NIOSH Health Hazard Evaluation Report: HETA No. 2004-0184-2965, City of Los Angeles, Bureau of Street Services, Los Angeles, California, April 2005

摘要

In March 2004, NIOSH received a confidential employee request for a health hazard evaluation at the City of Los Angeles, Bureau of Street Services Asphalt Plant 1, Los Angeles, California. The request concerned exposure to fumes, vapors, work and heat stress, and diesel fuel during asphalt processing and during asphalt delivery to paving projects. The request mentioned some employees had experienced a variety of health symptoms including cancer, respiratory symptoms, and hearing problems that they believed were work-related. In response to this request, NIOSH investigators conducted a site-visit on September 13-15, 2004. NIOSH investigators collected 19 general area (GA) and personal breathing zone (PBZ) air samples for total particulate with additional analysis for the benzene-soluble fraction of this particulate$ 19 GA and PBZ air samples for polycyclic aromatic compounds with additional analysis for total organic sulfur compounds$ 19 GA and PBZ air samples for diesel exhaust (elemental and organic carbon)$ and eight GA real-time, data-logged air samples for carbon monoxide. NIOSH investigators interviewed 25 of 26 employees of Asphalt Plant 1 and reviewed LABSS compensation claims, OSHA logs, and a company sick-time study. Based on the low air sample concentrations found and the low rate of work-related health complaints during medical interviews with employees, there does not appear to be a health hazard at City of Los Angeles, Bureau of Street Services, Asphalt Plant The transient eye, nasal, and throat irritation symptoms reported by some employees are consistent with exposures to asphalt fumes and particulates at levels below recommended limits. The current scientific literature has determined that there is inadequate evidence that asphalt alone increases cancer risk to humans. Recommendations to minimize work exposures are provided and include the following: repair damage to existing ventilation systems, improve asphalt loading work practices, dispose of outdated personal protective equipment, and improve the existing respiratory and hearing protection programs.