US EPA

1317120 

Technical Report 

Health hazard evaluation report HETA-95-0313-2589, University of Michigan Hospitals Ann Arbor, Michigan 

Friedman, D; Herrera-Moreno, V 

1996 

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health 

Cincinnati, OH 

HETA #95-0313-2589 

GRA and I 

27 

English 

In response to a request from the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees, an investigation was begun into the exposure of floor care workers to glycol ethers during striping and waxing activities at the University of Michigan Hospitals (SIC-8062). Workers had reported nausea, headaches, sore throats, and dizziness. Concentrations of glycol ethers and ammonia (764417) detected in air samples were all well below their respective OSHA limits. Formaldehyde (50000) and acetaldehyde (75070) were also detected but also at levels well below their limits. Acetaldehyde, ethylene-glycol-monobutyl-ether (111762) and ammonia were detected at levels greater than their respective odor thresholds, which may explain the strong odors experienced during stripping and waxing activities. Documented cases of chronic illness could not be confirmed, although some of the workers complained of acute irritation of the mucous membranes. Recommendations were made concerning ventilation systems, the use of personal protective equipment, and the functioning of the Environmental Services Department health and safety program. 

SIC 8062 (General Medical and Surgical Hospitals), hospital, custodians, floor stripping/waxing, ( glycol ethers, ammonia, aldehydes