US EPA

3102308 

Technical Report 

Health Hazard Evaluation Report HETA 88-391-2156, Morton Salt Company, Weeks Island, Louisiana. (Revised April 1993) 

Ferguson, RP; Knutti, EB 

1993 

NIOSH/00215684 

NIOSH 

HETA-88-391-2156 

1-36 

English 

is related to other part(s) 3102289 Health Hazard Evaluation Report HETA 88-391-2156, Morton Salt Company, Weeks Island, Louisiana

In response to a request from the International Chemical Workers Union, an investigation was made of exposures to asbestos and diesel emissions at the Morton Salt Company, Weeks Island, Louisiana. The most significant source of particulates was diesel exhaust. None of the 20 personal breathing zone or area air samples collected in the mill exceeded limits for asbestos. An increased prevalence of chronic cough and phlegm was reported by workers. More complaints of eye irritation and tearing of the eyes were noted in underground workers, consistent with diesel byproduct exposure. Pulmonary function studies indicated that four workers had mild obstructive lung disease and one had moderate obstructive lung disease. Three workers with mild restriction of lung volume were also noted. None of the 61 chest films taken was positive for pneumoconiosis. The authors conclude that a potential hazard existed from exposure to diesel exhaust. 

Mining industry; Occupational safety and health; Working conditions; Louisiana; Weeks Island; Occupational exposure; Asbestos; Nitrogen oxides; Particulates; Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons; Respiratory systems; Inhalation; Salt mines; Diesel exhaust