Industrywide Studies Report of an In-Depth Survey at the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company, Houston Chemical Plant, Houston, Texas

摘要

In order to assess worker exposure to 1,3-butadiene (106990), an industrial hygiene survey was conducted at the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company (SIC-2822) located in Houston, Texas. A total of 117 personal samples were collected over three shifts representing all job categories with potential exposure. A total of 14 area samples were also collected. Arithmetic and geometric mean full shift exposures across all job categories were less than 15.0 parts per million (ppm). The highest arithmetic mean full shift exposures of 15.0 ppm were for laboratory technician and pipefitter categories. The highest individual level monitored was 43.2 ppm for a pipefitter. The airborne area samples were at or below about 1.0 ppm. Concentrations of 1,3-butadiene at the facility perimeter were less than 0.20 ppm. The authors recommend that Goodyear consider conversion to a closed loop sampling system for obtaining quality control samples. This would lower the mean and peak exposures of instrument lab chemists. Leaking pumps, though not observed during these visits, can be hazardous; dual mechanical seals should be used. The general dilution ventilation conditions and hood face velocities in the quality control labs should be investigated. Employees assigned to the task of pipefitting should use respirators with organic vapor cartridges.