Health of workers in chromate producing industry : a study.

  • United States. Public Health Service. Division of Occupational Health.
Date:
1953]
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Health of workers in chromate producing industry : a study. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    cinoma. Of these, 8 had, in addition to roentgenological and clinical find- ings, histological evidence (pneumonectomy in 5 cases, biopsy in 1 case, necropsy in | case, and bronchial washings Class V in 1 case). The other 2 had, in addition to roentgenologic evidence of bronchiogenic carcinoma at the time of the survey, extension of the lesion in subsequent films and clinical findings of bronchiogenic carcinoma. The mean age of the 10 workers was 04.5 years and the mean exposure to chromates was 22.8 years. This experi- ence gives a rate for bronchiogenic cancer of 1,115 per 100,000 persons for chromate workers which is far above that found among a comparison group. A study of the morbidity and mortality experience of male members of sick benefit associations in seven chromate-producing plants showed a great excess of cancer of the respiratory system. There were nearly 29 times as many deaths from respiratory cancer among chromate workers as would be expected based on the experience of all males in the United States. The respiratory cancer mortality rate for colored males was more unfavorable than for white males. The total rate for cancer at all other sites was not higher among chromate workers. Perforation of the nasal septum was found among 56.7 percent of the chromate workers. It was noticed that the colored chromate workers had a greater prevalence of nasal perforations than the white chromate workers. They also developed their perforation in a shorter period of time. There is no evidence to show that exposure to chrome compounds affected the rate of dental caries attack. Some chromate workers developed a yellowish discoloration of the teeth and tongue. A higher percentage of chromate workers experienced gingivitis and periodontitis. Pulmonary markings suggestive of fibrosis were not important among chromate workers, but bilateral hilar enlargements were noted. Correlation of the clinical and environmental findings suggests possible factors in the working environment which might influence the abnormally high rate for bronchiogenic cancer among chromate workers. Previous investigators who considered the hexavalent chromium compounds to be harmful have stressed their chemical and physiological activity, minimizing their extreme solubility and consequent rapid dissipation. On the other hand, advocates of the trivalent chromium compounds have stressed their prolonged retention, minimizing their possible lack of physiological activity, -due to their extreme insolubility. This report introduces for consideration other derivatives of chromite ore, namely, the acid soluble-water insoluble compounds. These acid soluble compounds are produced in the roast and remain principally in the residue. Consequently they are present in appre- ciable amounts wherever roast or residue is encountered. Based upon the findings of this study the following recommendations are ‘presented: The problems involved in the control of the dusts in this industry are not unusual but are generally typical of the chemical industry and require the application of established industrial hygiene engineering prin- ciples. Facilities and competent personnel should be provided to perform routine air analyses throughout each of the plants. Adequate dust control features should be incorporated in the design of all new equipment and in the redesign of old equipment. More complete enclosure of process equip- ment and conveying systems as well as greater use of local exhaust ventilation should be practiced. Housekeeping should be perfected to prevent accumula- tion of dusts and spillage. Until air concentration can be reduced to a safe level in certain areas or special operations, personal protective devices should be used.