Pollution prevention and worker toxic exposures: A method

This study examined the impact on occupational exposures of a pollution prevention (P2) program at an air conditioner and dehumidifier manufacturing facility (the study facility). The overall goal is: To demonstrate the value of considering occupational exposures in the design, implementation, and evaluation of pollution prevention programs. In pursuit of the goal, there are two major objectives: (1) To develop and validate a model that is capable of making use of the data available from the study facility to estimate past airborne concentrations of chemical contaminants . (2) To apply that model to investigate the impact of pollution prevention on occupational exposures at the study facility.; In the first phase of the project, the airborne contaminant concentration model was validated by comparing model results to indoor measurements of particulate matter in the facility. In the second phase of the project the model was used to evaluate the impact of pollution prevention on occupational exposures. Results indicated that the worker population in the plant experienced an overall reduction in exposure severity. A small subset of workers experienced statistically significant increases in exposure severity. They had very low trichloroethylene (TCE) exposures before the degreaser was eliminated and experienced increased naphtha exposure afterward. The increase in naphtha exposure was due to the use of a more volatile metal press lubricant so that parts would arrive at the assembly line relatively free of lubricant even though they were not degreased.; These findings suggest that other plants may be able to reduce occupational exposures while implementing P2 programs to reduce environmental releases. In addition, they indicate that modifications designed to accommodate production processes to pollution prevention can increase the exposure of some workers. Plant personnel whoa are responsible for designing and implementing pollution prevention would be well-advised to look for both potential occupational exposure reductions and potential new workplace hazards when projects are still in the planning stage. Policy makers should design and implement pollution prevention policies with explicit incentives for incorporating occupational health at the planning stage. The New Jersey Pollution Prevention Act touts the benefits of pollution prevention for occupational as well as environmental health. If the New Jersey Legislature wishes to transform its expressed concern about occupational health into action, it could amend the Pollution Prevention Act explicitly to require that pollution prevention plans include an evaluation of occupational hazards and that facility-wide permits issued under the Pollution Prevention Act be reviewed by qualified occupational health professionals. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)...