Health Hazard Evaluation Report, HETA 2007-0073-3089, The Solae Company, Memphis, Tennessee, August 2009. Report on an Investigation of Asthma and Respiratory Symptoms among Workers at a Soy Processing Plant

摘要

On December 12, 2006, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a confidential Health Hazard Evaluation (HHE) request from workers at the Solae Company's plant in Memphis, TN. The requesters described respiratory symptoms and diagnoses, including sinus congestion and asthma, which they attributed to the workplace. They noted exposure to soy materials, lime (calcium oxide (CaO)), microbial contaminants such as mold, and insects. NIOSH investigators conducted telephone interviews with workers, a union representative, treating physicians, and company management and safety officials. On March 6, 2007, NIOSH investigators visited the plant to observe the process, measure concentrations of airborne dust, collect bulk samples of soy materials, and interview workers about their symptoms and exposures. They later conducted an industrial hygiene survey (July 9-13 and July 30-August 3, 2007). NIOSH investigators collected personal and area air samples from different plant areas, sub-areas, and jobs during the survey. They collected: personal (breathing-zone) air samples for inhalable dust and inhalable soy antigen; personal (breathing-zone) and area air measurements for airborne dust of respirable and thoracic size fractions using a real-time sampler; and area air samples for inhalable dust, inhalable soy antigen, total dust, total endotoxin, selected metals, and particle size distributions. They also collected bulk samples of soy materials from different sub-areas of the plant. From July 23-August 2, 2007, NIOSH investigators also conducted a medical survey of current workers at the plant; it consisted of an interviewer-administered questionnaire; lung function testing, including spirometry, bronchodilator, and methacholine challenge testing; and skin and blood allergy testing.