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Health hazard evaluation report: HETA-91-254-2186, Ropes and Gray Photocopy Center, Boston, Massachusetts.

Cook CK; Crandall MS

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 91-254-2186, 1992 Mar; :1-23

https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/hhe/reports/pdfs/1991-0254-2186.pdf

00206944

In response to a request from a group of employees at the Pitney Bowes Management Services, Ropes and Gray Photocopy Center (SIC- 7334), Boston, Massachusetts, an evaluation was undertaken of worker exposures to photocopy emissions. The photocopy center has been in operation for 2 years. Six full time employees worked the day shift operating six photocopiers of various models. Approximately 1 million copies were generated monthly at the site. Qualitative and quantitative analyses of air samples taken for volatile organic carbons revealed trace amounts of 1,1,1-trichloroethane (71556), isooctane (540841), toluene (108883), xylene (1330207), and benzene (71432). Ozone (10028156) concentrations as high as 0.41 parts per million (ppm) were detected at approximately 3 feet from the exhaust of each photocopier. Carbon-dioxide (124389) concentrations ranged from 300 to 825ppm. Respirable dust concentrations ranged from less than 10 to 50 micrograms per cubic meter. Carbon-monoxide (630080) was not detected. The authors conclude that the evaluation did not reveal a hazard to explain the respiratory symptoms experienced by the workers. The finding that the ventilation system moved too small an amount of air in a measured period of time may account for the accumulation of airborne contaminants within the building. Recommendations were made to improve the ventilation.

NIOSH-Author; NIOSH-Health-Hazard-Evaluation; NIOSH-Technical-Assistance-Report; HETA-91-254-2186; Hazard-Unconfirmed; Region-1; Office-workers; Indoor-air-pollution; Organic-solvents; Ventilation-equipment; Indoor-environmental-quality; Author Keywords: Photocopying Service; Indoor Air Quality; Photocopier; Copy Machines; Ozone

71-55-6; 540-84-1; 108-88-3; 1330-20-7; 71-43-2; 10028-15-6; 124-38-9; 630-08-0

19920301

Field Studies; Hazard Evaluation and Technical Assistance

1992

PB92-193911

A03

HETA-91-254-2186

DSHEFS

7334

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health

MA; OH