Abstract  Mathematical equations have been used to predict the service lives of organic vapor respirator cartridges when used for protection against single contaminants. Using an equation developed by G. Wood, OSHA has precalculated and presented some service lives in a table. You can calculate others using NIOSH's MultiVapor™ Version 2.2.3 Application. It is suggested that you reduce the service life estimate by some safety factor to give a change schedule that you should document in your written respiratory program.

Abstract  To determine if there is an association between occupational exposure to external ionizing radiation and leukemia mortality among civilian Portsmouth Naval Shipyard workers after potential confounders and effect modifiers such as solvent exposure, and time since exposure are considered. This study employs a nested case-control design and includes 115 leukemia cases and 460 controls. Among the cases and controls, 201 (35%) were monitored for radiation exposure. Badge doses and exposures to work-required medical x-rays were included in the analysis. Benzene and carbon tetrachloride exposure was assessed using workers' job information and industrial hygiene records. Conditional logistic regression was used to analyze the exposure-response relationship between external ionizing radiation exposure and leukemia mortality. A significant positive association was found between leukemia mortality and external ionizing whole-body radiation exposure (OR= 1.08 at 10 mSv; 95% CI=1.01, 1.16) adjusting for gender, radiation worker status and solvent exposure duration.

Abstract  In the past five years the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency has studied the effectiveness of steam stripping as a treatment technique for removing organics from aqueous waste streams. This paper presents the data obtained from field tests of steam strippers at seven industrial facilities. The effectiveness of steam striping for removing different types of organics from wastewaters is discussed.

Abstract  In response to a request from an authorized representative of the employees at the Recognition Division of Jostens Incorporated (SIC-3911), Princeton, Illinois, a study was undertaken of possible hazardous working conditions at that site. Jostens was a jewelry manufacturer producing rings, medallions, tie tacks, belt buckles and service awards. There were about 15 employees in the plating department where jewelry was cleaned by either suspending the piece in a trichloroethylene (79016) (TCE) vapor degreaser or by immersing it in acid or alkali baths. Six plating lines were located in this department, each with its own exhaust ventilation. Personal breathing zone air concentrations of TCE ranged from 14.7 to 33.4 parts per million (ppm). Area air samples ranged from 49.2 to 64.1ppm at the TCE degreaser and ultrasonic cleaner, respectively, indicating these were major contributors to the pollution. Of the 25 employees responding to a symptom questionnaire, seven reported multiple symptoms consistent with solvent exposure. Cases of colon cancer, ovarian cancer, kidney and breast cancer were identified among polish department employees. Only one employee with cancer had worked at Jostens more than 10 years before diagnosis. The authors conclude that a hazard existed to TCE exposure. The authors recommend improvements in engineering controls, safe work practices, and the use of personal protective equipment made.