Health Hazard Evaluation Report HETA 90-0330-2479, New York City Health andHospitals Corporation, New York, New York

摘要

In a response to a request from the New York City Health and HospitalsCorporation (NYCHHC) and District Council 37, AFL-CIO, an investigation was begun into possible hazards associated with aerosolized pentamidine (100334) (AP) administration in the facilities of the NYCHHC. In interviews with 12 of 22 exposed workers, workers described symptoms of mucosal irritation. The exposed respondents indicated that they have an average of 11 pentamidine treatments per week, ranging from 0 to 20. There were no statistically significant differences between te percentages of exposed workers reported symptoms or illnesses and those of workers not exposed. None of the exposed employees who were tuberculosis purified protein derivative (PPD) skin test negative before AP was introduced has converted to PPD positive on their most recent test. Pentamidine was detected in a single urine specimen from an exposed worker. Personal breathing zone samples and area air samples were taken. Personal breathing zone samples ranged from nondetectable to 46.6 micrograms/cubic meter (microg/m3).