Health hazard evaluation report: HETA-84-221-1523, Pennsylvania Hospital, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Authors
Stephenson-RL; Aw-T-C
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 84-221-1523, 1984 Nov; :1-19
Abstract
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.
Keywords
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
CAS No.
2198-64-3; 1330-20-7; 108-88-3
Document Type
Field Studies; Hazard Evaluation and Technical Assistance
NTIS Accession No.
PB85-208247
Identifying No.
HETA-84-221-1523
Source Name
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
