Health hazard evaluation report: HETA-80-177-1166, Johnson Memorial Hospital, Stafford Springs, Connecticut.
Authors
McManus-KP; Baker-D
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 80-177-1166, 1982 Aug; :1-13
Abstract
Possible health hazards associated with exposure to volatile amines used in the boiler system at Johnson Memorial Hospital (SIC-8062), Stafford Springs, Connecticut were evaluated. An employee representative requested the study which was performed throughout the period of July, 1980 to March, 1982. Over this 5 year period, employees had complained of such symptoms as eye irritation, itchy skin, headache, and upper respiratory irritation. The NIOSH evaluation was designed to sample for nitrogen containing compounds. Initially, hydrazine (302012) was found in the hospital air. Neither ozone, carbon-monoxide, nitrogen-oxides, ammonia, sulfur- dioxide, acetic-acid nor dimethyl-acetamide were found. When the hospital wing was reoccupied, employees reported no adverse health effects. The authors conclude that they were unable to positively identify any single causative agent for employee complaints. The presence of hydrazine could account for employee complaints. They recommend regular inspection of the ventilation system, (at monthly intervals), and repair of the rubber diaphragms that control the system.
Keywords
NIOSH-Author; NIOSH-Health-Hazard-Evaluation; Hazards-Unconfirmed; Ventilation; Irritants; Medical-personnel; Worker-health; HETA-80-177-1166; Region-1; NIOSH-Technical-Assistance-Report;
Author Keywords: indoor air pollution; hospital; hydrazine; humidification; boiler treatment
Document Type
Field Studies; Hazard Evaluation and Technical Assistance
NTIS Accession No.
PB84-149186
Identifying No.
HETA-80-177-1166
Source Name
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
