Plastics industry - 408 entries found

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1987

CIS 88-1195 Matanoski G.M., Schwartz L.
Mortality of workers in styrene-butadiene polymer production
A total of 13,920 males who had worked in 8 styrene-butadiene rubber polymer manufacturing plants in the USA and Canada for at least 1 year were followed for deaths from 1943, when the industry began, up to 1979. Mortality ratios standardised for age, race, and calendar time using USA male rates as a comparison revealed no excess mortality in this population for any cause of death. The overall standardised mortality ratio (SMR) for all causes was 0.81. Only the SMR for arteriosclerotic heart disease among black males showed a significant excess. Examination of risks by major work areas such as production, utilities, maintenance, and other jobs, as well as by salaried and hourly pay grade, revealed no significant differences in cancer mortality by specific sites. Because the ratios for selected digestive cancers were above the all-cause SMR, this group of neoplasms is under further investigation as is the exposure profile of specific jobs within the industry.
Journal of Occupational Medicine, Aug. 1987, Vol.29, No.8, p.675-680. 15 ref.

CIS 88-1279 Ahlborg G., Bjerkedal T., Egenaes J.
Delivery outcome among women employed in the plastics industry in Sweden and Norway
Employment records for 1973-1981 were obtained from companies producing and/or processing plastics and these were matched with the national medical birth and malformation registers. Within the cohorts of pregnancies during which the mother held employment in a plastics factory (1,397 in the Swedish and 288 in the Norwegian study), cases of stillbirths or infant deaths, selected minformations, or low birthweight (< 2,000g) were identified. For each case, two controls from the same source were individually matched with regard to date of birth, age of mother, and parity. An increased odds ratio was found for processing of polyvinyl-chloride plastics. However, processing of cold plastics yielded a higher odds ratio than processing of heated plastics. No increased odds ratio was found for processing of styrene or polyurethane plastics. Since the whole of the plastics industry in the two countries did not participate in the studies and the number of cases was small, the result must be interpreted with caution.
American Journal of Industrial Medicine, 1987, Vol.12, No.5, p.507-517. 22 ref.

CIS 88-516
Health and Safety Executive
A guide to health and safety in GRP fabrication
This safety and health guide deals with the section of the glass-reinforced plastics industry that uses unsaturated polyester resins. The main purpose is to give advice on the control of styrene emissions during laying-up and the control of dust at finishing operations. Other topics covered are: the storage and handling of flammable liquids, the selection of the appropriate electrical apparatus, the training and supervision of employees and the relevant legal requirements and standards. Included in the guide are chemical safety data sheets on styrene, methyl-methacrylate, vinyl-toluene, alpha-methyl styrene, methylene chloride and acetone.
HMSO Publications Centre, P.O. Box 276, London SW8 5DT, United Kingdom, 1987. 79p. Illus. 17 ref. Price: GBP 4.00.

CIS 87-1285 Cavalleri A., Minoia C.
Lead level of whole blood and plasma in workers exposed to lead stearate
In a group of 23 male workers exposed to lead stearate the levels of lead in whole blood and plasma were determined and compared to those obtained from a group of 23 subjects exposed to inorganic lead compounds. The mean values for lead in whole blood were similar in both groups, while the mean lead concentration in plasma was 0.1729µmol/L (SD 0.0677) for those exposed to lead stearate and 0.0936µmol/L (SD 0.0577) for those exposed to other lead compounds. The difference was highly significant. The percentage ratio for lead in plasma to lead in whole blood, which can be considered a "bioavailability index" for lead, proved to be two times higher for stearate workers than for subjects exposed to inorganic lead compounds. The data suggest that the different chemical properties of absorbed lead stearate may cause a different distribution of the metal in different blood compartments, the plasma compartment having a higher affinity for lead stearate than for other lead compounds. Because the plasma fraction has a greater bioavailability, lead stearate could induce toxic effects that differ (possibly being severer) from those caused by other lead compounds at similar absorbed doses.
Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment and Health, June 1987, Vol.13, No.3, p.218-220. 7 ref.

CIS 87-972 Tolson P., Beet L.
The use of antistatic footwear in the resin manufacturing industry
The results of tests that were carried out in the resin manufacturing industry in order to assess the suitability for use in that industry of a number of different types of anti-static footwear are described. The tests included measurement of floor resistance, variation of sole resistance with wear and assessment of some of the other factors associated with the footwear that were considered relevant to safety.
Journal of Occupational Accidents, Apr. 1987, Vol.8, No.4, p.251-260. Illus. 5 ref.

CIS 87-525 De Guire L., Sacks S.
Feasibility study regarding the establishment of a register of Quebec's plastics industry workers
Etude de la faisabilité de constituer un registre des travailleurs de l'industrie du plastique au Québec [in French]
According to a review of published statistics, this sector involves 645 plants and 19424 workers in Quebec. The majority (68,9%) of these enterprises is located in the Greater Metropolitan Montreal Area. Although the existence of cutaneous, pulmonary, and allergic disorders among these workers has been well documented in the scientific literature, few investigations of the prevalence of cancer have been published. Of all the bodies consulted, only the Association sectorielle paritaire du secteur de la chimie and the Community Health Departments (DSC's) were interested in participating in the present feasibility study. The DSC's were invited to complete a questionnaire concerning their perception of the feasability of establishing a registry. However, many questions remain unanswered and are discussed in this article.
Travail et santé, Spring 1987, Vol.3, No.1, p.52-57. 14 ref.

