HEALTH HAZARD EVALUATION/TOXICITY DETERMINATION REPORT 75-117-372, KOPPERS COMPANY, INCORPORATED, NORTH LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS

Acting on a request received from an authorized representative of employees regarding their concern over the exposure of workers to creosote and pentachlorophenol, a health hazard evaluation was conducted by NIOSH at the wood treating operation of Koppers Company. The results of air sampling revealed that the workers were exposed to potentially toxic polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons, while exposures to airborne concentrations of pentachlorophenol were not toxic at the levels encountered. Interviews of 9 of the 11 affected workers disclosed an episode of eye irritation and 4 cases of skin discoloration. Examination of the workers skin revealed 2 cases of mild oil folliculitis and 3 workers with pitch warts, both conditions probably due to creosote exposures. About 45% of the workers interviewed and examined had either elevated or borderline elevated blood pressure levels, although definite conclusions could not be drawn regarding the relationship of the pressor phenomena to occupational exposures. Recommendations are made for improving the existing working conditions and for the application of an occupational medical program.

• Corporate Authors:

  National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health

  Public Health Service
  Cincinnati, OH  United States  45202
• Authors:
  • Markel, H L
  • Ligo, R N
  • Lucas, J B
• Publication Date: 1977-3

Media Info

• Pagination: 19 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Air pollution; Anatomy; Aromatic hydrocarbons; Blood pressure; Carcinogens; Concentration (Chemistry); Crash exposure; Creosote; Eye; Hazardous materials; Industrial hygiene; Inspection; Interviewing; Medicine; Personnel; Physiological aspects; Poisons; Recommendations; Skin; Standards; Toxicology; Wood preservatives
• Uncontrolled Terms: Criteria; Exposure
• Old TRIS Terms: Creosoting; Eye anatomy; Industrial atmospheres; Industrial medicine; Physiological factors
• Subject Areas: Railroads; Research; Safety and Human Factors; Society;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00168724
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: National Technical Information Service
• Report/Paper Numbers: NIOSH-TR-75-117-372
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Dec 27 1978 12:00AM