Health hazard evaluation report: HETA-81-275-1122, General Telephone Company, York, Pennsylvania.
Authors
Chrostek-WJ; Moshell-AN
Source
Cincinnati, OH: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, Centers for Disease Control, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, HETA 81-275-1122, 1982 May; :1-10
Abstract
In response to a request from Local 1451, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, a survey was conducted of working conditions at the General Telephone Company (SIC-4811) in York, Pennsylvania. On May 12, 1981, a walk through survey and medical interviews with 21 employees were conducted: air samples were collected for total dust. On May 13 and 14, 28 employees received patch tests. Elicited health complaints included sinus, skin, and respiratory problems; eye and nose itching and burning; dry throat; and headaches. Airborne dust concentrations ranged from 0.06 to 0.20 milligrams per cubic meter of air (mg/m3) compared to an OSHA standard of 3.6mg/m3. Patch tests were negative and there was a general lack of findings consistent with allergic contact dermatitis. The authors conclude that a health hazard from overexposure to dust and formaldehyde did not exist. The authors suggest that certain individuals may be allergic to certain pieces of equipment used at the work site.
Keywords
NIOSH-Author; NIOSH-Health-Hazard-Evaluation; Hazards-Unconfirmed; Occupational-exposure; Dust-exposure; Contact-dermatitis; Work-practices; HETA-81-275-1122; NIOSH-Technical-Assistance-Report;
Author Keywords: Telephone Conmunications; carbonless paper; dibutylphthalate diethyl phthalate; dioctyl adipate; formaldehyde; inert dust; sinus, skin and respiratory irritation
Document Type
Field Studies; Hazard Evaluation and Technical Assistance
NTIS Accession No.
PB84-139872
Identifying No.
HETA-81-275-1122
Source Name
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
