In August 1981, additional environmental samples were collected to assess short-term (15 minute) exposure to sulfuric and phosphoric acid. Follow-up medical surveys were conducted in October 1980 and January 1981. Confidential interviews and pulmonary function tests were administered to all employees working at the pickling operations.