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Citation
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HERO ID
31163
Reference Type
Journal Article
Title
Health hazards in the manufacture of "fused collars" II Exposure to acetone-methanol
Author(s)
Greenburg, L; Mayers, MR; Goldwater, LJ; Burke, WJ
Year
1938
Is Peer Reviewed?
Yes
Journal
Journal of Industrial Hygiene and Toxicology
ISSN:
0095-9030
Report Number
NIOSH/00127360
Volume
20
Page Numbers
148-154
Abstract
The effect of exposure to acetone (67641) and methanol (67561) was studied in workers at a fused collar shirt factory (SIC-2321). The fusing process was carried out in solvent presses impregnated with a 3 part acetone to 1 part methanol solution using up to 50 gallons of solvent per week. The solvent was fed in by means of a closed pipe system from an outside source. The collars were then transferred to steam presses equipped with exhaust ventilation which evaporated the solvent and fused the collars. Ventilation was provided by a forced draft system in warm weather. Two air samples were taken over a 2.5 hour period. The 17 male subjects were aged 19 to 28 and two were in their forties. The first sample was taken at 80 degrees-F and 27 percent humidity and the second at 75 degrees-F and 23.5 percent humidity. The first sample of 2.3 cubic feet of air contained 25 parts per million (ppm) methanol and 45ppm acetone. The same amount of air in the second test contained 22ppm methanol and 40ppm acetone. Physical examinations yielded nothing abnormal. Blood findings were normal. The only significant finding was a positive reaction for acetone in the urinalysis, indicating absorption of this solvent from the fumes in the workroom. The authors assume that alcohol is absorbed since methanol was mixed with acetone for the industrial process, and conclude that the amounts of solvents absorbed are within the limits of tolerance. They recommend the study as a control to investigate exposure to ethylene-glycol-monoethyl-ether in the manufacture of fused collars.
Keywords
DCN-115828
;
Air samples
;
Workplace studies
;
Worker health
;
Factory workers
;
Absorption rates
;
Clothing
;
Air quality
;
Garment workers
;
Alcohols
;
Medical examinations
;
Fumes
;
Solvent vapors
Tags
IRIS
•
Methanol (Non-Cancer)
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