Coal liquefaction: recent findings in occupational safety and health

Some coal liquefaction materials are potentially hazardous because of similarities to materials in other related coal processes that have been associated with a high cancer risk. Limited survey data obtained by NIOSH at two coal liquefaction pilot plants have shown that workers were exposed to low concentrations of certain polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PNA's) and aromatic amines, some of which are suspected carcinogens. The degree of risk incurred by such exposures cannot be determined because toxicologic data allowing for the evaluation of effects at low exposure levels are unavailable. These industrial hygiene studies are discussed as well as recent health and process aspects of this technology.