Health Hazard Evaluation Report No. HETA 80-125-1180, Timber Lake Manufacturing, Alton, New Hampshire

摘要

NIOSH conducted environmental sampling on May 15, June 2-5, July 30-August 1, and August 8, 1980. Analysis could not identify any compounds in the liquid media samples. Results of GC/MS analyses revealed trace amounts of 1,1,1 trichloroethane; hexachloroethane; and various C9-C12 alkanes. The direct-reading instrument detected propane gas leaks at a connection outside the building and in the apartment above the business, but repair of the leaks did not resolve the employee complaints. Company records indicated that symptoms began on October 22, 1979, 2 days after the sewage was treated with a disinfectant. The symptoms persisted until finally, in June 1981, the company moved into a new building and the problem resolved. NIOSH could not identify a causative agent responsible for employees' complaints. The full report suggests that the chemicals used to tret the sewage spill (although not identified) led to the employee complaints. Positive identifications was not possible using available analyical techniques.