Health Hazard Evaluation Report: HETA-86-018-1758: Robbins & Myers, Incorporated, Moyno Products Division; Springfield, Ohio

Abstract

In response to a request from Robbins and Myers, Inc., an investigation was made of a possible health hazard at its Moyno Products Division (SIC-3561), Springfield, Ohio. A case of vitiligo, possibly related to working with rubber products in pump manufacture was identified by a dermatologist. Eighty-six participants in a medical survey were current or former employees in the rubber handling area. A job exposure ranking system was used to estimate exposure to rubber products and spray adhesive. Material samples were analyzed by gas chromatography (GC) and mass spectrometry after heating or ethanol extraction and by GC after extraction by carbon-disulfide. Uncured and cured rubber was found to contain 2,4-di-tertiary-butyl-phenol (96764) (DTBP) (0.01 to 0.03 percent) and para-tertiary-butyl-phenol (98544) (too low to quantitate). This class of compounds has been associated with vitiligo. Medical survey and examinations revealed four cases of active vitiligo. Its presence was significantly associated with highest exposure to rubber. Rubber department workers had a 22-fold higher risk for the condition compared to other employees. Comparing the four observed cases with an expected 1.1 cases (Health and Nutrition Examination Survey) yielded a standardized morbidity ratio of 3.6. The authors conclude that exposure to DTBP in rubber is the cause of vitiligo in these workers. Recommendations include testing rubber samples for contaminants, modification of work practices, and medical screening of exposed workers