Abstract  Environmental and medical health evaluation surveys were performed at the TRW electrical resistor manufacturing facility (SIC-3622) located in Philadelphia, Pa., via employee interviews, evaluation of ventilation systems, evaluation of work procedures and available toxicity information. The results obtained indicate that employee exposures to butyl-cellosolve (111762), ethyl-alcohol (64175), and xylene in the filament-draw department did not pose a health hazard at the concentrations measured during this evaluation. Employees may, however, be exposed to potentially toxic concentrations of mercury (7439976). Exposures to trichloroethylene (79016) in the lead-heading room do not constitute a health hazard. Workers in the mold department were not exposed to toxic concentrations of phenol (108952) or nuisance dust. Employees exposures to xylene (1330207), 1,1,1-trichloroethane (71556), methyl-ethyl-ketone (78933) and toluene (108883) in the sub-assembly area did not constitute a health hazard. The plating room operator was not exposed to toxic levels of lead (7439921) or fluorides. The medical program at this TRW facility appears to be adequate. The program adheres to the medical criteria as recommended by NIOSH criteria documents. Appropriate biological monitoring and medical surveillance are being done. Medical interviews with workers revealed no work related health complaints. A review of company medical records also produced no significant findings.

Abstract  In response to a request from the EPA, the risk of exposure of workers at G-and-L Recovery Systems Incorporated (SIC-9999), Ashtabula, Ohio to volatile organic chemicals was investigated. The company had been authorized by the EPA to develop alternative methods for the disposal of transformers containing polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). The facility employed seven workers. Average breathing zone exposure levels to trichloroethylene (79016) (TCE) ranged from 5.3 to 11.8 parts per million (ppm) during an initial survey and from 20.8 to 29.2ppm during followup. The highest average levels were seen in decontamination technicians; however, stripper technicians had the highest personal TCE exposures. Average personal exposures to PCBs ranged from 14.5 to 20.8 micrograms/cubic meter initially and from 9.9 to 25.9 micrograms/cubic meter at followup. Decontamination and stripper technicians again demonstrated the highest exposure levels. All but two high contact surfaces outside of the containment area had PCB levels near or greater than 100 micrograms/square meter. In the production area, surface PCB levels ranged from 1,000 to 72,000 micrograms/square meter. High surface and area air levels of polychlorinated-dibenzo-p-dioxins and polychlorinated-dibenzo-p-difurans were identified, as were increased serum PCB levels in workers. The authors conclude that a hazard existed from exposures to TCE and PCBs.

Abstract  The possible carcinogenic hazard of exposure to trichloroethylene (79016) (TCE) was presented, and chemical properties and primary uses of TCE were described. Metal degreasing and dry cleaning trades were responsible for about 90 percent of TCE consumption. It was also used as an anesthetic in medical and dental procedures. Human toxicity was characterized primarily by central nervous system depression, especially after acute exposure. Skin contact could result in local irritation and blistering after prolonged exposure, and repetitive occupational hand immersion caused finger paralysis. Cardiac arrhythmias were common and diffusion across the placenta was rapid, while liver and kidney effects were rare. Human and animal exposure could result in respiratory failure or cardiac arrest. The state of euphoria which results from deliberate inhalation of TCE has resulted in addiction among adolescents sniffing commercial products. To date, there had been no reports linking TCE exposure to human cancer. A study was made by the National Cancer Institute in rats and mice. Osborne-Mendel-rats and B6C3F-mice were exposed five times per week to TCE by gastric intubation. Rats received 500 or 1000mg/kg doses, and male mice received 1200 or 2400mg/kg while female mice were given 900 or 1800mg/kg. In mice, 30.6 percent and 43.2 percent of animals receiving low and high doses, respectively, developed hepatocellular carcinoma. No such lesions were seen in rats. It was noted that the exposure standard set by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration is 100 parts per million. The largest estimated worker populations exposed to TCE were in electrical and transportation equipment industries. Among medical, dental, and hospital personnel, approximately 5000 workers were estimated to be exposed to TCE. Additional animal studies as well as detailed epidemiological investigations were anticipated