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8630777 
Technical Report 
Health hazard evaluation report: HETA 82-342-1223. William Blount High School, Maryville, TN 
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health :: NIOSH 
1982 
Center for Disease Control 
Washington, DC 
HETA 82-342-1223 
23 
English 
On July 27, 1982, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a request for a Health Hazard Evaluation from the Tennessee Department of Public Health for assistance in evaluating a reported outbreak of illness including skin discoloration among students at the William Blount High School (WBHS), Blount County, Tennessee. The outbreak was suspected to be associated with formaldehyde from urea formaldehyde foam insulation in the school. On July 28-30, 1982; NIOSH investigators conducted an environmental-medical survey.

Clinical interviews were conducted with the students initially thought to be affected, and available skin biopsies were obtained. To confirm other reports of illness, NIOSH investigators reviewed medical records and conducted a telephone survey of the 34 individuals with reported health problems who were on a list generated by a concerned parent. School attendance records were also obtained. A total of 23 area air samples were collected for evaluation of formaldehyde vapor concentrations in the school. The levels measured are considered to represent a worst possible case situation since ventilation systems were not and had not been operating in the two weeks prior to sampling, and temperature and humidity conditions favored high formaldehyde levels originating from the insulation.

No pattern, "outbreak" or predominant health problems were apparent from personal interviews, medical records and the telephone survey. None of the documented health problems was suggestive of formaldehyde­ associated disease. There was only a low prevalence (less than 20%) of eye and nose irritation, symptoms which might be most commonly noted at low formaldehyde concentrations. No unusual diseases were found except two probable cases of Henoch-Schonlein purpura. Average daily attendance at WBHS was similar to that at the other Blount County High School. The time-weighted average formaldehyde concentrations inside the school ranged from 0.02 parts per million (ppm) to 0.17 ppm (0.03 mg/M3 to 0.20 mg/M3), with an arithmetic mean of 0.07 ppm (0.09 mg/M3).

These formaldehyde concentrations do not appear to be excessively high and are at or below levels commonly found in buildings regardless of whether or not urea formaldehyde foam insulation is present. No volatile organic compounds were identified as being released during heating of a bulk sample of the foam insulation between 104-140°F (40-60°C). 
SIC 8211 (Schools), Formaldehyde, urea formaldehyde foam insulation, indoor air contaminants; office environment