Health hazard evaluation report: HETA-82-224-1336, Miami Fire Department, Miami, Florida.
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 82-224-1336, 1983 Jul; :1-15
Abstract
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.
Keywords
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;
Author Keywords: Fire Protection; Electric Services; Transformer-Fires; PCBs; Dioxins; Furans; Polychlorinated Dibenzodioxins; PCDDs; Polychlorinated Dibenzofurans; PCDFs; 2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzodioxin; 2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzofuran
CAS No.
1746-01-6; 51207-31-9
Document Type
Field Studies; Hazard Evaluation and Technical Assistance
NTIS Accession No.
PB85-102960
Identifying No.
HETA-82-224-1336
Source Name
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
