Chemical Exposure: Workers engaged in degreasing, adhesive spray applications, dry cleaning at risk

Source: Safety.blr.com
 
OSHA, NIOSH issue hazard alert for 1-bromopropane

Workers engaged in degreasing operations, adhesive spray applications, dry cleaning, and other activities are at risk of exposure to 1-bromopropane (1-BP), a chemical with a wide range of adverse health effects. That’s the gist of a recent hazard alert issued by OSHA and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), which urges employers to take steps to protect workers from the hazards of this dangerous chemical.
 
OSHA does not currently have a standard for 1-BP, and the chemical is not included in its list of substances with permissible exposure limits (PELs). However, Cal/OSHA has recognized the hazards associated with 1-BP, and, as a result, California has adopted a time-weighted-average PEL of 5 parts per million. NIOSH is currently developing a recommended exposure level (REL).

Exposure to 1-BP, also known as n-propyl bromide (nPB), can cause a range of symptoms, including irritation of the eyes, mucous membranes, upper airways, and skin, and neurological damage, which can include dizziness, headaches, confusion, loss of consciousness, difficulty walking, loss of feeling in arms and/or legs, and slurred speech. In addition, research suggests that 1-BP may be a human carcinogen. Workers can be exposed by inhaling the chemical in airborne form or through skin contact, and symptoms can persist even after exposure has ended.

OSHA and NIOSH recommend replacing 1-BP used in the workplace with a less toxic chemical, such as an acetone- or water-based adhesive. The hazard alert cautions, however, that replacement chemicals may also have associated hazards that should be assessed and controlled.

If discontinuing the use of 1-BP is not feasible, the following controls should be used to reduce the hazard level:

• Isolating processes or machinery that use 1-BP;
• Ensuring that proper ventilation is in place and in good working condition;
• Reducing the amount of time that workers are exposed to 1-BP;
• Keeping containers of 1-BP closed between uses;
• Purchasing, using, and storing the smallest amount of 1-BP possible;
• Providing air-purifying or supplied-air respirators with the appropriate assigned protection factor; and
• Providing chemical-protective gloves, arm sleeves, aprons, and other clothing, as necessary

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Respirators Are Not Enough: Worker Exposure to Silica in Hydraulic Fracturing Operations

Some workers are exposed to 10 times the recommended exposure limit for crystalline silica during hydraulic fracturing operations.

(EHSToday.com) A new study, “Occupational Exposures to Respirable Crystalline Silica During Hydraulic Fracturing,” found respirable crystalline silica, a human lung carcinogen, to be an occupational exposure hazard for workers at hydraulic fracturing (fracking) operations. Researchers also found that the most commonly used type of respirator – the half-mask air-purifying respirator – might not provide enough protection for workers.

The study, published in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene (JOEH) August issue, is the first systematic investigation of worker exposure to crystalline silica during directional drilling and fracking operations, a process used to stimulate well production in the oil and gas industry.

Field researchers from the NIOSH Western States Office (WSO) and the Division of Applied Research and Technology (DART) collected 111 personal breathing zone samples at 11 sites in five states over a 15-month period to evaluate exposures to respirable crystalline silica during fracking operations.

“Certain work in this industry requires employees to be in areas where respirable silica levels may exceed defined occupational exposure limits like the OSHA Permissible Exposure Limit or the NIOSH Recommended Exposure Limits [RELs],” said researcher Michael Breitenstein, who is with the NIOSH DART in Cincinnati. “However, our study found that in some cases, full shift personal breathing zone exposures exceeded 10 times the REL.”

Respirable silica is the portion of crystalline silica that is small enough to enter the gas-exchange regions of the lungs if inhaled and includes particles with aerodynamic diameters less than approximately 10 micrometers (μm). Occupational exposures to respirable crystalline silica are associated with the development of silicosis, lung cancer, pulmonary tuberculosis and other respiratory diseases. These exposures also may be related to the development of autoimmune disorders, chronic renal disease and other adverse health effects.

“Although half-mask, air-purifying respirators are most commonly used at hydraulic fracturing sites, due to the magnitude of the silica concentrations measured, half-masks might not be sufficiently protective,” said researcher Eric J. Esswein, of the NIOSH WSO in Denver. “In some cases, silica concentrations exceeded the maximum use concentration for that type of respirator.”

According to NIOSH, the risks of silica exposures for workers exposed at or above the REL (0.05 mg/m3) may be minimized by substituting less hazardous materials and using engineering controls to limit exposures. In cases when engineering controls are not sufficient to keep exposures below the REL, NIOSH recommends using appropriate respiratory protection, and making medical examinations available to exposed workers.

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For more information on managing workplace air quality and removing hazardous airborne particles and  chemicals contact and Electrocorp air quality expert at 1-866-667-0297.

