Work with chemicals on deck of Norwegian chemical tankers

Summary The chemical environment on deck of Norwegian chemical tankers in 1985/1986 is described using information obtained from an interview of 85 seamen. The seamen are exposed to vapours from volatile chemicals during several working operations, such as loading, unloading and cleaning of the tanks. The major exposure is probably to organic solvents and other hydrocarbon compounds, both in the cargo and in the chemicals used in the cleaning processes. Captains experience almost no chemical exposure. Mates, pumpmen and able seaman may receive exposure of a similar kind and magnitude, but there are individual differences within each group of seamen. The eldest seamen seem to be more exposed to chemicals than the younger. Symptoms of acute intoxication occur in 35% of the seamen, related to work with organic solvents, to tank cleaning work and to insufficient use of protective respiratory equipment. Improvements of the chemical environment on board are recommended, to prevent acute and chronic effects of volatile chemical compounds. Better information concerning chemical hazards and prevention of these on chemical tankers seem to be of major importance:     

Exposure of the deck crew to carcinogenic agents on oil product tankers

Work on deck on eight oil product tankers was examined. The purpose was to evaluate the need for improvement of the working environment to reduce the risk of occupational cancer. Benzene, polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and organic lead compounds were sampled, and the crew answered a questionnaire on acute health effects. By area monitoring, benzene was generally found to be in the range from the detection limit, of 0.01 ppm, up to 1.15 ppm, but one tanker which loaded gasoline with the hatches open had levels up to 55 ppm. Personal monitoring showed exposure levels in the range 0.01–1.15 ppm. The PAH-levels and the levels of organic lead were low. No seamen were observed using respiratory protective equipment. Central nervous system symptoms were reported by the crew with the highest exposures to benzene although benzene may not be the only cause. The exposure to benzene and other hydrocarbons on the deck of oil product tankers ought to be reduced.     

Leukaemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma in seamen on tankers

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the risk of lymphatic and haematopoietic malignancies in deck crew on tankers exposed to cargo vapours. METHODS: The study design was as a nested case-referent study in two cohorts of male Swedish seamen 20-64 years of age at the national census 1960 (n 13,449) and 1970 (n 11,290), respectively. Cases were detected by record linkage with the Swedish Cancer Register 1961-79 and 1971-87, respectively. For each case, three to five age matched referents from the population were selected. Exposure was assessed from data in the Swedish Registry of Seamen and from a register of Swedish ships. RESULTS: Seamen in the 1970 cohort, who had been exposed to cargo vapours for at least one month on chemical or product tankers, had an increased risk of lymphatic and haematopoietic malignancies (Mantel- Haenszel odds ratio (OR) 2.6, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.1 to 5.9)) with a significant exposure-response relation (conditional logistic regression analysis, p = 0.04). The ORs were increased for both lymphoma (3.2), multiple myeloma (4.0), and leukaemia (1.6), but the increase was only significant for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (OR 3.3, 95% CI 1.1 to 10.6). There were no significantly increased risks for the 1960 cohort or for seamen exposed only on crude oil tankers, but these groups had few exposed cases and low cumulative exposure to benzene and other light petroleum products. CONCLUSIONS: Seamen exposed to cargo vapours from gasoline and other light petroleum products on chemical or product tankers had an increased incidence of lymphatic and haematopoietic malignancies. One possible cause is exposure to benzene during loading, unloading, and tank cleaning operations.

