Hazard Evaluation and Technical Assistance Report No. TA-78-41, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, Connecticut

摘要

Environmental samples were analyzed and smoke bomb tests were performed at the University of Connecticut Health Center (SIC-8011) Farmington, Connecticut on June 19 to 21, 1978, to determine the source of an odor problem and employee exposure to toxic concentrations of airborne contaminants. The evaluation was requested by the management on behalf of an unspecified number of employees. Atmospheric samples for metals were collected on membrane filters, and nickel-carbonyl (13463393) samples were collected through activated charcoal. Atmospheric samples for amines, mercury (7439976) and organics were collected through silica gel tubes, iodine impregnated charcoal and activated charcoal, respectively. Airborne contaminants concentrations all were well below OSHA standards of 1.0 milligram per cubic meter (mg/cu m) for copper (7440508) dust and 0.1mg/cu m for copper fumes, 0.01mg/cu m for mercury, 0.007mg/cu m for nickel-carbonyl, 750mg/cu m for toluene (108883), and 435mg/cu m for xylene (1330207). Fourteen different metals were found on used air conditioning filters. One of two brands of paint used to paint walls shortly before the survey contained mercury. Smoke bomb tests showed that contaminated air from roof exhaust outlets could reenter the facility. The investigators conclude that employees are not exposed to toxic concentrations of airborne contaminants and the odor problems probably are caused by contaminant reentry into the center. They recommend a comprehensive ventilation study, and monitoring and use of ventilation when toxic materials are handled.