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HERO ID
1317120
Reference Type
Technical Report
Title
Health hazard evaluation report HETA-95-0313-2589, University of Michigan Hospitals Ann Arbor, Michigan
Author(s)
Friedman, D; Herrera-Moreno, V
Year
1996
Publisher
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
Location
Cincinnati, OH
Report Number
HETA #95-0313-2589
Volume
GRA and I
Number of Pages
27
Language
English
Abstract
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.
Keywords
SIC 8062 (General Medical and Surgical Hospitals), hospital, custodians, floor stripping/waxing, ( glycol ethers, ammonia, aldehydes
Tags
•
Formaldehyde [archived]
Immune Section
Background material
Retroactive RIS import
2013
HERO Formaldehyde Immune Section 20Mar2013
2014
Immune_HERO_allyr
•
IRIS Formaldehyde (Inhalation) [Final 2024]
Literature Indexing
Other sources and cited references
Literature Identification
Immune-Mediated Conditions in Humans, Including Asthma and Allergy
Supplemental or not primary research
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