 

     

Symptoms, lung and liver function, blood counts, and genotoxic effects in coastal tanker crews

 Objective The deck crew on tankers can be exposed to high concentrations of benzene and other chemicals during loading, unloading and tank-cleaning operations. The objective of this study was to investigate whether genotoxic or other early health effects of cargo vapour exposure could be detected in coastal tanker crews. Methods The association between exposure to cargo vapours and clinical symptoms and signs, spirometry, blood cell count, blood tests for liver function, and the frequency of micronuclei and sister chromatid exchanges in peripheral lymphocytes was studied in a cross-sectional investigation of 107 male crew members (66 deck crew and 41 others) on ten coastal tankers. Results Seven of the tankers had automatic cargo level gauging systems but some of the ships still had open hatches during loading and unloading operations. Acute symptoms such as headache, nausea, vertigo, fatigue and dizziness after loading or tank-cleaning operations were reported by 56 of the 66 deck crew members (85%). Irritation of the mucous membrane in eyes and upper respiratory tract by cargo vapours were also common in this group. Obstructive symptoms were more common in the group with the highest exposure to cargo vapours but persistent effects on lung function (vital capacity and forced expiratory volume in l s), nervous system, liver enzymes or blood counts were not found. The frequency of micronuclei after mitotic stimulation with phytohaemagglutinin was higher among the deck crew (mean 4.2, SEM 0.40) than in other crew members (mean 3.6, SEM 0.35), although the difference was not statistically significant. We found no association between exposure and the frequency of sister chromatid exchanges or micronuclei after stimulation with pokeweed mitogen. Conclusion This study indicates that exposure to cargo vapours in coastal tanker crews may cause symptoms in the respiratory and nervous systems. Received: 24 July 1996/Accepted: 20 September 1996     

Subjective assessments of safety, exposure to chemicals and use of personal protection equipment in seafaring

BACKGROUND: Most of the scientific publications from the maritime area are studies about the mortality and morbidity, while studies about the present hazards of potentially dangerous exposures are relatively rare. AIMS: To describe the seafarers' assessments of the occupational safety on board, their exposure to chemicals and the use of personal protection equipment and to identify the areas for further risk assessment and preventive measures. METHODS: A questionnaire study was carried out in 11 countries among seafarers who attended a regular health examination. RESULTS: The total number of seafarers who participated in the study was 6461 (response rate 93.7%). The occupational safety on board was assessed to be very good or good in 82%. Multivariate analyses showed that the safety was assessed as lowest among ratings, seafarers<30 years of age, work in the engine rooms and on dry cargo ships. It was highest on crude oil tankers and supply ships. Fifty-five per cent of seafarers were exposed to chemicals. Personal protection equipment to chemicals was used 'always/almost always' in 93% of the exposed. Multivariate analysis showed that the use of personal protection was highest on deck, on the largest ships, on roll-on roll-off ships and on crude oil tankers. CONCLUSION: The occupational safety and the use of personal protective equipment was assessed to be significantly different in some strata of the population and in specific working areas and types and sizes of ships.     

某化工企业化学危害呼吸防护现状调查

目的了解脲醛树脂黏胶生产企业化学性危害防护现状,探讨存在的问题与不足,为指导企业合理配置、使用和管理呼吸防护用品提供依据。方法对广州市番禺区某化工企业生产过程中的化学物质浓度、工人配带的呼吸防护器和化学性危害因素等防护措施进行调查。结果该企业职业危害因素是甲醛、尿素、氨水、氢氧化钠。工作场所3个工种的甲醛超出职业限值:胶池放料14号CMC0.52 mg/m3、6号反应釜取样口CMC0.77 mg/m3、甲醛卸载CMC0.65 mg/m3。该企业为作业人员通配了半呼吸面罩,P-A-1型滤毒元件,呼吸保护恰当,但存在对作业场所多种化学物质和粉尘也有保护不恰当的现象。结论呼吸器配置应根据作业场所化学物质的种类、理化性质、暴露浓度、呼吸防护指数、预期暴露降低浓度来综合考虑。     

Occupational asthma and contact dermatitis in a spray painter after introduction of an aziridine cross-linker.

