HHE Report No. HETA-82-224-1336, Miami Fire Department, Miami, Florida.

Salisbury-S

NIOSH 1983 Jul:15 pages

00133531

Environmental samples were analyzed for polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polychlorinated dibenzodioxins (PCDDs), and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs) at the site of an electrical fire in an underground transformer vault in Miami, Florida on April 16, 1982. The evaluation was requested by the International Association of Fire Fighters on behalf of the Miami Fire Department (SIC-9224) who were concerned that they had been exposed to PCBs and other toxic substances released by the fire. Analysis of wipe samples showed PCB concentrations of 2 to 27,400 micrograms per 100 square centimeters inside the vault. There is no current federal standard for exposure to PCB contaminated surfaces. Analysis of bulk soot samples showed no detectable quantities of PCDDs. PCDF concentrations of 0.78 to 1.89 micrograms per gram were found. There is no current federal standard for exposure to PCDF contaminated surfaces. The author concludes that the fire fighters had potential exposure to PCBs and PCDFs. Recommendations include avoidance of contact with PCB smoke and residue and decontamination of protective clothing.

NIOSH-Author; NIOSH-Health-Hazard-Evaluation; NIOSH-Technical-Assistance-Report; Hazard-Confirmed; Region-4; Toxicology; Chemical-analysis; Exposure-levels; Worker-health; Protective-clothing; HETA-82-224-1336;

19830701

Field Studies; Hazard Evaluation and Technical Assistance

1983

PB85-102960

A03

HETA-82-224-1336

DSHEFS;

9224;

Hazard Evaluations and Technical Assistance Branch, NIOSH, Cincinnati, Ohio, Report No. HETA-82-224-1336, 15 pages, 8 references

FL; OH;