1986

CIS 89-494 Aldyreva M.V., Ivanova N.Ju., Palagušina A.I., Kupina L.M., Manžosova G.B., Borcevič S.V., Ketova N.A.
Follow-up of the health status of workers engaged in synthetic leather manufacture
Rezul'taty dinamičeskogo nabljudenija za sostojaniem zdorov'ja rabotajuščih v proizvodstve sintetičeskih kož [in Russian]
A five-year follow up of 221 workers occupationally exposed to dimethyl formamide (DMFA), the principal risk factor in synthetic leather manufacturing. Studies revealed high DMFA concentrations in the workplace air. An amendment for the DMFA MAC (10mg/m³) - hazardous upon penetration through the skin - is proposed. Detailed medical examination, including biochemical tests, of workers exposed to DMFA enabled the determination of the health hazards in the working environment, the establishment of the main clinical and laboratory signs of DMFA action and the development of contraindications to work involving exposure to DMFA.
Gigiena truda i professional'nye zabolevanija, Dec. 1986, No.12, p.9-12. Illus. 9 ref.

CIS 88-286 Solt J., Schandl V.
Flammable substances produced during the thermo-mechanical processing of polyolefins
A poliolefinek termo-mechanikus feldolgozásakor képződő tűzveszélyes anyagok [in Hungarian]
Qualitative and quantitative analysis of by-products produced during the processing of polyolefin (polyisobutylene, polypropylene and polyethylene) mixtures revealed the presence of 17 different flammable components. Though the mean concentration of each of these substances was below danger levels, some of the maximum concentrations measured did indicate the existence of explosion hazards.
Munkavédelem, munka- és üzemegészségügy, 1986, Vol.32, No.7-9, p.123-127. Illus. 6 ref.

CIS 87-1309 Loh A., Abdeali A., Chan M., Lim A., Ho S.F.
Proceedings of the Seminar on Occupational Safety and Health in the Plastics Industry
The papers in this seminar (Singapore) covered: overview of the plastics industry in Singapore; trends and characteristics of accidents; health hazards; control of fire hazards; and health effects of some chemicals used in the plastics industry.
National Productivity Board, Singapore, Singapore, no date. 48p.

CIS 87-998 Fukumura A., Mano H., Higuchi T., Hananouchi M., Murase K., Kidokoro R., Aoi T., Hasegawa N.
Case of hepatoangiosarcoma in a cleaner of vinyl chloride polymerisation reactors
En-bi monomā chōgōsō seisōsha ni mirareta kankekkannikushu no 1-rei [in Japanese]
A 50-year-old Japanese male had been employed in a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plant; his job involved cleaning of the tanks for the polymerisation of vinyl chloride monomer (VCM). The patient died of hepatoangiosarcoma in 1985. During the previous 10 years he had received periodic medical examination every 6 months. The tumour appeared 20 years after the initiation of exposure to VCM. The duration of exposure was about 4 years, but the amount of exposure was presumed to be considerably higher than that of other workers. Neither clinical manifestations nor abnormal data on laboratory examinations had been observed prior to onset of his illness, except persistent thrombocytopenia.
Japanese Journal of Traumatology and Occupational Medicine, Dec. 1986, Vol.34, No.12, p.976-982. Illus. 16 ref.

CIS 87-981
Comités techniques nationaux du caoutchouc-papier-carton, des industries chimiques, de la métallurgie, du bâtiment et des travaux publics, Caisse nationale de l'assurance maladie
Exposure to pitch and coal tar - Prevention of health hazards due to exposure to pitch and coal tar during the manufacture, handling and use of products containing them (Recommendation R 278)
Exposition aux brai et goudron de houille. Prévention des risques pathologiques dus à l'exposition du brai et goudron de houille lors de la fabrication, la manipulation et l'utilisation des produits en contenant (Recommandation R 278) [in French]
Recommendation adopted in France during 1985-1986. Coverage: information on products, substitute materials, precautions specific to pitch and coal tar use, mixing operations and other hot work, elimination of fumes, cleaning of workplaces and equipment, working with pitch and coal-tar-based products, personal hygiene, air quality monitoring, medical supervision, training and informing of staff. Detailed commentary of certain points.
Travail et sécurité, Nov. 1986, No.11, p.600-603.

CIS 87-514 Hopkins B.L., Conard R.J., Smith M.J.
Effective and reliable behavioral control technology
A training programme on work practices and housekeeping conditions was developed to teach selected behaviour to workers in the glass fibre reinforced plastics industry to reduce the exposure to styrene. A behaviour maintenance programme was developed to encourage their continued use after training. These behavioural controls were introduced to appropriate workers in 3 different plants and were effective in changing all selected behaviours and conditions. Statistically reliable reductions in workers' exposures to styrene accompanied the changes in behaviours. All improvements were maintained throughout the course of data collection.
American Industrial Hygiene Association Journal, Dec. 1986, Vol.47, No.12, p.785-791. Illus. 10 ref.

