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r JAN 121993 Reproductive Hazard t There is limited evidence that Methyl Ethyl &atone is a teratogen in animals. Until 'further testing. -has beefi.done, it should be treated as a possible .teratogen in humans. Other Long -Term Effects * Repeated exposure, in conjunction with certain other solvents, can damage the nervous system, causing numbness and weakness in the hands and feet. * Long-term skin exposure can cause dry- =mZ-Jng and _cracking of ; the akin.: MEDICAL TESTING If symptoms develop, or overexposure is suspected, exam of the nervous system is recommended. Special tests for nerve damage called nerve conduction studies, may be useful. Any evaluation should include a careful history of past and present symptoms with an exam. Medical tests that look for dam- age already done are = a substitute for controlling exposure. Request copies of your medical testing. You have a legal right to this information under OSHA 1910.20. BOOK 88 Piu512 WORKPLACE CONTROLS AND PRACTICES Unless a less toxic chemical can be sub- stituted for a hazardous substance, ENGI- NEERING CONTROLS are the most effective way of reducing exposure. The best protec- tion is enclosing operations and/or pro- viding local exhaust ventilation at the site of chemical release. Isolating opera- tions can also reduce exposure. Using res- pirators or protective equipment is less effective than the controls mentioned above, but is sometimes necessary. In evaluating the controls present in your workplace, consider: (1) how hazardous the substance is; (2) how much of the sub- stance is released into the workplace, and (3) whether harmful skin or eye contact could occur. Better controls should be in place for highly toxic chemicals or when significant skin, eye, or breathing expo- sures are possible. In addition. the following controls are recommended: * Where possible, automatically pump liq- uid Methyl Ethyl Ketone from drums or other storage containers to process containers. * Specific engineering controls are rec- ommended for this chemical by NIOSH. Refer to the NIOSH criteria document: Ketones # 78-173. Mr. Otero concluded by stating that he lived in New Jersey as a young child when the Exxon plant blew up, proof that accidents can and do happen. Charles Hart, resident of Roseland, discussed the following letter dated December 22, 1992: December 22, 1992 Board of County Commissioners 1840 25th Street Vero Beach, FL 32960 We are members of a local chapter of the National Campers and Hikers Association. As an environmentally concerned group, we voice our objections regarding Macho Products move to North Indian River County. e Ina news item in Florida TodAX, dated November 21, 19929 Macho Products was listed as the number one polluter in Brevard County, emitting 321,600 pounds of toxic pollutants in 1991. Macho's plan to build a 40,000 square foot plant proximal to the North County Middle School, the future high school, and the Vero Lake Estates residential subdivision, gives us great concern for the well being of the school'students and families in the nearby communities. 38