US EPA

14122 

Technical Report 

Health hazard evaluation report no. HETA-81-434-1404, Empire-Detroit Steel Division, Mansfield, Ohio 

Stephenson, RL; Cherniak, MG 

1984 

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health 

Cincinnati, OH 

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Worker exposures to metal dust and fumes and to oil mist were investigated on September 15 to 17 and December 1 and 2, 1982 at Empireetroit Steel Division (SIC-3312) in Mansfield, Ohio. The evaluation was requested by a group of employees on behalf of about 120 workers assigned to the hot strip mill operations. Medical questionnaires were given to 47 male workers, and area and personal air samples were analyzed for chromium (7440473), hexavalent chromium (18540299), iron-oxide (1332372) fumes, nickel (7440020), oil mist, respirable particulates, and total particulates. Irritation of the eyes and upper respiratory system was reported by 47 percent of the workers, and symptom prevalence was related to work in dusty areas. Recurrent cough, chronic bronchitis, and respiratory disease subsequent to initial employment at the factory were also frequently reported. Nineteen workers reported recurrent episodes of tinnitus. Of the environmental contaminants, only hexavalent chromium was found in concentrations that exceeded its OSHA limit of 0.1 milligram per cubic meter. The authors conclude that a health hazard exists from exposure to hexavalent chromium. They recommend engineering controls, environmental monitoring, medical surveillance, and use of safety glasses and hearing protection devices to reduce and control workplace hazards. 

DCN-136280; NIOSH Publication; NIOSH Author; NIOSH Health Hazard Evaluation; NIOSH Technical Assistance Report; Hazards Confirmed; Steel industry; Region 5; Oil mists; Steelworkers; Metal dusts; Metal fumes; Eye irritants; Respiratory system disorders; HETA 81 434 1404; 7440-47-3; 18540-29-9; 1332-37-2; 7440-02-0 

PB85-181329