CIS 87-609 Pfäffli P.
Phthalic acid excretion as an indicator of exposure to phthalic anhydride in the work atmosphere
The concentration of phthalic acid was determined in the urine of 9 workers exposed to phthalic anhydride. The urine samples were acidified, extracted with dimethyl ether, esterified with boron trifluoride/methanol and measured by electron-capture gas chromatography. Air samples were collected in Tenax tubes, eluted with methyl t-butyl ether and assayed by electron-capture gas chromatography. Correlations were found between the concentration in urine samples (range: 0.3-14.0µmoL/mmoL creatinine), collected at different times of the day, and the time-weighted average atmospheric concentrations (range: 0.03-10.5mg/m³). The detection limit for urine samples (10mL) was 0.05µmoL/L and that for air samples 0.4µg/m³. The method has potential for biological monitoring of workers exposed to phthalic anhydride. Atmospheric anhydride concentrations of about 30% of the hygienic reference value (6mg/m³) gave a body-burden which was not eliminated overnight.
International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health, 1986, Vol.58, No.3, p.209-216. Illus. 17 ref.

CIS 87-608 Ogata M., Yamasaki Y., Kawai T.
Significance of urinary phenyl sulfate and phenyl glucuronide as indices of exposure to phenol
Urine samples from 20 workers who had been using phenol for treatment of chemical fibres were analysed for phenyl sulfate (PhS) and phenyl glucuronide (PhG) by high pressure liquid chromatography. The urinary concentration of phenol metabolites, as the total of PhS and PhG, levels of PhG and PhS had a correlation with the environmental concentration of phenol. The urinary concentration of phenol metabolites, as the total of PhS and PhG, corresponding to 5ppm of environmental phenol was 251mg phenol/g creatinine.
International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health, 1986, Vol.58, No.3, p.197-202. Illus. 12 ref.

CIS 87-252 ÅKesson B., Bengtsson M., Florén I.
Visual disturbances after industrial triethylamine exposure
Among 19 workers in a polyurethane foam production plant, visual disturbances ("foggy vision", "blue haze", and sometimes halo phenomena) were reported on a total of 47 occasions by 5 workers over 11 weeks. The symptoms were associated with triethylamine exposure. Time-weighted average levels of 12-13mg/m³ were recorded at work operations associated with symptoms, and 4-5mg/m³ at other tasks. Twice as high peak levels were recorded. A detailed medical examination of the 5 affected workers did not reveal any signs of permanent eye disease.
International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health, 1986, Vol.57, No.4, p.297-302. 15 ref.

CIS 86-1961 Bertazzi P.A., Pesatori A.C., Radice L., Zocchetti C., Val T.
Exposure to formaldehyde and cancer mortality in a cohort of workers producing resins
Mortality study of 1,332 male workers employed at least 30 days in 1959-1980 in a resin-manufacturing plant. Ambient measurements taken in the plant between 1974 and 1979 documented a potential for exposure to levels of formaldehyde as high as ≥3.0mg/m³. A statistically significant increase in lung cancer was observed (18 deaths). This elevated risk, however, could not be attributed specifically to exposure to formaldehyde. Mortality from digestive cancer (14 deaths) and haematologic neoplasms (5 deaths) was not substantially higher than expected. Because of several limiting factors present within the study, these results do not provide sufficient grounds either to link formaldehyde exposure in the plant to the increased cancer risk noted or to exclude that formaldehyde might pose such a risk to humans uncer certain exposure circumstances.
Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment and Health, Oct. 1986, Vol.12, No.5, p.461-468. Illus. 24 ref.

CIS 86-1353 Kuželová M., Kovařík J., Popler A., Šalandová J., Fiedlerová D., Hlavová S., Čihař M.
Occupational health problems in the production and processing of methyl methacrylate. II. The state of health of exposed workers
Pracovnělékařská problematika při výrobě a zpracování metylmetakrylátu. II. Zdravotní stav exponovaných pracovníků [in Czech]
A sample of 35 men and 28 women exposed to methyl methacrylate (MMA) was monitored during production and processing of the compound. Mean age of the workers was 46.6 years, mean exposure time 10.1 years. The whole-shift concentration of MMA in workplace air was 30-300mg/m³. Neither internal nor laboratory examinations showed deviations in the workers' state of health attributable to MMA. Three workers had allergic contact eczema due to sensitisation to MMA. Half of the exposed workers complained about neurovegetative troubles (nervousness, headache, weakness) and 46% about irritability. Objective neurotic symptomatology was found in 41.2%. The whole sample was examined by EEG; 15.8% showed an abnormal record. Determination of urinary thioethers appears to be unsuitable as an exposure test for MMA. The suggested MAC limit for MMA is 40mg/m³ air.
Pracovní lékařství, 1985, Vol.37, No.2, p.49-52. 17 ref.

CIS 86-1027 Ducos P., Gaudin R.
Occupational exposure to volatile nitrosamines in the French rubber industry
Exposition professionnelle aux nitrosamines volatiles dans l'industrie du caoutchouc en France [in French]
The use of vulcanisation accelerators or retarders entails exposure to nitrosamines, suspected of being carcinogenic in man. As part of a survey, 132 measurements were taken in 12 French enterprises that differed in size and technology, in order to evaluate the prevailing concentration of nitrosamines. There was N-nitrosodimethylamine in 93% of the samples, N-nitrosodiethylamine in 27% of the samples, and N-nitrosomorpholine in 15% of the samples. The concentrations were particularly high during the use of nitroso additives. Great care is advised in the use of additives containing nitrosamine precursors. Complete elimination of nitrosamines should have high priority.
Cahiers de notes documentaires - Sécurité et hygiène du travail, 2nd quarter 1986, No.123, Note No.1576-123-86, p.145-150. Illus. 12 ref.

