Background: A mid-size city in the Southeast (approximate population 744,000) has several major chemical production facility employers located within 10 miles of the city center. Each facility employs approximately 6,500 workers. One of the chemical producers makes toxic carbamate pesticides using intermediates such as highly toxic Methyl isocyanate (MIC; e.g. Bophal India catastrophe). The production process for carbamates is very complex and requires careful oversight and monitoring. This facility uses and stores very large quantities of MIC such that they keep approximately 1 full year’s supply in their inventory. Part of the production process involves high temperatures and can produce explosive and flammable gases if not carefully monitored and controlled. The process also produces still bottoms and sludge that also must be discharged and disposed of. The raw materials and end products are also shipped into and out of the production facility via rail car. The rail lines are used to carry passenger and cargo trains throughout the day and are within 5 miles of the downtown area. This facility has public health, occupational health, and environmental health hazards that must be managed.
Key study question(s): In a maximum of 5 pages, please detail how you would suggest managing the risks associated with the highly toxic Methyl isocyanate. In particular, list your risk management recommendations in order of priority with a bulleted list summarizing them in the first part of your paper. Then, in the second part of your paper provide details on “how” you would implement your recommendation and justification for each recommendation.
Method: Using literature and NIOSH recommendations, identify risk management recommendations to reduce the risks of effects from Methyl isocyanate.
Findings: Methyl isocyanate is an organic compound often used in pesticides and plastics. As it enters the environment, it exists as a gas, and it breaks down in the air by moisture or the commonly found substances. If inhaled, methyl isocyanate can be harmful, and its effects can range from eye and throat irritation to long-term lung damage. These effects depend on exposure levels and concentrations. Methyl isocyanate is unlikely to be in gas or liquid form, so that means skin contact and ingestion are less likely to occur, but if it does, severe damages may occur.
Recommendations: Different ways to reduce the risks associated with MIC are: 1) Moving the factories away from the center of the city, 2) PPE for employees and anyone using a chemical with the methyl isocyanate product, 3) Moving inventory out of the factories and not storing a year’s supply worth, 4) Temperature/climate control regulations and systems in the factories, 5) Proper disposal avenues for waste, 6) Proper storage for shipping, and 7) Warning labels for possible contaminants on shipping.
Public health significance: To identify and evaluate intervention strategies to eliminate or minimize opportunity or extent of harm.
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