A 23-year-old spray painter developed contact dermatitis and respiratory difficulty characterized by small airways obstruction shortly after the polyfunctional aziridine cross-linker CX-100 began to be used in his workplace as a paint activator. The symptoms resolved after he was removed from the workplace and was treated with inhaled and topical steroids. Painters may have an increased risk of asthma due to exposure to a variety of agents, such as isocyanates, alkyd resins, and chromates. This case illustrates the importance of using appropriate work practices and personal protective equipment to minimize exposure. Occupational asthma is diagnosed by a history of work-related symptoms and exposure to known causative agents. The diagnosis is confirmed by serial pulmonary function testing or inhalational challenge testing. The risk of asthma attributable to occupational exposures is probably underappreciated due to underreporting and to inappropriate use of narrow definitions of exposure in epidemiologic studies of attributable risk.     

Occurrences of leukemia subtypes by socioeconomic and occupational groups in Sweden

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to examine the associations between socioeconomic/occupational factors and histologic subtypes of leukemia. METHODS: The Swedish Family-Cancer Database was used to calculate standardized incidence ratios for different social classes and occupational groups. RESULTS: The overall standardized incidence ratio was close to unity between different socioeconomic groups, except for female manual workers with a significantly decreased risk. Among male occupations, increased risks were noted for sales agents, seamen, and chemical process workers. For female occupations, increased risks were observed among mechanics, iron and metalware workers, hairdressers, and launderers and dry cleaners. CONCLUSIONS: The present study suggests that socioeconomic/occupational factors have a minor effect on the risk of leukemia. Occupational groups with possible exposure to organic solvents and other chemicals such as chemical process workers, mechanics, iron and metalware workers, and launderers and dry cleaners may entail true risk for leukemia.     

Maternal occupational exposure during pregnancy and the risk of spina bifida.

OBJECTIVES: A case-control study was carried out to explore associations between spina bifida and occupational exposure of the mother. METHODS: The cases were children with spina bifida aperta born between 1980 and 1992 from nine hospitals in the Netherlands. The controls were children born healthy in the same period as the cases, from hospitals and from the general population. Data collection was carried out in two steps. Firstly, postal questionnaires were sent to all the parents of cases and controls to gather information on occupations and potential confounders. In the second phase of the study, information on specific exposures was collected by means of job and task specific personal interviews. Interviews were performed with 55 case mothers and 66 control mothers who had occupations with a potential for chemical or physical exposure. Those exposures were assumed to be negligible for--for example, teachers and secretaries, so personal interviews were not indicated for these women. Information was collected on specific tasks in the period just after conception, and on the associated use of chemical or physical agents, frequency of exposure, and use of protective equipment. RESULTS: The analyses of occupation showed an increased risk for women working in agricultural occupations (OR = 3.4, CI:1.3-9.0), and, although less distinct, for cleaning women (OR = 1.7, CI:0.9-3.4). Only a few women seemed to be occupationally exposed to chemical or physical agents. No differences in occurrence of specific exposures could be detected between cases and controls. Besides, no differences were seen in pesticide or disinfectant exposure among case and control mothers in agricultural occupations. CONCLUSIONS: Occupational exposures of the mother during pregnancy were infrequent and did not seem to play an important part in the aetiology of spina bifida in this study. The association found between spina bifida and maternal agricultural occupations could not be explained by the use of pesticides by the mother or by any other occupational exposure.     

Occupational bladder cancer in a 4,4 -methylenebis(2-chloroaniline) (MBOCA)-exposed worker

