Dye weighers in textile dyeing and printing plants are involved in the weighing and transfer of relatively small quantities of numerous powder dyes and other chemicals. The results in a potential exposure to a diverse range of chemicals which exhibit a broad spectrum of toxicological properties. In order to gain more detailed information about workplace exposure to powder dyes, a study has been conducted to measure concentrations of dyes in the workplace air, and to characterize worker activities and industrial hygiene practices. The study was unique in that both government (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency) and industry (American Textile Manufacturers Institute and Ecological and Toxicological Association of Dyestuffs Manufacturing Industry) collaborated on an impartial basis and the dyehouses studies participated on a strictly voluntary basis. The study included a survey of 24 randomly selected textile dyeing or printing sites which used power dyes. At each site, one worker was observed for an 8-hour shift; personal monitoring and area sampling data were taken. Certified industrial hygienists recorded worker activities, duration of potential exposure, personal and engineering controls in use, and quantities and frequency of use of each dye that was handled during the monitoring period. Bulk samples of each dyes were also taken. The particulates collected on the air monitoring filters were analyzed for commercial dye content using a spectrophotometric method developed for the study.

"EPA 560/5-90-009." "April 1990." Includes bibliographical references. "This report presents the results of a survey conducted jointly by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the American Textile Manufacturers Institute, Inc. (ATMI), and the Ecological and Toxicological Association of the Dyestuffs Manufacturing Industry (ETAD)"--Page xv.