US EPA

1167915 

Technical Report 

Detailed Industrial Hygiene Survey Formaldehyde Production, E. I. DuPont DeNemours and Company, Linden, New Jersey, Report No. CT-114-20b 

Dunn, W; Toy, HD; Wright, AJ; Hedley, WH; Holmes, L; Barrett, GJ 

1983 

NIOSH/00133581 

NIOSH 

068-03-3025 

068-03 

A survey to assess the techniques used to control occupational exposure to formaldehyde (50000) and methanol (67561) was conducted at the duPont de Nemours and Company (SIC-2869) formaldehyde production unit, Linden, New Jersey, in October 1982. Exposure concentrations were reduced primarily by the use of a process that was completely enclosed except for process sampling, methanol unloading, and formaldehyde discharge points. Local and area exhaust ventilation, and work practices were also used to control exposures. Formaldehyde concentrations in the absorber area were controlled by burning the exit gases in an afterburner and discharging them high above the ground. Analysis of area and breathing zone samples showed methanol and formaldehyde concentrations below the OSHA limits of 200 and 3 parts per million, respectively. The authors conclude that workers are not overexposed to either methanol or formaldehyde on a short or long term basis. Maintenance workers should not be overexposed if they use personal protective equipment during activities that have a potential for excessive exposure. 

DCN-181919; NIOSH Publication; NIOSH Survey; NIOSH Contract; CT 114 20b; Control technology; Region 2; Field Study; Paint manufacturing industry; Health protection; Control methods; Industrial chemicals; Ventilation systems; Safety engineering; Industrial ventilation