Mortality of workers at acetylene production plants.

Abstract

To reduce the risk of explosion oxyacetylene cylinders are filled with a spongy mass, acetone is added to saturate the mass, and acetylene is pumped into the cylinder. The first cylinders manufactured before 1936 By the late 1970s the stock of kapok cylinders was less than 10% of all cylinders in circulation. Kapok cylinders at present account for less than 5% of the total DA cylinder stock.DA cylinders had to be examined by law annually to ensure that the mass was in sound condition. The methods of examining kapok cylinders varied between three successive periods. During the first period, which lasted from the time of first manufacture up to about 1939, the thimble and blue asbestos were removed and the kapok examined; about 16 oz of asbestos and the thimble were then replaced. The second period was between 1939 and 1972. Owing to settling of the cylinder packing the practice was to remove the thimble, top up with a small amount of asbestos if necessary, without removing the old asbestos, and then to replace the thimble and valve. A search for a material to replace crocidolite asbestos began in 1969. Sisal was finally chosen and since January 1972 has been put over the crocidolite as required. All topping up with crocidolite ceased and stores of crocidolite asbestos were disposed of. Between 1972 and 1975 no removal of any material took place.In 1975 and 1976 the metal thimbles were replaced with felt plug filters and every kapok cylinder examined had a thick pad of sisal put over the crocidolite. 63

Nonpulmonary Outcomes of Asbestos Exposure

“…“Unknown” or “various” exposures indicate the data came from occupational exposure matrices, including textiles, insulation, or cement workers. Sources: a Olsson, 2004. b Gold, 2007. c Greaves, 1979. d Noonan, 2006. e Pfau, 2008. f Gold, 2007; Noonan, 2006. g Rihova, 2005; Inoue, 2004. h Stratta, 2001. i Rihova, 2005. j Inoue, 2004. k Turner-Warwick, 1970. l Zerva, 1989. m Pfau, 2005; Nigam, 1993; Tamura, 1993; Stansfield, 1974. n Pelclova, 2003. o Pfau, 2005. p Pernis, 1965; Turner-Warwick, 1970; Stansfield, 1974; Lange, 1974. q Zone, 1985; Zerva, 1989. r White, 1974. s van Bommel, 2009; Vaglio, 2009; Uibu, 2004; Sauni, 1998; Maguire, 1991. t Cottin, 2008.…”

“…Some of these same studies did show an increase in ANA frequency with asbestos exposure, and despite technical disparities, small study sizes, and limited exposure assessments, the combined strength of these studies is compelling ( Turner-Warwick & Parkes, 1970 ; Stansfield & Edge, 1974 ; Zerva et al, 1989 ; Pfau et al, 2005 ; Tamura et al 1993 ; Nigam et al 1993 ). Only one study indicated no association of positive ANA tests with asbestos exposure, but that study only consisted of 25 asbestos workers ( Zone & Rom, 1985 ), and other immunological indices were positive, such as increased serum IgG/IgA and immune complexes.…”

Burns from acetylene gas: more than skin deep

“…Reports of severe burns associated with the use of oxyacetylene are rare, although excess deaths due to cancer associated with asbestos-lined oxyacetylene cylinders have been reported 2. Health and safety regulations concentrate on the necessity for protective eye, face and hand clothing during the use of oxyacetylene welding torches.…”