1985

CIS 88-945 Rubber fume in air, measured as 'total particulates' and 'cyclohexane soluble material'
Guidance note on an empirical laboratory method using filters and gravimetric estimation. The detection limit is 100µg±10%. The precision of the method will vary with the balance used and with the details of the handling procedure. Interferences: it is possible to lose fine insoluble material from filters during a Soxhlet extraction procedure. Because the final determination is gravimetric, any airborne material which is soluble in cyclohexane will contribute to the measured concentration. Additional information on rubber fumes: properties, occurrence, toxicity.
Health and Safety Executive Sales Point, St Hugh's House, Stanley Precinct, Bootle, Merseyside L20 2QY, United Kingdom, Aug. 1985. 4p. Illus. 4 ref. Price: GBP 0.50.

CIS 87-1395 Badaracco J.L.
Loading the dice - A five-country study of vinyl chloride regulation
This book reviews the ways in which the US, Japan, Great Britain, France and the Federal Republic of Germany developed regulations to reduce worker exposure to vinyl chloride after its identification as a liver carcinogen in 1974. In all the countries, major labour groups confronted powerful companies, and a government agency responsible for workplace health and safety became deeply involved with the problem; in the end, all 5 countries reduced vinyl chloride exposure to the same very low levels. The adversarial approach to the problem seen in the US contrasted with the cooperative approaches taken by the social partners in the other countries.
Harvard Business School Press, Boston, MA 02163, USA, 1985. 208p. Bibl. Index. Price: US$19.95.

CIS 86-1875 Dimethyl phthalate
Aspects covered in this data sheet: chemical identity; exposure limits; physicochemical properties; fire and explosion hazards; reactivity; health hazards; uses; handling of spills or releases.
In: EPA Chemical Profiles, United States Environmental Protection Agency, Washington D.C. 20460, USA, Dec. 1985. 3p.

CIS 86-1440 Sorokin Ju.G., Sibilev M.S.
Labour protection in the petroleum refining and petrochemical industry. Rules and standards
Ohrana truda v neftepererabatyvajuščej i neftehimičeskoj promyšlennosti - Pravila i normy [in Russian]
This manual for engineering staff and occupational health services of manufacturing, research and design organisations includes major extracts from safety regulations and requirements in the title industry. It covers: quotations from safety regulations of gas and petroleum refining enterprises, synthetic rubber, synthetic ethyl alcohol, organometallic compound, schist reprocessing and asbestos plants; safety requirements for design of ventilation; operation of pressure vessels; operation, inspection and repair of safety valves; design of steel piping; fire protection requirements for design of petroleum refineries and petrochemical enterprises.
Izdatel'stvo Himija, Stromynka 21, 107076 Moskva, USSR, 1985, 380p. Illus. Price: Rbl.1.90.

CIS 86-1352 Popler A., Skutilová L., Kuželová M., Kovařík J., Šalandová J., Čihař M.
Occupational health problems in the production and processing of methyl methacrylate. I. Determination of the extent of exposure
Pracovnělékařská problematika při výrobě a zpracování metylmetakrylátu. I. Určení míry expozice [in Czech]
The concentration of methyl methacrylate in air was monitored during its production and its processing by block polymerisation. The concentration was highest during pre-polymerisation and during the filling of glass vessels with the pre-polymer (150-300mg/m³). During other processes the concentration ranged between 30 and 80mg/m³. Air was sampled by stationary and personal samplers. In a group of 49 workers exposed to methyl methacrylate the concentration of thioethers in urine was determined by spectrophotometry. There was no significant difference between this group and controls in the elimination of thioethers. There was a difference between smokers and non-smokers in the exposed as well as control group.
Pracovní lékařství, 1985, Vol.37, No.2, p.43-48. 13 ref.

CIS 86-1330 Phenoxarsine, 10,10'-oxydi-
Aspects covered in this data sheet: identity; exposure limits; physicochemical properties; fire and explosion hazards; reactivity; health hazards; handling of spills or releases. This product is used primarily for fungicidal and bactericidal protection of plastics.
In: EPA Chemical Profiles, United States Environmental Protection Agency, Washington D.C. 20460, USA, Dec. 1985. 4p.

CIS 86-1152 Derias A.
Thermo-forming of plastics
Thermoformage des matières plastiques [in French]
Part 1 of this thesis for a degree in a French medical school deals with technical information relating to the thermo-forming of plastics. Part 2 deals with economic data: enterprises concerned with this technology and the ever-increasing number of its industrial uses. Part 3 surveys the risks that exist for exposed workers: physical and mechanical hazards due to machines; physical and chemical hazards due to dusts; chemical hazards due to thermal decomposition products that are produced during thermo-forming or accidental fires. The overall risk level is low, but there has to be continuous vigilance against toxic hazards due to thermal decomposition of plastics, accidental over-heating of half-finished products and stagnation of molten plastics inside machinery.
Université de Paris V, Faculté de médecine Paris-Ouest, Paris, France, 1985. 110p. Illus. 18 ref.

CIS 86-1110 Šulakov N.A., Božefatov A.S., Jasnecov V.S.
Film-forming solution of polyvinyl alcohol for protecting the skin of workers in glass fibre-reinforced plastics production
Plenkoobrazujuščij rastvor polivinilovogo spirta dlja zaščity koži rabočih stekloplastikovogo proizvodstva [in Russian]
A solution made by dissolving 50mL polyvinyl alcohol in 40mL glycerin and 910mL distilled water dries to form a film that resists acetone, ethyl alcohol and several trade-named glues and cements. When 2-3mL of the solution is rubbed over the hands and wrists, the barrier that is formed after 1-1.5min lasts for up to 24h.
Gigiena truda i professional'nye zabolevanija, Feb. 1985, No.2, p.58-59. 5 ref.