'Popcorn lung' back in the news

Artificial butter flavoring has many health side effects
Image: FreeDigitalPhotos

Since the mid 2000s there has been a lot of concern about the microwave popcorn industry and occupational health and safety regulations. A new term was coined to describe what workers were experiencing, popcorn lung.  This disease referred to workers at popcorn factories who suffered from a debilitating lung condition as a result of exposure to diacetyl, a synthetic butter-flavored chemical used in their products. 

In 2010, a worker won a lawsuit against industry giant BASF Corp.  He was awarded over 30 million dollars to compensate for the bronchiolitis obliterans he developed from exposure to diacetyl. 

In 2011, another worker won his lawsuit against Polarome International Inc. for the same reasons. He was also given compensation.

How does this chemical work?

Diacetyl is a naturally occurring chemical found in many different consumer products, such as beer and wine. It becomes hazardous, however, when it is produced synthetically, which is the case with products manufactured to have a buttery smell or taste.

New developments

Over the past few weeks, talk of diacetyl and the popcorn industry has resurfaced.  But the angle has changed. Two studies have shown very different, but equally harmful, side effects to working with the butter substitute.

Researchers now fear diacetyl
may cause Alzheimer's disease
Image: FreeDigitalPhotos

Apart from the rare lung disease known to occur with repeated exposure to this chemical, research now shows a correlation between diacetyl and Alzheimer’s disease. Though there is no irrefutable proof as of yet, researchers are pointing to how diacetyl may impact beta-amyloid proteins in the brain. 

The chemical appears to be causing the proteins to clump together, which is one of the indicators for Alzheimer’s disease. Diacetyl also crosses the blood-brain barrier, which leaves the brain vulnerable to attack, thereby resulting in both neurological toxicity and brain deterioration.

Over the past few years, the federal government has sought to limit workers’ exposure to diacetyl, but has not banned the chemical from use. Many factories still use diacetyl, but some have opted for another synthetic butter substitute called 2,3-pentanedione (PD). 

Recent investigations into this chemical, performed by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), show that PD demonstrates similar health hazards to its predecessor, diacetyl.  The same kind of damage was found in the lungs, indicating a tendency toward developing the non-reversible and life-threatening bronchiolitis obliterans.There is no information yet on how PD impacts the brain.

Does knowledge about diacetyl and PD’s health hazards affect whether you will continue to buy microwave popcorn? Let us know what you think.

Sources:Natural News, EurekAlert, InTheseTimes, WSFA.com

Clean air for workers

Though there has been a lot of talk about protecting workers from chemical exposure, many companies have yet to install proper HVAC systems and air cleaners. 

Electrocorp provides companies with a large array of air cleaners that can serve many different industries. From air cleaners that focus only on particles, to units that have both a HEPA and activated carbon filtration system, there are ways to protect your workers from inhaling fumes and chemicals that can cause irreversible harm.

To find out more about our units, contact one of our IAQ experts.

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Fracking and silica sand: A health and safety hazard

The silica sand used for fracking
puts workers at risk
Image: FreeDigitalPhotos

A work safety alert was recently sounded out in the hydraulic fracturing industry. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) both reported, after researching oil and gas well sites in five states, that workers were at risk for respiratory disease.

Though the thought that comes to mind with fracking is usually oil and gas, the two federal agencies found unusually high levels of silica sand in 80 percent of the air samples taken on the sites. In fact, the samples revealed that over 30 percent of those samples contained levels of silica that were 10 times higher than safety regulations permit.

Exposure to silica sand dust through inhalation can cause silicosis, a life-threatening lung disease. OSHA and NIOSH suggest these oil and gas companies protect their workers by limiting their exposure to the particles. Respirators and exhaust vents are among some of the solutions proposed by the agencies.

During the fracking process, silica sand is combined with water and chemicals. This fluid is pressurized and then used to help break up shale deposits in the ground, allowing workers access to the oil and natural gas.

Though OSHA and NIOSH still have to conduct testing on the effects of exposure to silica sand, at least one Wyoming company has already tested its effects and implemented safety measures. Knowledge on other companies’ plans is, as of yet, unknown but the Petroleum Association of Wyoming and The Wyoming Oil and Gas Safety Alliance have pledged their cooperation and plan to inform their members of the risks surrounding silica sand.

Do you or someone you know work in fracking? Tell us about your experiences with silica sand and how your company is dealing with the potential risks.

Source: Trib.com

Providing cleaner air

Electrocorp's I-6500 Cyclone Collectors
can extract fine particles, such as silica sand dust,
from the air

OSHA and NIOSH have made several suggestions for improving air quality. Of those recommendations is the use of exhaust vents. 

Electrocorps’s I-6500 with Cyclone Collectors provides an air cleaning option that extracts dust and fine particles from the air through a pre-filter and a HEPA filter. There also activated carbon optionsfor chemicals, odors and gases. We can also manufacture customized units for individual needs.

To speak to one of our IAQ experts about the I-6500 Cyclone Collector or for a customized unit, contact us at 1-866-667-0297.

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