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Penuelas, Puerto Rico
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1985/10/01
[PDF-2.20 MB]
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Description:Environmental and breathing zone samples were analyzed for benzene (71432), hydrazine (302012), morpholine (110918), cyclohexylamine (108918), carbon-black (1333864) and other organic solvents at Union Carbide Caribe (SIC-2869, 2911) in Penuelas, Puerto Rico in July, 1981 and October, 1983. The evaluation was requested by the union out of concern for possible benzene exposures, especially in the Employee Relations building, where it was feared that benzene contaminated groundwater might be entering the building. Eleven employees were interviewed. Breathing zone samples contained 0.03 to 0.10 milligram per cubic meter (mg/m3) benzene. The OSHA standard for benzene is 32mg/m3. Benzene concentrations above a sewer opening and in a mens room in the Employee Relations building were 134mg/m3 and 126mg/m3, respectively. Area air benzene concentrations in the building ranged from 0.1 to 1.1mg/m3. Concentrations of the other chemicals were below their relevant standards. Symptoms such as mucous membrane irritation, chest discomfort, low back pain, anxiety or nervousness, and skin rash were reported. The authors conclude that a potential for excessive exposure to benzene exists in the Employees Relations building. Recommendations include implementing a respiratory fit testing program and continued evaluation of the Employees Relation building benzene contamination problem.
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Pages in Document:23 pdf pages
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Contributor:Patnode, Richard;Frey, Ottavia;
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NIOSHTIC Number:nn:00157106
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NTIS Accession Number:PB86-203486
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Citation:Cincinnati, OH: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, Centers for Disease Control, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, HETA 81-335-1566, 1985 Oct;:1-22;
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Federal Fiscal Year:1986
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Peer Reviewed:False
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