Health Hazard Evaluation Report HETA 84-155-1489, Clara Maass Medical Center, Belleville, New Jersey

摘要

Breathing zone samples were analyzed for formaldehyde (50000) and xylene (1330207) in the histopathology laboratory at Clara Maass Medical Center (SIC-8062) Belleville, New Jersey, in March, 1984. The survey was requested to evaluate reported skin, eye, and throat irritation, lightheadedness, and lethargy among personnel. Ventilation was evaluated. Formaldehyde was detected in all samples. General and local exhaust systems were poorly designed. The general ventilation system allowed contaminants generated in the laboratory to spread to other parts of the hospital. The hoods allowed formaldehyde vapors to pass through the laboratory and spread. The hoods allowed formaldehyde vapors to pass through personal breathing zones before being exhausted. The author concludes that histopathology laboratory personnel are exposed to formaldehyde concentrations capable of causing irritative effects. The author recommends that the general ventilation system be modified to place the laboratory under negative pressure and the use of laboratory hoods that enclose dissection operations.