Health Hazard Evaluation Report HETA-82-059-1752, Art Academy of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio

摘要

Health hazards were evaluated in classes of the Art Academy of Cincinnati (SIC-8221) in response to a request from the academy. Possible exposures included inhalation and skin absorption of organic chemicals, airborne particulates, and noise. Total organic vapors in silk screening were reduced from 26.1mg/cu m during use of oil based paints to 3.7mg/cu m after switching to water based paints. In most classes, exposure to various organic compounds was not excessive, except in lithography, where perchloroethylene (127184) levels (2.0 to 2.4mg/cu m) exceeded NIOSH recommended Lowest Feasible Level, based on its potential carcinogenic risk. Quartz particulates in sculpture (up to 13.0mg/cu m) and woodworking (up to 53.6mg/cu m) exceeded the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists' limit of 10mg/cu m. Sculpture yielded time weighted noise averages up to 102 A-decibels, above the NIOSH level of 85 A-decibels. The author concludes that a hazard did exist from excessive exposures to airborne particles and perchloroethylene in some classes. The author recommends using gloves, masks, water based paints, and ear protection and education on safety issues.