CIS 86-754 Foussereau J.
Allergic dermatitis due to mercaptobenzothiazole and its derivatives
L'eczéma allergique au mercaptobenzothiazole et à ses dérivés [in French]
Mercaptobenzothiazole, used mostly as a rubber vulcanisation accelerator, is the agent responsible for rubber intolerance. It is also present in certain cutting oils and in antifreeze. Aspects covered in this data sheet: chemical formulae; frequency of allergic response and occupational sectors in danger of exposure; allergological studies; preventive measures and compensation.
Documents pour le médecin du travail, Oct. 1985, No.24, p.13-16. Illus. 11 ref.

CIS 86-744 Hemminki K., Sorsa M., Vainio H.
Occupational hazards and reproduction
Papers by participants in the 1981 International Course on Occupational Hazards and Reproduction in Helsinki, Finland. Contents: human reproductive biology; toxic effects on reproduction (effects on male and female reproductive organs and on the developing foetus); indicators of reproductive failure; epidemiology of reproductive hazards (industrial chemical exposures, exposure of medical personnel to anaesthetic gases, maintenance and use of registers).
Hemisphere Publishing Corporation, 79 Madison Ave., New York, NY 10016, USA, 1 Dec. 1985. 333p. Illus. Bibl. Price: US$69.95 (USA and Canada).

CIS 86-175 Dooms-Goossens A., Loncke J., Michiels J.L., Degreef H., Wahlberg J.
Pustular reactions to hexafluorosilicate in foam rubber
A case study of a foam rubber carrier with pustular lesions on the arms, wrists, thighs and trunk. Scratch and patch testing with the foam rubber components was negative. Animal testing revealed sodium hexafluorosilicate Na₂SiF₆), one of the ingredients of the foam rubber, to be a pustulogen on previously damaged skin.
Contact Dermatitis, Jan. 1985, Vol.12, No.1, p.42-47. Illus. 14 ref.

CIS 85-1017
(Institut national de recherche et de sécurité)
Maleic anhydride
Anhydride maléique [in French]
Synonyms, uses, physical and chemical properties, methods of detection and determination in air, fire hazards. Effects: acute and chronic toxicity (in animals and in man); the TLV in France is 1mg/m³. Regulations: OSH (in France) and transport (in France and internationally). Technical and medical recommendations.
Cahiers de notes documentaires - Sécurité et hygiène du travail, 1st quarter 1985, No.118, p.139-142. 19 ref.

1984

CIS 88-2013 Rannug A.
Genotoxic hazards in the rubber industry - Application of short-term tests in work environment analyses
The aim of this thesis was to identify potentially hazardous additives and process fumes to which workers in the rubber industry are exposed. Tests of the individual additives and process fumes were carried out mainly using the Salmonella/mammalian microsome tests (Ames test) for mutagenicity, with follow-up studies using other test systems for mutagenicity. Among 46 additives, 15 compounds were identified as mutagens and 15 gave results that did not allow any conclusion regarding their possible mutagenic activity. From the tests of process vapours it could be concluded that thermal degradation of rubber materials at temperatures used in industrial processes results in a release of mutagenic substances. The thesis is based on 6 earlier papers which are included in the publication.
Wallenberg Laboratory, University of Stockholm, 106 91 Stockholm, Sweden, 1984. 45p. Illus. 128 ref.

CIS 86-1084 Sakakibara F., Kawamura T., Fukumura A.
Case of multiple myeloma in a vinyl chloride polymerization worker
Case report of a 50-year-old male with multiple myeloma. The patient had been engaged in the cleaning of vinyl chloride polymerisation chambers in a chemical factory from Nov. 1964 to Aug. 1968. He was hospitalised in Nov. 1981 because of a compression fracture of a thoracic-lumbar vertebra, and marked hyperproteinaemia was found on admission. IgG-kappa type M-protein was detected by electroimmunodiffusion. He was treated with recombinant alpha interferon followed by melpharan, cyclophosphamide, vincristin and prednisolone, and has been fairly well maintained for 4 years.
Japanese Journal of Traumatology and Occupational Medicine, Oct. 1984, Vol.32, No.10, p.737-740. Illus. 9 ref.

CIS 86-400 Järvisalo J., Pfäffli P., Vainio H.
Industrial hazards of plastics and synthetic elastomers
Papers presented at the International Symposium on Occupational Hazards Related to Plastics and Synthetic Elastomers (Espoo, Finland, 22-27 Nov. 1982) are grouped under the chapter headings: synthetic polymers and current features of occupational problems; polyvinyl and related polymers; styrene-containing polymers; occupational hazards of polyethylene and polypropylene; occupational hazards of other thermoplasts; occupational hazards of polyurethane; occupational hazards of epoxy thermosets; occupational hazards of synthetic elastomers.
Alan R. Liss, Inc., 150 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10011, USA, 1984, Progress in clinical and biological research, Vol.141. 441p. Illus. Bibl.

