Occupational exposure to carbon/coke fibers in plants that produce green or calcined petroleum coke and potential health effects: 2. Fiber concentrations.

We monitored exposure to various fibers among workers in eight plants operated by ConocoPhillips that produce green or calcined petroleum coke. Carbon/coke and other fibers, including calcium silicate, cellulose, gypsum, and iron silicate, were found in occupational samples. Carbon/coke fibers were found in bulk samples of calcined petroleum coke, the probable source of these fibers in occupational samples.

Occupational exposure to carbon/coke fibers in plants that produce green or calcined petroleum coke and potential health effects: 1. Fiber characteristics.

Carbon/coke fibers are found in bulk samples of calcined petroleum coke. Carbon/coke and other fibers, including calcium silicate, cellulose, gypsum, and iron silicate, have been found in exposure monitoring of workers who make or handle green or calcined petroleum coke. Carbon/coke fibers are not classified or regulated as carcinogens by any agency, and the available literature (summarized in this article) has not reported significant adverse health effects associated with exposure to these fibers or dusts containing these fibers.