A 52-year-old male chemical worker was admitted to the hospital with a history of paroxysmal microscopic hematuria for about 2 years and nocturia with gross hematuria about five times per night for 2 months. He was a nonsmoker and denied a history of any other bladder carcinogen exposure except for occasional pesticide application during agricultural work. Intravenous urogram imaging showed a mass occupying half of the bladder capacity. Cystoscopy revealed a mass over the left dome of the bladder. Cystoscopic biopsy revealed a grade 3 invasive transitional cell carcinoma with marked necrosis. From 1987 until hospital admission in 2001, the patient had worked in a company that produced the 4,4 -methylenebis(2-chloroaniline) (MBOCA) curing agent. He did not wear any personal protective equipment during work. Ambient air MBOCA levels in the purification process area (0.23-0.41 mg/m3) exceeded the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration's permissible exposure level. Urinary MBOCA levels (267.9-15701.1 microg/g creatinine) far exceeded the California Occupational Safety and Health Administration's reference value of 100 microg/L. This patient worked in the purification process with occupational exposure to MBOCA for 14 years. According to the environmental and biologic monitoring data and latency period, and excluding other potential bladder carcinogen exposure, this worker was diagnosed as having occupational bladder cancer due to high exposure to MBOCA through inhalation or dermal absorption in the purification area. This case finding supports that MBOCA is a potential human carcinogen. Safe use of skin-protective equipment and respirators is required to prevent workers from MBOCA exposure.     

Exposure to occupational carcinogens in great britain

INTRODUCTION: This paper describes the available exposure information for carcinogens in Great Britain and discusses some of the issues involved in using such data to inform an assessment of the attributable occupational cancer burden. METHODS: Carcinogenic agents or occupations/industries such as hairdressers were identified from the list of International Agency for Research on Cancer groups 1 and 2a evaluations and estimates of exposure prevalence for 1990-1993 were obtained for a subset of these agents/circumstances from the CARcinogen EXposure (CAREX) database, compiled as part of the Europe Against Cancer programme. Estimated prevalence of exposure was added for some carcinogenic exposure circumstances not covered by CAREX. Information about the level of exposure to chemical agents was obtained from the Health and Safety Executive's (HSE) National Exposure Database. Other information was obtained from relevant databases such as the Central Index of Dose Information for ionizing radiation or published sources. RESULTS: In total, there were 64 carcinogenic agents/circumstances identified with almost seven million people exposed in Great Britain. The top 30 entries covered 99.5% of the estimated exposed population. The CAREX data were generally higher than the comparable data on the numbers of people exposed to those agents available from the HSE, although in some individual cases there was considerable over- or underestimation of the exposure prevalence when using the CAREX database. The level of exposure varied greatly between substances and between workplaces. For some agents, e.g. radon and sunlight, there are important regional differences in exposure within the country. Exposure to carcinogenic agents in Great Britain was different from that in other countries: in some cases higher and in others lower. Exposure levels in the past in Britain were mostly greater than today. CONCLUSIONS: Generalizing risk estimates from epidemiological studies in different countries or the past to estimate the fraction of cancers attributable to work must be done with care, particularly in the case of population-based case-control studies where exposure estimates are generally crude. Better estimates of the distribution of levels and the prevalence of occupational exposure to carcinogenic substances in Great Britain are needed and systems should be put in place to track this information in the future. With commitment from all stakeholders, it is possible that by 2025 exposure to known occupational chemical carcinogens could be essentially eliminated in Great Britain.     

Asbestotic radiological abnormalities among United States merchant marine seamen.

There has been limited information concerning the prevalence of radiologically evident parenchymal and pleural fibrosis consistent with prior exposure to asbestos among merchant marine seamen, despite the wide use of asbestos in ship construction until the late 1970s and subsequent exposure of seamen to the asbestos that had been installed. A total of 3324 chest radiographs (1985-7) of long term United States seamen were reviewed. One third (34.8%) had parenchymal or pleural abnormalities, or both (ILO classification); pleural changes were predominant. Abnormalities increased with longer duration from onset of shipboard exposure (as defined by first year at sea). The prevalence of asbestotic changes was greater among seamen who had served in the engine department (391/420; 42.5%) compared with seamen in other departments, including deck (301/820; 36.6%), steward (278/981; 28.4%), or with service in multiple departments (167/541; 30.9%). Since many vessels, particularly those built before 1978, contain asbestos materials, appropriate engineering controls (including complete removal, if possible) are required as well as appropriate medical surveillance for those who served aboard such ships.     