CIS 86-299
Industrial Health Foundation
Proceedings of a symposium on an industry approach to chemical risk assessment - Caprolactam and related compounds as a case study
Papers presented at a symposium in Arlington, Virginia, USA (15-17 May 1984). Titles: an overview of risk assessment; summary of toxicology literature reviews - caprolactam and hydroxylamine salts; assessing the hazards of chemicals to aquatic life; aquatic toxicity and environmental fate studies - caprolactam; an overview of nephrotoxicity; effects of subchronic dietary caprolactam on renal function; 90-day dog study - caprolactam; caprolactam: no evidence of carcinogenicity in F344/N rats and B6C3F₁ mice; acute, subacture and subchronic toxicity of cyclohexanone oxime; the philosophy and practice of rapidly identifying workplaces safe for the conceptus; rat and rabbit teratology studies of caprolactam; a three-generation reproduction study with caprolactam in rats; inhalation teratology studies on caprolactam; autoradiography of ¹⁴C-caprolactam; mutagenic assessment of hydroxylamine sulfate; multiple genetic endpoint assay of cyclohexanone in CHO cells; combustion toxicity of nylon 6; cataractogenesis studies with cyclohexanone; validation study of a method for monitoring personnel exposure to caprolactam.
34 Penn Circle West, Pittsburgh, PA 15206, USA, 1984. 301p. Illus. Bibl. Price: US$25.00 plus postage and handling.

CIS 86-165 Makarov I.A.
Sexual disorders in male workers occupationally exposed to methyl methacrylate and vinyl chloride
Sostojanie seksual'noj sfery u rabočih-mužčin, podvergajuščihsja proizvodstvennomu vozdejstviju metilmetakrilata i vinilhlorida [in Russian]
Questionnaire surveys of 198 workers in the plastics industry and 95 controls were supplemented with hormone assays in the case of 32 plastics workers and 10 controls. Both methyl methacrylate and vinyl chloride inhibit sexual activity. Vinyl chloride seems to act primarily via the central nervous system, while methyl methacrylate acts on the sex organs; both compounds produce toxic hypogonadism. Sexual dysfunction was seen in conjunction with other occupational diseases due to exposure to the monomers. The effects of methyl methacrylate disappear 1-2 years after cessation of exposure without special treatment; workers exposed to vinyl chloride should be treated with a testosterone preparation.
Gigiena truda i professional'nye zabolevanija, June 1984, No.6, p.19-23. 9 ref.

CIS 85-1940 Björkner B.
The sensitizing capacity of multifunctional acrylates in the guinea pig
Ultraviolet-curable resins are widely used in industry. In resins used for coatings, multifunctional acrylates are frequently used as crosslinking agents and diluants, whereas in other applications methacrylate derivatives are more common. 7 diacrylates, 6 dimethacrylates, 2 triacrylates and 1 tetraacrylate were tested with the guinea pig maximisation test. Butanediol diacrylate and hexanediol diacrylate were moderate to strong sensitisers and probably cross reactive. Ethylene glycol diacrylates and methacrylates were weak or non-sensitisers. Of the multifunctional acrylates tested, the di- and triacrylic compounds should be regarded as potent sensitisers. The methacrylated multifunctional acrylic compounds are weak or non-sensitisers.
Contact Dermatitis, Oct. 1984, Vol.11, No.4, p.236-246. 36 ref.

CIS 85-1934 Lovell C.R., Rycroft R.J.G., Matood J.
Isolated Cardura E10 sensitivity in an epoxy resin chemical process
Report of dermatitis developed by a worker in an epoxy resin plant. Patch testing showed that the diluent Cardura E10 was responsible for the rash. Although Cardura E10 has been implicated in other cases of dermatitis, previous studies have suggested that the epoxy group of the diluent was the sensitiser; no sensitivity to epoxides was found in the present case.
Contact Dermatitis, Sep. 1984, Vol.11, No.3, p.190-191. 2 ref.

CIS 85-1931 Skvortcova R.I., Merkulov A.M., Voroncova N.L.
Study of the prophylactic action of a complex of vitamins C, B₁, B₂, P and PP during chronic phenol exposure
Izučenie profilaktičeskogo dejstvija kompleksa vitaminov C, B₁, B₂, P i PP pri hroničeskom vozdejstvii fenola [in Russian]
Workers engaged in the production and processing of phenol-formaldehyde resins had elevated blood and urine levels of pyruvic acid. These elevated levels probably reflected metabolic disturbances resulting from phenol exposure. Administration of the title vitamins in daily doses of 0.2 (riboflavin) to 400 (P group) milligrams for 1 month restored pyruvate levels to normal.
Gigiena truda i professional'nye zabolevanija, Feb. 1984, No.2, p.34-37. 13 ref.

CIS 85-1680 Filatova V.S., Timofeeva O.I., Antonjuženko V.A., Fomina E.I., Burina A.I., Kuznecova L.V., Grišina Z.M., Aleksanin N.N.
Revision of the maximum allowable concentration for chlorobenzene in workplace air
Materialy k peresmotru predel'no dopustimoj koncentracii hlorbenzola v vozduhe rabočej zony [in Russian]
Clinical examination of workers exposed to chlorobenzene in the manufacture of polyvinyl chloride showed that some workers suffered from poisoning, although the concentrations of chlorobenzene in the atmosphere were close to the MAC (50mg/m³). Nerve lesions, hepatitis, chronic gastritis with gastric-juice hypoacidity, bronchitis, etc.) were found. The data provide new facts for reducing of occupational hygiene standard rather down to 10mg/m³.
Gigiena truda i professional'nye zabolevanija, Mar. 1984, No.3, p.15-18. 10 ref.

