US EPA

1622121 

Technical Report 

Health Hazard Evaluation Determination, Report No. HHE-77-104-446, Arapahoe Pattern Company, Englewood, Colorado 

Gunter, BJ 

1977 

NIOSH/00076125 

NIOSH 

HHE-77-104-446 

77-104 

A Health Hazard Evaluation was conducted by NIOSH on September 28-29, 1977, at the Arapahoe Pattern Company, Englewood, Colorado, a facility that manufactures wood patterns (SIC-3553) intended for foundry use. The survey was prompted by a request from an authorized representative of the 6 affected employees regarding potential exposures associated to wood pattern making. Analysis of breathing zone air samples revealed that the concentrations of methyl-ethyl-ketone (78933), isopropanol (67630) and acetone (67641) were below the most recent evaluation criteria. The nonallergenic wood dust evaluation criteria was exceeded in 1 of 6 samples. One of the workers complained of nasal congestion and an allergic reaction to mahogany dust. Dermatitis was identified in another worker. The results show that a health hazard existed at the time of the survey. Recommendations are made for improved ventilation, use of respirators and barrier cream, and other safety and sanitary measures. 

DCN-179202; NIOSH Publication; NIOSH Author; NIOSH Health Hazard Evaluation; HHE 77 104 446; Hazard Confirmed; Region 8; Air quality measurement; Plant dusts; Industrial plants; Toxic chemicals; Industrial hygiene; Organic solvents; Allergic reactions; Skin disorders; Exposure limits; Woodworking; Toxicology