HHE Report No. HETA-84-221-1523, Pennsylvania Hospital, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Stephenson-RL; Aw-T-C

NIOSH 1984 Nov:19 pages

00144831

Area and breathing zone samples were analyzed for monomeric isocyanates, total reactive isocyanate group (TRIG) compounds, and organic solvents at Pennsylvania Hospital (SIC-1542, SIC-1799), Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in March, 1984. The survey was requested by a construction union to evaluate employee exposures to isocyanates during floor waterproofing operations. Medical questionnaires were administered to eight workers. Pulmonary function tests were conducted on the workers. Urine samples from five workers were analyzed for methylhippuric-acid (2198643). TRIG concentrations ranged from 48.9 to 192 micrograms per cubic meter. There is no current Federal standard for TRIG. Monomeric isocyanates were not detected. Only trace amounts of xylene (1330207) and toluene (108883) were found. One worker who had a previous history of isocyanates exposure had a significant pre to post shift decrease in 1 second forced expiratory volume (FEV1) and FEV1/forced vital capacity ratio. He had symptoms of chest tightness, nausea, cough, lightheadedness, and dizziness. Five other workers reported similar symptoms. One worker had a small amount of urinary methylhippuric-acid, indicative of systemic absorption of toluene. The authors conclude that the workers have been exposed to isocyanates. Recommendations include using respirators and following the medical recommendations outlined in the NIOSH diisocyanate criteria document.

NIOSH-Author; NIOSH-Health-Hazard-Evaluation; NIOSH-Technical-Assistance-Report; Hazards-Confirmed; Hospital-equipment; Region-3; Air-contamination; Solvents; Air-monitoring; Air-samples; HETA-84-221-1523; Construction-Search

2198-64-3; 1330-20-7; 108-88-3;

19841101

Hazard Evaluation and Technical Assistance;

1985

PB85-208247

A03

HETA-84-221-1523

DSHEFS;

1542; 1799;

Hazard Evaluations and Technical Assistance Branch, NIOSH, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Cincinnati, Ohio, Report No. HETA-84-221-1523, 19 pages, 19 references

PA; OH;