Hexavalent chromium overexposure: An analysis of OSHA imis data between 2007 and 2012

Background and Objective Hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI))continues to be an exposure problem among U.S. workers contributing to lung cancer and other respiratory illness. The purpose of the study is to determine the odds of Cr(VI) overexposure associated with independent variables contained in OSHA's IMIS database. Method Personal Cr(VI) TWA sampling results were extracted from the IMIS database for the years 2007 through 2012. Logistic modeling was performed using the outcome of TWA results greater than or equal to the current OSHA PEL of 5ug/m3for workers other than aerospace painters. Independent variables included inspection year, industry types, exposure frequency, and job description. Results There were significant increased odds of Cr(VI) overexposure in transportation , services, construction, and metal manufacturing industries compared to the lowest exposed referent industry. There were significant increased odds of overexposure associated with decreasing frequency of exposure with evidence of a gradient from full-shift (OR=5.1) to intermittent (OR=11). The majority of job description categories showed increased odds of overexposure. Conclusion Increased attention should be given to workers in diverse metal manufacturing shops and foundries, automobile parts manufacturing, commercial aviation, and construction sectors. The adequate use of respirators in aerospace painting deserves special attention considering the known causal association with lung cancer. A closer examination the IMIS field "exposure frequency" is warranted given the evidence of increasing odds of overexposure with decreasing exposure frequency. In conclusion, excessive odds of overexposure remained consistent following the the 2006 Cr(VI) standard implying that a greater emphasis on overexposure reduction is warranted.