US EPA

1516371 

Journal Article 

Hazard Evaluation and Technical Assistance Report No. HETA-89-276-L2093, Lockheed Aeronautical Systems Company, Marietta, Georgia 

Salisbury, S; Bernard, BP; Wilcox, T; Gunter, B 

2093 

In response to a request from the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, NIOSH conducted an evaluation at the Lockheed Aeronautical Systems Company, Marietta, Georgia due to concerns about health hazards from exposure to epoxy and polyurethane paints being sprayed in open areas on the C-130 aircraft assembly line. About 350 employees worked on the final assembly line. Air samples were collected to evaluate potential exposures to diisocyanates, organic vapors, and trace metals released during painting operations. Environmental sampling demonstrated minimal risk of exposure for nonpainters to organic vapors, isocyanate prepolymers, and toxic metals released into the open atmosphere during first shift painting of wing panels. Area monitors showed airborne concentrations of organic vapors and hazardous particulates which were below current occupational limits. Exposure risks to hexavalent chromium (7440473) compounds were shown for one of the painters spraying primer containing strontium-chromate (7789062). The large interior volume of the building and the rapid dispersion and upward drift of paint overspray may tend to reduce the chance of floor level exposures. The practice of spraying polyurethane when the building was mostly unoccupied should prevent new cases of respiratory sensitization to diisocyanates among the C-130 production workers. The authors recommend specific measures to reduce exposures to diisocyanates and hexavalent chromium compounds. 

DCN-193381; NIOSH Publication; NIOSH Author; NIOSH Health Hazard Evaluation; NIOSH Technical Assistance Report; HETA 89 276 L2093; Region 4; Spray painting; Organic solvents; Painting; Air quality monitoring; Hazards Confirmed; 7440-47-3; 7789-06-2