| Abstract |
Worker exposures to diphenyl-methane-diisocyanate (101688) (MDI), toluene-diisocyanate (26471625)(TDI), fluorotrichloromethane (75694), alpha-methyl-styrene (98839), dimethylethylethanolamine (108010), dimethylcyclohexylamine (98942), and methylene-chloride (75092) were surveyed at the CPR, Division of the Upjohn Company (SIC-3079) in Torrance, California, on October 24 and 25, 1979, as part of an industrywide industrial hygiene characterization of the thermal insulation manufacturing and application activities. The company employed an unspecified number of workers. The medical program included preemployment physical examinations and annual examinations for all employees, medical examination following an overt exposure to hazardous chemicals and surveillance of employees sensitized to isocyanate compounds. Medical records were available for the preceding 20 years. The company had a safety program and an industrial hygiene program. Production workers were required to use protective equipment. MDI, TDI, fluorotrichloromethane, alpha-methyl-styrene, dimethyl-ethanolamine and dimethylcyclohexylamine concentrations ranged form 0.005 to 0.002, 0.022 to 0.31, 0.95 to 321.0, 0.16 to 0.67, 0.02 to 0.22 and 0.007 to 0.81 parts per million (ppm), respectively. The time-weighted-average exposure to methylene-chloride was 11ppm. Two personal samples exceeded the OSHA standard of 0.02ppm for TDI. No other sample exceeded existing standards. Currently there are no recommended limits for exposures to dimethylethanolamine and dimethylcyclohexylamine. The authors recommend the use of local exhaust ventilation controls and the implementation of a respiratory protection program to reduce exposure to TDI concentrations. |
