Health hazard evaluation report: HETA-96-0032-2649, A. W. Dimock Laboratory, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York.
Source
Cincinnati, OH: 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 96-0032-2649, 1997 Aug; :1-16
Abstract
In response to a request from Cornell University, a health hazard evaluation was conducted at the A. W. Dimock Laboratory (SIC-0181), Cornell University, Ithaca, New York. Concern had been expressed regarding exposure of researchers and greenhouse workers to nicotine (54115). The greenhouse contained a variety of plants used to study the transmission of viruses by aphid vectors. Nicotine alkaloid was used in a biweekly rotation about every 6 weeks with other fumigants. Personal breathing zone samples from three workers indicated that they were not exposed to levels of nicotine which exceeded the recommended limits. Area air samples were collected before, during and after a 13 hour fumigation process. Within 10 minutes of the start of fumigation the nicotine concentrations inside the sections peaked at 3.3mg/m3 but fell within 60 minutes to less than the 0.5mg/m3 limit. Wipe samples on commonly used surfaces showed that residual nicotine levels in some locations were 60 times higher after fumigation. The author concludes that airborne nicotine concentrations did not represent a hazard to greenhouse personnel. As nicotine is readily absorbed through the skin, the author recommends that workers remove or cover portable tools and hoses during fumigation, and use gloves and good personal hygiene practices.
Keywords
NIOSH-Author; NIOSH-Health-Hazard-Evaluation; NIOSH-Technical-Assistance-Report; HETA-96-0032-2649; Hazard-Confirmed; Region-2; Pesticides; Agricultural-chemicals; Skin-exposure; Inhalants; Life-sciences;
Document Type
Field Studies; Hazard Evaluation and Technical Assistance
NTIS Accession No.
PB98-125560
Identifying No.
HETA-96-0032-2649
Source Name
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
