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Health hazard evaluation report: HETA-82-068-1111, Miamitown Grade School, Cincinnati, Ohio.

Kominsky JR

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 82-68-1111, 1982 May; :1-7

https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/hhe/reports/pdfs/82-68-1111.pdf

00130020

The composition of a black, tar like thermal dielectric compound found that the Miamitown Grade School (SIC-8210), Miamitown, Ohio was investigated. The school principal requested the study after expressing concern that the compound, which had leaked from several fluorescent lamp ballast casings, might contain polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). On December 7, 1981, a wipe sample was collected and analyzed. The surface of a luminaire where the ballast had previously burned out contained 3600 micrograms of PCB which was reported as Aroclor-1242 (53469219). Other samples contained 0.9 and 0.6 micrograms of PCB per 100 square centimeters. The ballasts may have inadequate internal thermal protective mechanisms to prevent overheating and ultimate burnout, both of which are causes of leakage of the thermal dielectric compound. The author concludes that significant quantities of PCBs were released during ballast burnout. The author suggests that thermally unprotected ballasts be replaced with thermally protected units of Class-P classification.

NIOSH-Author; NIOSH-Health-Hazard-Evaluation; Hazards-Confirmed; Lighting-systems; Organic-compounds; Phenyl-compounds; Education; Toxic-effects; HETA-82-68-1111; NIOSH-Technical-Assistance-Report; Region-5; Author Keywords: Elementary and Secondary Schools; PCB; Polychlorinated Biphenyl; Ballast; Fluorescent Lamp; Surface Wipe

53469-21-9

19820501

Field Studies; Hazard Evaluation and Technical Assistance

1982

PB84-141852

A02

HETA-82-068-1111

DSHEFS

8210

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health

OH