Health Evaluation and Technical Assistance Report No. TA 80-2, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Hilo, Hawaii

摘要

Environmental surveys were conducted between January 14 and 16, 1980 at three Hawaiian fruit packing facilities (SIC-0723) to determine employee exposure to ethylene dibromo (106934) (EDB) and ambient concentrations of EDB. The personal and area samples were collected during representative work shifts and normal operating conditions in the fumigation below the limits of detection. Samples of measurable concentrations ranged from 0.14 to 0.81 parts per million (ppm) which were significantly below the current OSHA standard of 20ppm based on an 8 hour time weighted average. The authors conclude that EDB concentrations at the facilities are well below current OSHA standards but that the suspected carcinogenicity of EDB warrants consideration of the NIOSH recommended standard of 0.13ppm for a 15 minute period. They recommend that the employers institute a continuing education program for workers, provide proper and well maintained safety equipment such as respirators, properly maintain the ventilation system and work environment, and conduct a regular environmental and medical monitoring program.