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2829282 
Technical Report 
Health hazard evaluation report HETA 91-270-2279, U.S. Shoe, Cincinnati, Ohio 
Miller, A; Kinnes, GM; Brightman, H 
1993 
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health 
Cincinnati, OH 
HETA 91-270-2279 
English 
In response to a request from the employees of U.S. Shoe (SIC-5139), Cincinnati, Ohio, an investigation was begun into the occurrence of cancers in the Cobblershop area of the Finished Goods Warehouse. Employees were also concerned with exposure to volatile organic chemicals. The Warehouse employed 138 workers, of which 15 worked in the Cobblershop area. Returned and damaged shoes were repaired and reconditioned in the Cobblershop area. A rag dipped in cleaning solvent was used to remove residual price stickers, marks, or scuffs from the returned shoes. Two solvents were used in this process, Product-690 which contained 45% methyl-ethyl-ketone (MEK), 45% acetone, and 10% toluene, and Product-622 which contained 90% naphtha and 10% heptane. Solvent exposures measured in the Cobblershop area were all below the allowable levels. The OSHA action level of 85 decibels-A for noise was exceeded at some locations. The authors conclude that distribution of cancer cases was not suggestive of any single occupational cause. Workers were experiencing symptoms consistent with periods of exposure to volatile organic chemicals. The authors recommend that the potential for exposure to noise and organic chemicals be reduced. 
PB93214278