Health Hazard Evaluation Report HETA 90-0391-2346, Morton International ChemicalCompany, Paterson, New Jersey

摘要

In response to a request from management, an investigation was begun intopossible hazardous working conditions at Morton International Chemical Company (SIC-2865), Paterson, New Jersey. Three members of the workforce had been diagnosed with bladder dysplasia. The facility used o-toluidine (95534) and aniline (62533) along with aromatic amines in the production of liquid and solid dyes. Airborne exposures to o-toluidine and aniline and potential dermal contact were evaluated. Urine samples were taken before and after a work shift for 12 probably exposed workers and eight presumably unexposed workers, and analyzed. Nine of the 12 personal time weighted average air measurements for the likely to have been exposed group had detectable levels of o-toluidine. None of the workers in the supposedly nonexposed group had detectable levels of o-toluidine. All of the general areas of the building contained detectable levels of o-toluidine. Airborne aniline was detected in all areas where dye production was underway. Among exposed workers, average urinary concentrations of aniline were about two times greater than among probably unexposed workers, and average urinary concentrations of o-toluidine were about eight times higher among exposed than probably unexposed workers. The authors conclude that post-shift urinary concentrations demonstrate that workers are exposed to o-toluidine. The authors recommend that current control practices at this facility be examined to determine steps for further reducing the exposure levels.