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3096220 
Technical Report 
Health Hazard Evaluation Report No. HETA-88-388-2155, Morton Salt Company, Grande Saline, Texas. (Revised) 
Ferguson, RP; Knutti, EB 
1993 
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) 
Cincinnati, OH 
HHE Report No. HETA-88-388-2155 
33 
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, exposures to asbestos (1332214) and diesel emissions at the Morton Salt Company (SIC-1479), Grande Saline, Texas were evaluated. A walk through survey, and medical and environmental evaluations were conducted at the mine and mill. Airborne particulate samples were collected and subsequently analyzed for solvent soluble portions. Six samples had concentrations of particulates ranging from 0.1 to 0.17mg/m3. Three samples of sub micron size particulates ranged from 0.20 to 0.27mg/m3. Seven full shift personal nitrogen-dioxide (10102440) samples ranged from 0.47 to 1.4 parts per million (ppm) with a mean exposure of 0.8ppm. Airborne asbestos was not detected in 15 airborne samples collected in the mill area. The prevalence of chronic cough and chronic phlegm were not significant when compared with a group of nonexposed blue collar workers. Three cases of mild restriction of lung volume were noted. Of the 47 chest X-rays taken, one employee had a median reading of 1/1. This same individual also showed moderate obstruction upon pulmonary function testing. The authors conclude that there was a potential hazard from exposure to diesel exhaust and nitrogen-dioxide. The authors recommend specific measures to reduce these occupational exposures. 
Occupational safety and health; Environmental surveys; Miners; Toxic substances; Occupational exposure; Asbestos; Indoor air pollution; Diesel engine exhaust; Nitrogen dioxide; Exhaust emissions; Coal tar; Serpentine; Toxicity; EPA region 6; Grande Saline(Texas); SIC 1479; CAS 1332-21-4; CAS 10102-44-0; CAS 12001-29-5 
PB94110434