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Health hazard evaluation report: HETA-83-301-1478, Lion Uniform Company, Beattyville, Kentucky.

McAuley DB; Blanc P

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 83-301-1478, 1984 Jul; :1-23

https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/hhe/reports/pdfs/83-301-1478.pdf

00146784

Bulk samples were analyzed for formaldehyde (50000) and acetophenone (98862) at Lion Uniform Company (SIC-2328), Beattyville, Kentucky in 1983. The evaluation was requested by the Kentucky Department of Labor due to the occurrence of dermatitis among employees at the facility. Medical interviews were conducted with 9 of 13 employees who had reported symptoms. Questionnaires were administered to all 13 employees. Industrial hygiene air monitoring data for formaldehyde obtained by the Kentucky Department of Labor was reviewed. Bulk samples had residual formaldehyde concentrations of 260 to 450 parts per million (ppm) and 33,500 to 46,500ppm acetophenone. The Kentucky Department of Labor monitoring data showed average formaldehyde concentrations of 0.15 to 0.18ppm. Symptoms reported included rash of the face, neck, arms, and legs, eye and throat irritation, headaches, dizziness, and nausea. The authors conclude that formaldehyde exposures at the facility could cause the observed symptoms. Acetophenone exposure also may have contributed to the symptoms, although little is known about its toxicity. Recommendations include providing exhaust ventilation, increasing the outside air component in the general ventilation system, cooperating with textile mills to obtain fabrics with minimal concentrations of latent formaldehyde and acetophenone, and airing the fabrics to allow outgassing of formaldehyde.

NIOSH-Author; NIOSH-Health-Hazard-Evaluation; NIOSH-Technical-Assistance-Report; Hazards-Confirmed; Protective-clothing; Region-4; Toxic-vapors; Skin-irritants; Occupational-dermatitis; Irritants; HETA-83-301-1478; Author Keywords: Mens, Youths, and Boys Furnishings, Work Clothing, and Allied Garments; Formaldehyde; Acetophenone; Dermatitis; Upper-Respiratory Irritation; Textile Mill; Clothing Manufacturing

50-00-0; 98-86-2

19840701

Field Studies; Hazard Evaluation and Technical Assistance

1984

PB85-221372

A03

HETA-83-301-1478

DSHEFS

2328

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health

KY; OH