Health Hazard Evaluation Report No. HETA 83-157-1373, Fire Department, Stamford, Connecticut

摘要

NIOSH assistance was requested 6 weeks after a fire when fire fighters continued to complain of symptoms of chest discomfort, shortness of breath and headache. Following exposure to the burning chemicals in the building, fire fighters reported chest pain, shortness of breath, lightheadedness, headache, cough, hoarseness and skin peeling from their lips and hands. These symptoms began several hours after the exposure and in one individual hoarseness persisted for four months. NIOSH performed interviews with 54 exposed fire fighters, reviewed medical records generated by area hospitals and private physicians, and analyzed bulk samples of the burned men's turnout gear. A Connecticut EPA report on the fire noted the presence of a 1200-gallon capacity acrylonitrile reactor on the main process floor. The analysis of the turnout gear samples by infrared techniques revealed the presence of acrylonitrile as a major contaminant. Symptoms and medical abnormalities found in these fire fighters following exposure to smoke and fumes from this chemical fire were consistent with the possible effects of pyrolysis products of polyacrylonitrile, including hydrogen cyanide. Recommendations are made in the body of the full report to help prevent future exposures.