Asbestotic radiological abnormalities among United States merchant marine seamen

There has been limited information concerning the prevalence of radiologically evident parenchymal and pleural fibrosis consistent with prior exposure to asbestos among merchant marine seamen, despite the wide use of asbestos in ship construction until the late 1970s and subsequent exposure of seamen to the asbestos that had been installed. A total of 3324 chest radiographs (1985-7) of long term United States seamen were reviewed. One third (34.8%) had parenchymal or pleural abnormalities, or both (ILO classification); pleural changes were predominant. Abnormalities increased with longer duration from onset of shipboard exposure (as defined by first year at sea). The prevalence of asbestotic changes was greater among seamen who had served in the engine department (391/420; 42.5%) compared with seamen in other departments, including deck (301/820; 36.6%), steward (278/981; 28.4%), or with service in multiple departments (167/541; 30.9%). Since many vessels, particularly those built before 1978, contain asbestos materials, appropriate engineering controls (including complete removal, if possible) are required as well as appropriate medical surveillance for those who served aboard such ships.     

Development, use, and availability of a job exposure matrix based on national occupational hazard survey data

A job exposure matrix has been developed based on potential exposure data collected during the 1972-1974 National Occupational Hazard Survey (NOHS). The survey sample was representative of all U.S. non-agricultural businesses covered under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 and employing eight or more employees. Potential worker exposure to all chemical, physical, or biological agents was recorded during the field survey if certain minimum guidelines for exposure were met. The job exposure matrix (JEM) itself is a computerized database that assists the user in determining potential chemical or physical exposures in occupational settings. We describe the structure and possible uses of the job exposure matrix. In one example, potential occupational exposures to elemental lead were grouped by industry and occupation. In a second example, the matrix was used to determine exposure classifications in a hypothetical case-control study. Present availability as well as future enhancements of the job exposure matrix are described.     

Evaluation of the potential airborne release of carbon nanofibers during the preparation, grinding, and cutting of epoxy-based nanocomposite material

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health conducted an initial, task-based comparative assessment to determine the potential for release of carbon nanofibers (CNFs) during dry material handling, wet cutting, grinding, and sanding (by machine and hand) of plastic composite material containing CNFs. Using a combination of direct-reading instruments and filter-based air sampling methods for airborne mass and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), concentrations were measured and characterized near sources of particle generation, in the breathing zone of the workers, and in the general work area. Tasks such as surface grinding of composite material and manually transferring dry CNFs produced substantial increases in particle number concentration (range = 20,000-490,000 1-cm(-3)). Concomitant increases in mass concentration were also associated with most tasks. Nearly 90% of all samples examined via TEM indicated that releases of CNFs do occur and that the potential for exposure exists. These findings also indicate that improperly designed, maintained, or installed engineering controls may not be completely effective in controlling releases. Unprotected skin exposure to CNFs was noted in two instances and indicated the need for educating workers on the need for personal protective equipment. [Supplementary materials are available for this article. Go to the publisher's online edition of Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene for the following free supplemental resource: a PDF file containing information on materials, evaluated processes, personal protective equipment, and existing ventilation/engineering controls.].     

Asbestos exposure in a Yale building: Analysis and resolution

The Yale University Art and Architecture building has 118,000 sq ft (10,000 m²) of floor space and houses the School of Art, the School of Architecture, and the schools' library. Completed in 1963, the nine-level reinforced concrete structure is a major building on the campus and has been used by over 2000 persons each academic year. The ceiling material in the building, a spray-applied mixture of asbestos and fibrous glass, caused occupant exposure to asbestos fibers under all conditions of usual activity. The measured asbestos fiber concentrations in some situations exceeded Occupational Safety and Health Administration allowable limits for industrial exposure, and in all cases were above the ambient city levels. Many air samples indicated potentially carcinogenic asbestos exposures. To eliminate this health hazard, the asbestos was removed from the building. Building isolation, protective equipment, surfactant treated water, and decontamination procedures afforded contamination control for the workers and the surrounding community. Ninety-two tons of wet asbestos-contaminated material was removed during a 20-day operation. Over 500 air samples were obtained during surveillance, experimentation, and asbestos removal. This report presents data obtained from 200 samples examined to date and outlines procedures used in the operation.     

