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Health hazard evaluation report: HETA-82-026-1272, Jackson County Parks Department, Medford, Oregon.

Apol AG

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 82-026-1272, 1983 Mar; :1-9

https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/hhe/reports/pdfs/82-26-1272.pdf

00178933

In response to a request from the Jackson County Department of General Services concerning the Parks Department (SIC-8999), Medford, Oregon, an evaluation was made of possible health hazards at that work place. Since the completion of a new extension on the old office area, employees were experiencing dizziness, tremors, tingling and numbness of the arms and legs, chest pain, headache, nausea and eye irritation. This area had been used for pesticide mixing and storage before it was added on to the already existing office space. Air samples were taken and indicated diazinon (333415) was present in concentrations of 3 micrograms/cubic meter (microg/m3). Along one wall, malathion (121755) was present at previously drilled through the concrete in the old office area showed traces of diazinon, DDT (50293) and DDE (72559). Air samples also detected traces of nine to sixteen carbon aliphatic hydrocarbons and aromatic compounds, all at concentrations 1,000 times less than the evaluation criteria. While the symptoms were consistent with those which would occur from exposure to pesticides and other chemicals, the concentration of these chemicals was so minute that there should have been no problem. The author concludes that symptoms appear to be correlated to worker exposures at the building. The author recommends that workers limit the time they spend in the office supply warehouse area to less than 30 minutes. The south wall and ceiling should be removed and replaced with a security fence, allowing a free flow of air to occur. The rate of fresh air intake to the office area should be upgraded. The hole in the concrete area should be filled with impervious material. Rooms wherein there is an odor should be ventilated and not sealed.

NIOSH-Author; NIOSH-Health-Hazard-Evaluation; NIOSH-Technical-Assistance-Report; HETA-82-026-1272; Region-10; Hazard-Confirmed; Ventilation-equipment; Vapors; Author Keywords: Miscellaneous Services; Insecticides; Offices; Pesticides; DDT; DDE; Diazinon; Malathion; Parathion; Petroleum Solvents; Toluene; Xylene

333-41-5; 121-75-5; 50-29-3; 72-55-9

19830301

Field Studies; Hazard Evaluation and Technical Assistance

1983

PB84-209436

A02

HETA-82-026-1272

DSHEFS

8999

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health

OR; OH