Health & Environmental Research Online (HERO)


Print Feedback Export to File
1741291 
Technical Report 
Industrial Hygiene Survey Of BASF Wyandotte, South Kearny, New Jersey 
Hartle, R 
1976 
NIOSH/00143022 
Hazard Evaluations and Field Studies 
An industrial hygiene survey was conducted at BASF Wyandotte (SIC-2869), South Kearny, New Jersey in January and February 1976. The facility was surveyed to observe the use of vinylidene-chloride (75354) (VDC) in the production of Diofan (9002851) and Acronal (66814139) and to obtain environmental air samples of VDC. Employee medical records were also reviewed. Air samples were taken utilizing personal sampling pumps and two charcoal tubes in series. Sampling duration was 1 hour and 40 minutes. Two personal samples were obtained from the two production operators. Three area samples were acquired in the area of reactors, makeup tank, and control board. Atmospheric VDC concentrations ranged from below the analytical limit of detection of 0.001 milligrams to a high of 1.450 parts per million. Unusual results appeared in some of the environmental air samples collected during the return visit. In five of the environmental air samples, the initial charcoal tube in series did not absorb the bulk of VDC. One of the personal air samples had a VDC concentration about 32 times greater than other samples. Twenty six of 46 employees were found to have liver dysfunction. The author recommends that a routine medical surveillance program may be appropriate due to the high percentage of workers with liver abnormalities. 
DCN-130508; NIOSH Publication; NIOSH Author; Field study; Chemical manufacturing industry; Industrial processes; Industrial chemicals; Occupational exposure; Air quality measurement; Health protection