CIS 85-1619 Hansson A.C., Höglund G., Knave B.
Criteria document for exposure limits: Neurotoxic effets of solvents in mixtures
Kriteriedokument för gränsvärden: Neurotoxiska effekter av lösningsmedel i blandning [in Swedish]
Peripheral nerve damage has been demonstrated in rats exposed to mixtures of methyl ethyl ketone (MEK) with hexane, methyl butyl ketone (MBK) or 5-nonanone. Peripheral neuropathy has been observed in human glue-sniffers; the glues contained toluene, hexane, ethyl acetate, MBK and/or MEK. Polyneuropathy has been observed in a plastics factory after MEK was replaced with a mixture of MBK and MEK. Trichloroethylene and styrene have affected the vestibular system of rabbits. Ethanol interacts with other solvents to alter animal behaviour. MBK and methyl isobutyl ketone mixtures activate the central nervous system of baboons. Painters exposed to mixed solvents have shown neurasthenic symptoms, reduced nerve conduction velocity, impaired coordination and memory disturbances; the effects appear at low exposure levels.
Arbetarskyddsstyrelsen, Publikationsservice, 171 84 Solna, Sweden, 1984. 54p. 56 ref.

CIS 85-1607 Smirnova E.S., Kasatkin A.N., Obrjadina G.I., Kapralova O.V.
Toxic properties of dimethylcyclohexylamine
O toksičeskih svojstvah dimetilciklogeksilamina [in Russian]
Dimethylcyclohexylamine is a widely used catalyst in the production of polyurethane foam. The LC₅₀ for the compound was 1100mg/m³ for mice and 1889mg/m³ for rats; its intragastric LD₅₀ was 320mg/kg for mice and 450mg/kg for rats. Like other amines, the compound was a convulsant. It was an irritant for the eyes and upper respiratory tract. It was absorbed by the skin, but did not sensitive guinea pigs. Its thresholds for mutagenesis and for general toxicity were the same under both acute and chronic conditions of administration (Lim_ac about 500mg/m³, Lim_ch about 13.8mg/m³). No gonadotropic effect on female rats was observed. A MAC of 3mg/m³ is recommended, with the warning "harmful when absorbed by the skin".
Gigiena truda i professional'nye zabolevanija, May 1984, No.5, p.54-55. 4 ref.

CIS 85-1606 Germanova A.L., Ajzvert L.G., Šidlovskaja L.N., Mel'nikova L.V., Bidevkina M.V., Domšlak M.G., Katosova L.D.
Comparative toxicity, hazardousness and biological action of 4-oxo-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine and 4-amino-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine
Sravnitel'naja harakteristika toksičnosti, opasnosti i haraktera biologičeskogo dejstvija na organizm 4-okso-2,2,6,6-tetrametilpiperidina i 4-amino-2,2,6,6-tetrametilpiperidina [in Russian]
The title compounds are starting materials for the synthesis of light stabilisers for polymers. In a standard battery of toxicological tests, both compounds were of low toxicity (intragastric LD₅₀=1539 and 906mg/kg for rats for the oxo and amino compounds, respectively). Substituting the oxo group for the amino group had no effect on the toxicity or biological action of tetramethylpiperidine. A provisional exposure limit of 3mg/m³ for both compounds has been recommended and accepted.
Gigiena truda i professional'nye zabolevanija, May 1984, No.5, p.53-54.

CIS 85-1604 Oskerko E.F., Klimova Ė.I.
Toxic action of allyl chloroformate
O toksičeskom dejstvii allilhlorformiata [in Russian]
Aspects of allyl chloroformate reviewed are: physical and chemical properties, use (plastics industry), results of standard battery of toxicological tests. On inhalation, the compound is quite toxic (LC₅₀ = 32.4mg/m³ for rats and 23.1mg/m³ for mice). Its LD₅₀ on intragastric administration is about 210mg/kg for mice and 244mg/kg for rats. It is strongly irritant. Its threshold of acute toxicity on inhalation is 4.2mg/m³. Its threshold for odour detection and irritation in man is 1.1mg/m³. A MAC of 0.4mg/m³ with the warning "skin absorption" has been recommended. The high vascular permeability seen in animals treated with allyl chloroformate is probably pathogenic for the biological action of allyl compounds.
Gigiena truda i professional'nye zabolevanija, May 1984, No.5, p.51-52. 2 ref.

CIS 85-1442 Gonthiez P.
Hazards in tyre manufacturing
Les risques dans la fabrication des pneumatiques [in French]
Study of the different stages in the manufacture of tyres, of associated products and of the machinery involved. Particular hazards are described, as is safety equipment and its use.
Prévention et sécurité du travail, 3rd quarter 1984, No.142, p.46, 51-61. Illus. 2 ref.

CIS 85-427
(Comité technique national des industries chimiques, Caisse nationale de l'assurance maladie)
Hazards of vinyl chloride monomer
Risques présentés par le chlorure de vinyle monomère [in French]
Recommendations adopted on 11 Dec. 1980 (Part 1) and 18 June 1984 (Part 2), which replace the previous recommendation (see CIS 81-1623). Part 1 - indoor installations: general and special preventive measures when working with vinyl chloride; analytical monitoring of workplace air; measures concerning personnel (training, information, medical surveillance); comments and tabularised guide to the analysis of workplace air. Part 2 - outdoor installations: general measures; special measures relating to analytical monitoring of the atmosphere; training and information of personnel; commentary.
Cahiers de notes documentaires - Sécurité et hygiène du travail, 4th quarter 1984, No.117, Note No.1508-117-84 (Recommendation No.243), p.563-570.

