| Abstract |
Exposures to fibrous glass (14808607), free silica (7631869), phenol (108952), formaldehyde (50000), ammonia (7664417), carbon-monoxide (630080), cyclohexane (110827), toluene (108883), and noise were investigated at the Owens Corning Fiberglas Company (SIC-3296), in Kansas City, Kansas, from January 29 to February 2, 1973. The company employed 1,250 workers, had a full-time nurse and a part-time physician, and conducted pre-employment examinations. Personal and area air samples were collected from various production points and analyzed for fiber content and total dust. Noise was measured in most areas of the factory. Seven of 27 area silica samples and 1 personal sample exceeded the recommended OSHA standard of 10 milligrams per cubic meter divided by the percent of silicon-dioxide plus two, and 0.91 milligrams per cubic meter (mg/cu m), respectively. Noise measurements ranged from 77 to 105 decibels relative to the A-weighted scale (dBA); the OSHA standard is 90dBA. Concentrations of phenol, formaldehyde and ammonia were below OSHA standards of 5, 3 and 50 parts per million (ppm), respectively. Cyclohexane, toluene, and carbon-monoxide concentrations were also below the respective standard of 300, 200 and 50ppm, however, potentially hazardous carbon-monoxide exposures existed in packing areas due to poor ventilation. Concentrations of fibrous glass were below the OSHA 15mg/cu m standard for nuisance dust, however, many of the fibers were of respirable size. The authors conclude that workers are exposed to hazardous amounts of silica dust. Ventilation should be improved to ensure that excessive carbon-monoxide exposure does not occur, and workers should be provided with hearing protectors. |
