Health hazard evaluation report: HETA-92-0122-2570, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska.
Authors
Piacitelli-CA; Jones-WG
Source
Morgantown, WV: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, HETA 92-0122-2570, 1996 Apr; :1-23
Abstract
In response to a request for technical assistance from the University of Nebraska Medical Center of Omaha, Nebraska, farm worker exposures during the handling of grain sorghum were investigated at four farms (SIC-0119) in southeastern Nebraska. Levels of respirable dust, total dust, endotoxins, histamine, and viable microorganisms were determined. Personal air samples and bulk samples were analyzed for fungi, endotoxins, and histamine. Total grain dust exceeded the NIOSH Recommended Exposure Limit of 4mg/m3 in six areas during harvest. High air levels of endotoxin were identified as well. Although worker overexposure to grain dust was not identified in the grain storage areas of the farms, the potential for overexposure existed and one worker had an exposure level which exceeded the NIOSH Recommended Exposure Limit. The authors conclude that a potential for worker overexposure to grain dusts existed. The authors recommend that efforts be made to control workplace exposure and respiratory health problems during the production of grain sorghum.
Keywords
NIOSH-Author; NIOSH-Health-Hazard-Evaluation; NIOSH-Technical-Assistance-Report; HETA-92-0122-2570; Hazard-Confirmed; Region-7; Grain-dusts; Agricultural-workers; Biohazards; Exposure-levels; Occupational-exposure;
Document Type
Field Studies; Hazard Evaluation and Technical Assistance
Identifying No.
HETA-92-0122-2570
Source Name
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
