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Health hazard evaluation report: HETA-86-035-2224, Nabisco Brands, Inc., Seville, Ohio.

Burr GA; Bernard BP

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 86-035-2224, 1992 May; :1-57

https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/hhe/reports/pdfs/1986-0035-2224.pdf

00209049

In response to a request from the United Food and Commercial Workers Union Local 880, an investigation was begun of possible airway irritation symptoms among workers exposed to the artificial food sweetener aspartame (22839470) at Nabisco Brands, Inc. (SIC-2099) in Seville, Ohio. Aspartame had been used as a food additive in sugar free products since 1983 at this facility. A series of on site surveys was conducted to evaluate work practices, assess employee exposures to airborne dusts, and conduct a medical evaluation. Results of the personal breathing zone air samples ranged from nondetectable to 301 micrograms/cubic meter (microg/m3). Area air samples ranged from nondetectable to 83microg/m3. No relationship was found between airborne aspartame exposure and respiratory symptoms or changes in peak expiratory flow rates. No relationship was found between reported symptoms such as wheezing, shortness of breath, or chest tightness recorded at the time of peak flow measurements and the presence of aspartame. No dose response relationship was found for respiratory symptoms recorded during peak expiratory flow rates and exposure to aspartame. The authors conclude that there was no evidence for any occupationally related lower respiratory disorder at this facility. The authors recommend that improvements be made to local exhaust ventilation in several areas of the facility, and also recommend implementation of a respiratory protection program.

NIOSH-Author; NIOSH-Health-Hazard-Evaluation; NIOSH-Technical-Assistance-Report; HETA-86-035-2224; Hazard-Unconfirmed; Region-5; Airborne-dusts; Respiratory-system-disorders; Food-processing-industry; Food-additives; Author Keywords: Food Preparations, Not Elsewhere Classified; aspartame; pulmonary function tests; occupational asthma; work-related asthma; RAST testing

22839-47-0

19920501

Field Studies; Hazard Evaluation and Technical Assistance

1992

PB92-229079

A05

HETA-86-035-2224

DSHEFS

2099

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health

OH