Health Hazard Evaluation Determination Report HHE 78-100-590, J and M Printing Company, Gwinner, North Dakota

摘要

Environmental measures and medical interviews were performed at the J and M Printing Company in Gwinner, North Dakota from September 19 to 21, 1978 to determine the exposure levels of approximately 20 workers to methyl alcohol (67561), ethyl alcohol (64175), isopropyl alcohol (67630), ethylene glycol monoethyl ether (110805), methylene chloride (75092), ethyl acetate (141786), and naphtha (8030306). The evaluation was done at the request of company management following reported liver abnormalities of two employees. Results of environmental sampling were below OSHA standards of 200, 1000, 400, 200, 500, and 400 parts of substance per million parts of air each, respectively, for methyl alcohol, ethyl alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, ethylene glycol monoethyl ether, methylene chloride, and ethyl acetate, and 350 milligrams per cubic meter of air of naphtha. It is concluded that the two reported hepatic abnormalities probably were unrelated to the work environment. Inadequate air flow in several areas of the facility resulted in worker complaints of skin dryness and minor irritations. Suggestions to improve ventilation are presented.