Health Hazard Evaluation Determination Report No. HHE-77-123-493, Johnny's Carpet and Tile, Nazareth, Pennsylvania

摘要

A health hazard evaluation of Johnny's Carpet and Tile, Nazareth, Pennsylvania to determine possible exposure to hazardous compounds during carpet installation was conducted. For 17 years the company has installed carpet and tile made of vinyl (75014) or vinyl with urethane (51796). During installation many organic substances are used including methyl ethyl ketone (78933), toluene (10883), xylene (1330207), methyl chloroform (71556) and ethyl alcohol (64175). Exposure periods as well as ventilatory conditions vary. Air samples were collected at both a tile and a carpet installation site. Medical histories were obtained from employees. Blood chemical analyses were performed. One employee of 16 years had medical evidence of chronically low white blood cell count. The data indicate employees were not exposed to toxic concentrations of materials during tile installation. No evidence of an occupational etiology for the installer's hematologic abnormalities was found.