Health Hazard Evaluation Report MHETA 88-103-1915, Pittsburgh Energy Technology Center, Bruceton, Pennsylvania

摘要

In response to a request from the Pittsburgh Energy Technology Center (SIC-9199), Bruceton, Pennsylvania, a site visit was made to investigate possible hazardous working conditions resulting from the presence of an odor in the atmosphere. The odors were coming from the vicinity of the women's restroom in building 900A. Air samples were collected for some toxic gases and vapors. Carbon-dioxide increased from 415 parts per million in the morning to 1000 parts per million in the afternoon, indicating that there was very little fresh air being introduced into the building through the air handling system. Two soil samples from underneath the building were also taken and revealed a cycloocta form of elemental sulfur, extremely low levels of aliphatic hydrocarbons, and a few phthalate esters. The author concludes that soluble forms of sulfur may have leached out of the soil during rainy or wet periods and oxidized to produce an odor. The author recommends that water should be redirected away from building 900A, that all foundation vents to this building be open for cross ventilation and that all leaking plumbing fixtures be fixed. Better ventilation should be provided by installing an air handling system at one end of the affected building to supply fresh air and an exhaust system at the other end of the building to assist air flow.