CIS 85-124 Lloyd M.H., Gauld S., Copland L., Soutar C.A.
Epidemiological study of the lung function of workers at a factory manufacturing polyvinylchloride
Report of an epidemiological study of 265 present and past employees of a factory manufacturing polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and of 219 controls. Having allowed for age, height, weight and smoking habits, workers employed in the PVC factory before 1975 (when the levels of vinyl chloride monomers were much higher than later) had a significantly higher proportion of cases of impairment of single breath diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide (T_LCO). Low T_LCO values were also associated with smoking.
British Journal of Industrial Medicine, Aug. 1984, Vol.41, No.3, p.328-333. Illus. 10 ref.

1983

CIS 86-114 Wagner V., Wagnerová M., Hřebačka J., Lambl V.
Levels of some blood proteins and immunoglobulins in women engaged in the production of polyvinyl chloride
Hladiny některých krevních bílkovin a imunoglobulinů u žen zaměstnaných při výrobě polyvinylchloridu [in Czech]
A group of 26 women, mean age 37 years, exposed to vinyl chloride in concentrations ≤10mg/m³ was examined for blood levels of immunoglobulins and proteins in comparison to a group of 52 nonexposed women matched by age. The variance of values differed in the exposed group significantly in lysozyme (LYS), alpha-1 antitrypsin (A1-AT) and transferrin (TRF); values were significantly higher for immunoglobulin A and LYS, and lower for alpha-2 macroglobulin. With regard to A 1-AT and TRF there was a subgroup in the exposed sample with higher values. In the exposed group there were low autoantibody titres against the liver and lung in 19% of the subjects, compared to 2.5% in the controls.
Pracovní lékařství, Sep. 1983, Vol.35, No.9, p.361-364. Illus. 10 ref.

CIS 85-2039 Wagner V., Wagnerová M., Lambl V., Hřebačka J.
Smoking and humoral immunity tests in vinyl chloride workers
Tabakismus a testy humorální imunity u pracovníků s vinylchloridem [in Czech]
In 142 persons working in a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plant, levels of immunoglobulins, lysozyme and some proteins in serum and their correlation with age, length of exposure and smoking habits were monitored. There were large differences in IgG and IgA levels between smokers and nonsmokers, and a subgroup was particularly sensitive to the effect of smoking on simultaneous exposure to vinyl chloride.
Studia pneumologica et phtiseologica cechoslovaca, 1983, Vol.43, No.10, p.677-684. Illus. 38 ref.

CIS 85-1351 Makarov I.A.
Functional activity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis in workers engaged in the manufacture of transparent plastic and polyvinyl chloride
Functional'naja aktivnost' gipotalamo-gipofizarno-nadpočečnikovoj osi u rabočih proizvodstv orgstekla i polyvinilhlorida [in Russian]
99 plastics workers exposed to methyl methacrylate (MMA) and vinyl chloride (VC) and 10 controls were examined. Basal levels of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and cortisol and diurnal excretion of 17-hydroxycorticosterone were measured in all the subjects: changes in blood cortisol in response to insulin were measured in 77 subjects and blood ascorbic acid levels in 19. Prolonged exposure to MMA and VC stimulated the pituitary-adrenal axis, as shown by elevated basal ACTH and cortisol levels. The blood cortisol of 2/3 of the exposed workers tested did not respond normally to insulin administration. This, and the observed reduction of corticoid excretion, indicates that the adrenals of many exposed workers have no functional reserves. The lack of reserves may in turn be due to low levels of ascorbic acid, a glucocorticoid precursor. This suggests that plastics workers should be given prophylactic doses of ascorbic acid.
Gigiena truda i professional'nye zabolevanija, Sep. 1983, No.9, p.28-31. 8 ref.

CIS 85-767 Danilin V.A., Koroljuk I.P., Špigel' A.S.
Time course of secretion of immunoreactive insulin and somatotropin in response to hazardous chemicals in the workplace
Dinamika sekrecii immunoreaktivnogo insulina i somatotropina pri vozdejstvii professional'nyh vrednostej himičeskoj prirody [in Russian]
Healthy workers from the isoprene rubber industry, rubber workers with signs of chemical poisoning, healthy workers exposed to aromatic hydrocarbons, and healthy controls were compared. Insulin and somatotropin were measured by radioimmunoassay in the blood of the workers before and after administration of a glucose load. Although the coefficients of variation of the data were high (up to 149.3%), there were discernable differences between the groups studied in the level and time course of hormone secretion.
Gigiena truda i professional'nye zabolevanija, Dec. 1983, No.12, p.29-32. 8 ref.

CIS 85-611 Martynov V.V., Pogorel'skij A.E., Lisovskaja G.G.
Non-sparking device for measuring the tension of solvent-impregnated strips
Iskrobezopasnyj izmeritel' natjaženija propitannoj lenty [in Russian]
The INPL-011 dynamometer has been developed to counter the hazards of sparking and explosion in the winding of glass-fibre reinforced articles by the wet method. The apparatus consists of the dynamometer itself, a power supply and amplifier unit, and a standard recorder. Glass-fibre strip passing through the dynamometer presses against a lever which transmits the force to an electromechanical transducer. Changes in the inductance of the transducer are converted to output voltages in the range 0-100mV by the amplifier. Special solid-state current-limiting circuitry is used to prevent sparking in case of faults in the equipment. Tensions in the range 0-196.2N can be measured with a precision of 3% or better. The device can be used in hazardous zones of any classification in the presence of flammable mixtures of any category.
Mehanizacija i avtomatizacija proizvodstva, 1983, No.10, p.28-29. Illus.

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