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Health hazard evaluation report: HETA-96-0032-2649, A. W. Dimock Laboratory, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York.

Krake AM

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

https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/hhe/reports/pdfs/1996-0032-2649.pdf

00240347

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.

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; Author Keywords: Ornamental floriculture and nursery products; greenhouse; nicotine; insecticide; pesticide; fumigation

54-11-5

19970801

Field Studies; Hazard Evaluation and Technical Assistance

1997

PB98-125560

A03

HETA-96-0032-2649

DSHEFS

0181

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health

NY; OH