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1620257 
Technical Report 
Health Hazard Evaluation Report, No. HETA-80-79-1189, Rexall Drug Company, St. Louis, Missouri 
Watanabe, AS; Ruhe, RL; Hervin, RL 
1982 
NIOSH/00129627 
NIOSH 
Chemical exposures at the Rexall drug manufacturing facility (SIC-2834), St. Louis, Missouri were investigated. The study was requested by the Oil, Chemical, and Atomic Workers International Union because of employee reports of nosebleeds, discolored urine, chest tightness, and breathing difficulties. The survey was performed in February, April, and July 1981. Environmental and medical evaluations were conducted. Total particulate concentrations in personal breathing zones ranged from 0.4 to 32.5 milligrams per cubic meter (mg/m3) compared to an American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists threshold limit value (TLV) of 5.0mg/m3. Ferrous-sulfate (10028225) concentration peaked at 7.83mg/m3 (TLV: 1mg/m3). Methylene-chloride (75092) concentrations peaked at 361mg/m3 (NIOSH criteria: 261mg/m3). Isopropyl-alcohol (67630) concentrations peaked at 1180mg/m3 (NIOSH criteria: 984mg/m3). Five of seven ferrous-sulfate workers reported cough, nose, throat, or skin irritation, or headache. All four employees who worked with ferrous-sulfate on 2 consecutive days had increases both in serum iron concentrations and percent saturation of iron binding capacity. Eleven of 13 niacin workers reported skin symptoms. The authors conclude that a health hazard did exist due to high exposure to total dust, ferrous-sulfate, isopropyl-alcohol, and methylene-chloride. The authors recommend a respirator program and engineering controls. 
DCN-181825; NIOSH Publication; NIOSH Author; NIOSH Health Hazard Evaluation; Hazards Confirmed; Pharmaceutical industry; Environmental health monitoring; Medical monitoring; Respiratory protective equipment; Dust exposure; Region 7; HETA 80 79 1189; NIOSH Technical Assistance Report