某新建氨纶生产项目职业病危害控制效果评价

目的评价某新建氨纶生产项目工作场所职业病危害防护设施控制效果。方法对该氨纶企业进行职业卫生学调查和职业病危害因素检测,对员工进行职业健康检查。结果工作场所粉尘、化学毒物的浓度在国家职业接触限值以下,噪声的合格率为83.34%。职业健康检查发现6人（3.68%）脾脏肿大,55人（25.86%）心电图异常,6人（3.68%）高频区听力损失。结论该新建企业职业病危害因素的防护设施和措施可行、有效,但应加强个人防护用品的使用管理,定期进行职业卫生检测及职业健康监护。     

Exposure of tanker drivers to gasoline and some of its components

The purpose of this study was to measure the exposure of road tanker drivers at work to gasoline and some of its components. The occupational hygiene measurements were made in two depots (one in northern Finland and the other in southern Finland) and in 11 service stations of a Finnish oil company during the loading and delivery of road tankers. Of the 21 measurements made, four were taken during top submerged loading of the road tankers and six during bottom loading at the depot. Eleven measurements were made during delivery at service stations. The duration of measurements varied from 10 to 44 min.The exposure of road tanker drivers to C₃C₁₁ hydrocarbons of gasoline was under 300 mg m⁻³ during bottom loading measurements and during top loading exceeded 300 mg m⁻³ two measurements (50%).During delivery at service stations the exposure to C₃C₁₁ hydrocarbons of gasoline exceeded 300 mg m⁻³ in four measurements (36%). The exposure of road tanker drivers during delivery depended mainly on the distance between working area and the emission point of discharging vapours from the tank, vents and wind direction.The mean exposures of road tanker drivers to benzene during loading and delivery were 1.1–18 mg m⁻³ in various situations. The mean exposures to n-hexane, to toluene and to xylene were 0.7–6.0, 1.4–11 and 0.8–4 mg m⁻³, respectively. The exposures to methyl-tert-butyl ether were between 13 and 91 mg m⁻³. All measurements were made during the summer. However, the temperature varied between 4 and 22 °C.     

Mortality update of workers exposed to acrylonitrile in The Netherlands

To study the possible carcinogenic effects of acrylonitrile, we updated the follow up of a cohort of 2842 acrylonitrile workers. The comparison group consisted of 3961 workers from a nitrogen fixation plant. Industrial hygiene assessments quantified past exposure to acrylonitrile, 8-hour averages as well as peak exposure, the use of personal protective equipment, and exposure to other potential carcinogenic agents. Standardized mortality ratios were calculated to adjust for the effect of age distribution, length of follow up, and temporal changes in background mortality rates. Cumulative dose-effect relations were determined for 3 exposure categories and 3 latency periods. The results show that no cancer excess seems related to exposure to acrylonitrile. This additional follow up of a cohort of 2842 workers exposed to acrylonitrile further supports the notion that occupational exposures to acrylonitrile that have occurred in the past have not noticeably increased workers' cancer mortality rates.     

A study of factors relating to work accidents among seamen

In Japan, the accident rate for seamen is 5 times higher than that for all other industries. Many maritime work accidents are related to the poor ergonomic conditions of the working environment. It is particularly important to examine seamen safety in terms of vessel type and seamen age, as these factors are related to various sorts of accidents. In this paper, maritime work accidents were analyzed according to fundamental factors including vessel type, seamen age, and seamen rank. It is suggested that safety education should be provided according specifically to seamen age and vessel type, as they are revealed to be strong factors relating to maritime work accidents. Such education and further research may also lead to improvements in maritime equipment in relation to worker safety.