| Abstract |
Worker exposures to epichlorohydrin (106898), allyl-chloride, benzene (71432), methyl-ethyl-ketone (MEK), methylene-chloride and toluene (108883) were investigated at the Texas Division of the Dow Chemical Company (SIC-286) in Freeport, Texas, from July 12 to 14, 1976. The company employed about 7,000 persons. The medical department was located next to the community hospital and health center. Pre-employment, termination and periodic medication examinations were provided, and an industrial hygiene program existed. Personnel records were complete and detailed. Production units were enclosed and the operation was entirely automated and monitored from a control room. Concentrations of epichlorohydrin and allyl-chloride ranged from undetectable to 0.41 and 0.68 parts per million (ppm), respectively. Benzene and MEK concentrations were not detectable. Concentrations of methylene-chloride and toluene ranged from 1.0 to 10.6 and 0.6 to 6.8ppm, respectively. OSHA standards for epichlorohydrin, allyl-chloride, MEK, methylene-chloride and toluene were 5, 1, 200, 500 and 200ppm, respectively. The author concludes that all exposures at this company are within acceptable limits, but recommends improvements to reduce allyl-chloride exposures. |
