Health Hazard Evaluation Report HETA 91-026-2257, Dana Perfume Corporation,Mountaintop, Pennsylvania

摘要

In response to a request from management and Local 8-782 of the Oil, Chemical andAtomic Workers International Union, an investigation was begun regarding nausea, tongue numbness, throat irritation and headaches occurring among employees in the Spray Room at the Dana Perfume Corporation (SIC-2844), Mountaintop, Pennsylvania. On average, 26,000 bottles were filled and packaged in one day at the facility. Personal breathing zone and area air samples revealed detectable, but relatively low, concentrations of volatile organic compounds including ethanol (64175). Concentrations were also detectable; but barely, of beta-pinene (127913), p-cymene (25155151), limonene (138863), and benzyl-acetate (140114). No detectable levels of aldehydes were found in the area air sample in the spray room. The authors conclude that, although overexposures to perfume constituents were not found in this study, exposure to low concentrations could cause some of the symptoms reported. The most likely sources of the exposures which were observed were the actuator placement area and the filling machine area. The authors recommend that steps be taken to reduce the exposure levels in the spray room.