US EPA

1009651 

Technical Report 

Polyacrylonitrile fibres 

Mattiussi, L; Armeli, G 

1983 

NIOSH/00148938 

2 

1748-1750 

English 

Industrial health hazards associated with the production of polyacrylonitrile (26809029) fibers (PAC) are reviewed. The complex technical production process used to manufacture synthetic fibers is described. An acrylonitrile (75058) monomer polymerized in a water suspension during the production process is carcinogenic to exposed workers. PAC production workers have a greater incidence of and excess mortality due to neoplasms as compared to nonexposed workers and the general public. Acrylonitrile is also poisonous when absorbed through workers skin and various forms and symptoms of this hazard are described. Workers involved with the spinning baths and solvent tanks used in processing are exposed to the solvent dimethylformamide (DMF), which causes digestive tract problems and slight increases in serum amylases. Inhalation of polymer dust containing free monomer and toxic or irritant additives constitutes another health hazard encountered during the polymerization phase of production. The authors conclude that these are serious health hazards involved with PAC production that require special care in the design of production facilities. Designers must strive to achieve perfect air tightness to prevent escape of toxic vapors. Particular attention must be paid to exhaust ventilation requirements and to air exchange calculations. 

DCN-135644; Polymers; Industrial chemicals; Quantitative analysis; Chemical synthesis; Industrial processes; Disease incidence; Epidemiology; Toxicopathology; Biological effects; Health protection; Industrial design