Publication Date |
1977 |
Personal Author |
Geissert, J. O. |
Page Count |
22 |
Abstract |
A Health Hazard Evaluation investigation was conducted by NIOSH on February 9-10, and June 22-23, 1977, in the Wire Cleaning House of the Bethlehem Steel Corporation in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. The survey was prompted by a request from an authorized employee representative concerning exposure to toxic chemicals and alleging a high incidence of respiratory disorders among the employees. Exposure of employees to hydrochloric acid and sulfuric acid exceeded accepted exposure limits, while exposure to carbon monoxide potentially exceeded accepted limits during the use of gasoline powered equipment. Medical interviews elicited symptomatology suggesting chronic respiratory disease in most of the crane operators and picklers, but its incidence correlated more closely with smoking history than with occupational exposure to acid mists and/or gases. One-third of the cranemen and picklers described premature tooth erosion and loss, while 44% of the workers in this group reported skin problems probably related to skin contact with the materials in use. Recommendations are made for reducing worker exposures. |
Keywords |
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Source Agency |
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NTIS Subject Category |
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Corporate Authors |
National Inst. for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, Ohio. |
Document Type |
Technical Report |
NTIS Issue Number |
197812 |