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Technical assistance report no. TA-79-12, Lincoln Hall, Lincolndale, New York.

Messite J; Fannick N; Daum S

Cincinnati, OH: U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, Public Health Service, Centers for Disease Control, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, TA 79-12, 1979 Jul; :1-11

00091568

Site visits and employee medical evaluations were conducted on December 13, 1978, January 3, February 8, March 19, and April 24, 1979, at Lincoln Hall, a boys' school (SIC-8211) in Lincolndale, New York. The school administration requested the investigation in response to worker complaints of itchiness, irritation, fatigue, and nausea. A review of previous evaluations identified minimal amounts of fiberglass (14808607) particles, formaldehyde (50000), and volatile chemicals in the air, but all in acceptable quantities. The erratic pattern of complaints was most often attributed to the handling of old files stored in the former business office and contact with a wet copying machine. Poor ventilation is noted as a possible contributing factor. No clear pattern of symptoms could be established and no specific hazard was identified. It is concluded that any reported irritations are caused by common office exposures and no serious hazard is present. Improved ventilation, good housekeeping practices, the use of nonirritant cleaning agents, and careful personal hygiene practices are recommended. Immediate examination of any employee experiencing symptoms also is recommended to evaluate fully any potential hazard.

NIOSH-Author; NIOSH-Technical-Assistance-Report; TA-79-12; Region-2; Elementary-and-secondary-schools; Hazard-Unconfirmed; Occupational-exposure; Medical-screening

14808-60-7; 50-00-0

19790701

Field Studies; Technical Assistance

1979

PB80-148166

A03

TA-79-12

DSHEFS

8211

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health

NY; OH