Wallingford, Connecticut. The request specified the employees' concerns of (a) dermatitis from exposure to nickel and synthetic graphite fibers, and (b) exposure to possible cancer-causing chemicals (methylene chloride and trichloroethane).Between October and December 1987, environmental monitoring was done using both personal breathing zone and area air samples to characterize workers' exposure to chemicals in the MCF department. Environmental sampling revealed the following air concentration ranges, which are compared to their respective environmental exposure criteria (EC): methyl chloroform: 7. , OSHA). Air supplied respirators were used where methylene chloride levels were measured; therefore, the air levels do not represent actual employee exposure.During December 1987 and March 1988, a medical evaluation, including questionnaire, medical examination, and skin patch testing, was conducted. Fifty-six employees participated in the medical study; 31 had no workplace exposure to nickel solutions, sizing solutions or fibers; 19 were currently exposed; and 6 had previous but not current exposure. Seven employees had a work-related rash. MCF employees had a prevalence of work-related dermatitis 7 times that of non-MCF employees (RR = 7.04, 95% CI: 1.29, 38.6).Twenty-three percent of participants reported a history of atopic (allergic) traits. Four of 5 atopic persons exposed to sizing compounds had a history of work-related rash, whereas none of the non-exposed atopic persons had such a rash. Only two employees had positive patch tests to nickel (2.5% and 5% solutions).This study found excessive exposure to nickel and potential exposures to methylene chloride in the Metal Coated Fibers Department. This study also showed a positive relationship between occupational dermatitis and work in the MCF. This was observed, however, only for irritant dermatitis, not for allergic contact dermatitis. Furthermore, the relationship was statistically significant for workers with a prior history of atopic traits and appears to be due to exposures on the sizing line. Since it is not possible to identify persons at high risk with accuracy, all workers should be well trained in specific job assignments and monitored for the development of skin rash. Recommendations to reduce employee exposures to nickel and other chemicals are contained in Section VIII of this report.Keywords: SIC 3471 (Electroplating, Plating, Polishing, Anodizing and Coloring), 3479 (Coating, Engraving, and Allied Services): plating, coating nickel, methylene chloride, trichloroethylene, synthetic graphite fibers This Health Hazard Evaluation (HHE) report and any recommendations made herein are for the specific facility evaluated and may not be universally applicable. Any recommendations made are not to be considered as final statements of NIOSH policy or of any agency or individual involved.Additional HHE reports are available at http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/hhe/reports This Health Hazard Evaluation (HHE) report and any recommendations made herein are for the specif...
