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Health hazard evaluation report: HETA-88-117-0000, Technical Assistance to the International Association of Fire Fighters, Washington, D.C.

Burr GA

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 88-117-0000, 1988 Nov; :1-9

00186690

In response to a request from the International Association of Fire Fighters, an evaluation was made of the Rosco aerosol smoke generation system which is used during fire training exercises, to be certain it meets with requirements of the National Fire Protection Association Standards. The substance was composed of a mixture of polyfunctional alcohols which, as a group, were considered of low toxicity. The smoke generation system involved injection of the smoke fluid into a heat exchanger and atomizing it at high temperature, without combustion. Two bulk samples were taken for analysis by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry. Four different sampling methods were used to collect area air samples of the smoke generated during operation in a ventilated enclosure. Three major compounds were identified and labeled as A, B, and C for proprietary reasons. The three compounds had median lethal dose levels in the practically nontoxic category. The author concludes that these compounds have extremely low toxicities and posed little, if any, health risk by the typical exposure routes of inhalation, skin absorption, and ingestion. However, the high density of smoke needed in smoke training exercises makes it impossible or at least very difficult to accurately define a finite, nonhazardous, atmosphere applicable to all individuals.

NIOSH-Author; NIOSH-Health-Hazard-Evaluation; NIOSH-Technical-Assistance-Report; HETA-88-117-0000; Region-3; Hazard-Unconfirmed; Firemen; Safety-research; Inhalants; Skin-exposure

19881101

Field Studies; Hazard Evaluation and Technical Assistance

1989

PB89-188023

A02

HETA-88-117-0000

DSHEFS

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health

DC; OH