Health Hazard Evaluation Determination Report HHE-79-65/98-748 at Wheeling-Pittsburgh Steel Corporation Coke Plant, Follansbee, West Virginia

摘要

Occupational exposures to phenol (108952), sulfur-dioxide (7746095), hydrogen-sulfide (7783064), ammonia (7664417), sulfuric-acid (7664939) mist, coal tar pitch (65996932) volatiles, benzene (71432), carbon-monoxide (630080), and polynuclear aromatics were determined at the Wheeling-Pittsburgh Steel Corporation Coke Facility (SIC-3312) in Follansbee, West Virginia, on May 3, and June 29, 1979. The evaluation was requested by Workers of America, District 23, Local Union 1190. Results of the 8 hour time-weighted average area samples and detector tube grab samples were within the environmental criteria and standards for each of the air contaminants tested. Ventilation measurements taken at each work station showed about 25 feet per minute of air movement. Medical interviews revealed complaints of headache, nausea, eye irritation, throat irritation, and skin irritation problems among several workers. The author concludes that no air contaminant hazard exists from exposure to the toxic substances tested. He recommends improved ventilation in the desulfurization booster room and the use of personal protective clothing or barrier creams by exposed workers.