Epidemiologic Notes and Reports Phototoxic Reaction among
Dock Workers -- Tennessee
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
(NIOSH)
investigated a cluster of phototoxic reactions among dock workers
who
transfer coal tar pitch and petroleum pitch (asphalt) to and from
river barges in Memphis, Tennessee (1). Transfers of granular,
unheated pitch are made once every 2-3 weeks, normally requiring
two
shifts of eight to 10 workers each.
Investigators visited the Memphis docks on August 20-21, 1981,
to
evaluate exposure to coal tar pitch, and on October 12-13, 1981, to
evaluate exposure to petroleum pitch. Air samples from the area
and
from workers' personal breathing zones were taken to measure
exposure
to total and respirable pitch dust, benzene-soluble pitch,
polynuclear
aromatic hydrocarbons (PNA's) and organic vapors. Work practices
and
personal protective equipment were also evaluated, and a physician
interviewed and examined 26 workers, 11 of whom had been exposed to
pitch.
Air sampling data showed that concentrations of coal tar pitch
(measured as benzene solubles) ranged from 0.05 to 1.47 mg/M((3)).*
For asphalt dust, the highest measurement was 2.4 mg/M((3)).**
Protective equipment (hard hats, goggles, gloves, disposable
respirators, coveralls, hoods, etc.) used by the workers was
considered adequate. However, deficiencies were noted in work
practices, including improper use of goggles and failure to remove
contaminated work clothing after exposure.
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